Bob is back!

By Bridget Brady
BOB Halsall is back.
After taking a stab at the state political ring last year, the husband of former mayor Janet Halsall has leaped into Casey Council.
Councillor Halsall was sworn in to the council on Tuesday night, following a count-back of votes for the Springfield Ward last week.
He joins Cr Sam Aziz in the Springfield Ward, replacing former mayor Lorraine Wreford who stepped aside after being elected as the member for Mordialloc at the State Election.
Cr Halsall said he was surprised and pleased to be elected, after at least three attempts to take up a role as a councillor.
“Some would say I’m a council tragic,” he said.
Cr Halsall ran as an Independent for the seat of Cranbourne at last year’s election under the banner of Make The State Pay- a group formed to rally the government for methane gas clean-up money. While the results at the polls weren’t outstanding, Cr Halsall hailed the mission a success.
The Coalition has promised to commit $24 million to the clean-up, and Cr Halsall said he would use his new role on council to ensure that pledge was followed through, and that the council continued its negotiations with the government when their agreement allowed.
“I do think it’s very fortuitous after having run that campaign that now I’m in a position where I can get a venue to say what I think is important.”
Another issue high on Cr Halsall’s agenda is the maintenance of roads in Casey.
Cr Halsall said there could be many inexpensive touch-ups, including timing of traffic lights and markings on the road, that could be carried out.
“I think there are a lot of really minor changes that could occur that might ease some of the congestion we have.”
The election of Mr Halsall means Casey council is full again, after a period of vacancies following the resignations of Daniel Mulino and Ms Wreford. Cr Judy Owen was welcomed to Edrington Ward late last year.
Cr Halsall said he would hand out a leaflet for Springfield Ward residents to make them aware they had a new councillor.
Casey mayor Shar Balmes said she was thrilled to welcome Cr Halsall to the council, with his background in the arts and volunteering.
“I am delighted that such a dedicated and active community member as Bob has been appointed as the new Springfield Ward councillor,” Cr Balmes said.