Four Oaks Ward Councillors Rosalie Crestani and Rafal Kaplon. 89365_19 Picture: MEAGAN ROGERS
By LIA SPENCER
THERE are two new faces representing Four Oaks Ward.
Rosalie Crestani and Rafal Kaplon said they were both humbled but thrilled to be elected to Casey Council.
Cr Crestani said her win was a “miracle” but thanked the voters for their support.
“I’m honored and humbled. To win amongst a long veteran list of candidates is quite a miracle really,” Cr Crestani said.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Casey in this arena.”
Cr Kaplon echoed her gratitude.
“I would like to thank the residents of Four Oaks for having faith in me,” he said.
Cr Crestani said major changes she would like to see in Casey were the duplication of Monash Freeway, a new multi-purpose hall in her ward and further targeted support for local community groups, whilst Cr Kaplon said he would like to see a spread of infrastructure and major project spending.
“The council should not be putting all its eggs in one basket (the Fountain Gate precinct) and I think that by fairly spreading investment we could achieve a stronger and more vibrant council,” Cr Kaplon said.
“I would also like to see more co-operation on council, and hopefully the new council will do just that.”
Cr Kaplon said he looked forward to working with Cr Crestani and being an accessible councillor to Four Oaks residents.
Cr Crestani she looked forward to meeting her fellow councillors, Casey staff, local media and Four Oaks residents.
“Together we can work towards achieving our goals,” Cr Crestani said.
The two replaced Shar Balmes and Beverley Hastie.
Ms Balmes said she was surprised and disappointed by her loss, but believed the Four Oaks residents were “in good hands.”
“I was aware of the possibility that things don’t always go the way you like them to – but I was unprepared for the sense of loss of connection to the community in such a hands-on way.
“Having said that, I am in full confidence that Casey residents have elected many outstanding and wonderful individuals to represent them. In my own area, I know Rosalie will be an incredible councillor. She’s hard-working and dedicated.”
Ms Balmes said she was privileged to be on Casey Council for the last four years, one of which she spent as mayor, and was unsure whether she would run again in the future.
