Council takes on a political course

By Bridget Brady
A CASEY councillor claims the council chamber is being used as a political stomping ground.
Mayfield Ward councillor Kevin Bradford said politics was alive and well in Casey Council, and that some councillors used the forum as a platform to further their political careers.
The declaration comes as three Casey councillors, mayor Lorraine Wreford, Geoff Ablett and Amanda Stapledon, have put their hands up to contest the State Elections.
Cr Bradford said the council had been called upon to advocate the State Government on a number of issues.
“This council is meant to be a non-political council. Let’s keep it that way,” Cr Bradford said.“Let’s put the local issues first.”
Cr Bradford commended the actions of Cr Wreford, who has stepped aside from her council duties in the lead up to the election.
But Springfield Ward councillor Sam Aziz said the issues and projects councillors raised and advocated the government about were in fact local projects for the benefit of Casey residents. “In my view, he is the one who is being political,” Cr Aziz said.
Debate also began about whether election candidates should be allowed to address the council.
Independent candidate for Cranbourne Bob Halsall was invited to address the council as the head signatory of a petition.
Mr Halsall is running under the Make The State Pay banner, a group advocating for more money from the State Government to help cover the costs of the methane gas clean up at Stevensons Road landfill.
Balla Balla Ward councillor Geoff Ablett said he didn’t have a problem with Mr Halsall addressing the council. “It’s called democracy,” Cr Ablett said.
Edrington Ward councillor Simon Curtis said he did not agree that a candidate should be allowed to speak at a meeting, especially during the caretaker period.
Only three councillors, Shar Balmes, Amanda Stapledon and Geoff Ablett, turned up for Mr Halsall’s presentation on Tuesday night.