Count me in

A NEW councillor has denied allegations she initially turned down the job after she was elected to the council this week.
Narre Warren resident Louise Berkelmans said she went through a rollercoaster of emotions after being elected to the Springfield Ward following a count back of votes from the 2012 council election, conducted by the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) at the City of Casey Civic Centre on 3 December.
The count back came after elected Springfield Ward councillor Jo Wass resigned from her position before she was officially sworn in.
Ms Wass said she did not accept the role because her father was sick and she was going care for him.
Cr Berkelmans, a singing teacher who owns her own business, said after initially feeling reservations about the news because she recently increased her workload, she was thrilled with the result.
“After I didn’t get elected the first time, and didn’t seem to have many votes, I thought I would have no chance in the future and took on a heap of extra work,” Cr Berkelmans said.
“When I got the call on Tuesday to say I was elected, my head exploded. It was such a shock.
“My instant reaction was to think about the extra work I had taken on.
“After I spoke to my husband, I realised that this is something I really wanted to do.
“I do a lot of community work and this is what I was meant to do. I called (VEC) back in half an hour and said I was honoured and pleased to take the position.”
“Reports that I resigned from the position immediately are totally untrue.”
Cr Berkelmans denied that she was a running mate for former Springfield Ward councillor Bob Halsall, a claim Ms Wass also denied.
“I know Bob because of our involvement in art within the community, I also knew (Cr) Wayne Smith from that- so what I did my preferential voting I voted for people I knew,” she said.
“I am very happy and excited about being elected and if I was a running mate, I wouldn’t have accepted. I find it ridiculous – but I guess I can see people’s points.”
Mr Halsall also denied the claims and said people should be grateful that there were so many people running for the council.
Cr Berkelmans said she had a passion for the arts, horses and family programs.
“I am a horse owner so I will be looking at things like improving riding tracks and facilities,” she said.
“I also have two young children so will be looking at parks and gardens and facilities for local families.”
Cr Berkelmans will join fellow Springfield Ward councillor and Deputy Mayor Sam Aziz in representing the residents of part of Cranbourne North, part of Narre Warren and Narre Warren South.
City of Casey Mayor Amanda Stapledon welcomed Cr Berkelmans to the council.
“Congratulations to Cr Berkelmans on her appointment to council.
“I look forward to working with Louise to serve the residents of Casey and ensuring that Casey remains the best place to live, work and play,” said Cr Stapledon.
“It’s wonderful that the City of Casey once again has a full complement of councillors.
“The new council is working strongly as a team and we are looking forward to setting our vision and plan for Casey for the next four years.”
Cr Berkelmans was sworn in to office prior to Tuesday evening’s council meeting.