Candidates lining up

By Bridget Cook
WITH less than a month to go before nominations open for the Casey Council elections, some current councillors and community members have confirmed they will be putting their hand up to lead the municipality.
Nominations for the elections open on Thursday 20 September and some councillors have yet to decide on what they will do.
Four Oaks Ward’s Bev Hastie, Mayfield Ward’s Kevin Bradford and Mayor Sam Aziz said they were still undecided on whether they would stand for council again.
Four Oaks Ward’s Shar Balmes, Mayfield Ward’s Amanda Stapledon, River Gum Ward’s Lynette Keleher and Wayne Smith and Springfield Ward’s Bob Halsall all confirmed that they would be running in the election.
The News did not hear back from Balla Balla Ward councillor Geoff Ablett or Edrington Ward’s Judy Owen about their intentions.
However, Edrington Ward’s Simon Curtis said that he would be stepping down – a decision he did not make lightly.
“I’ve made this decision with my family and my employer,” he said.
“This role requires me to sometimes be out five times a week, and as a teacher my job requires me to often have commitments on evenings.
“Especially as a father of four, with one under 18 months old, my desire is to ensure I’m spending much of my time with my family.
“My employer, Beaconhills College, have been extremely supportive and accommodating of me in my municipal role and my family in particular has gone to great lengths to accommodate my service to the community.
“I hope my connection with the many community groups and committees that I’ve been involved in will continue.”
The News is aware of a number of other community members that will vie to become a councillor in the election.
The founder of the Casey Flood Group – Michelle Halsall – will run as a candidate in River Gum Ward along with Hallam resident Lehi Cerna.
Narre Warren South resident Rex Flannery will run in the Springfield Ward and mother of two and Casey resident Rosalie Crestini will run in Four Oaks and
former Casey councillor Paul Richardson also plans to run in the Four Oaks Ward again.
Former Casey councillors Steve Beardon and Gary Rowe are also rumoured to become candidates.
If you are also planning on running as a candidate please contact the News on 5945 0666.
Further information about the upcoming council elections can be found at www.standforcouncil.com.au or www.vec.vic.gov.au/CaseyElection.html.
There is also a profile about Casey council including elections, previous results and the current Representation Review http://www.vec.vic.gov.au/Government/CaseyProfile.html