Shockwaves as Lucas pulls pin

By Jim Mynard
CASEY mayor Neil Lucas will not stand for reelection in the November council election.
Cr Lucas said on Monday that he had considered his future options and looked at heading in a different direction.
Former mayor and Myuna Ward councillor Brian Oates dropped another bombshell when he announced he would give up council life for family life.
Cr Lucas’ decision, coming so close to the close of nominations, caused a bombshell among prospective Liberal candidates who had already formed allegiances.
The decision was kept a close secret in order to avoid the Labor Party from flooding Edrington with candidates.
Oatlands Ward councillor Mick Morland, who was set to run with Cr Lucas, had his plans overturned by the decision.
Strathard Ward councillor Lorraine Wreford, who may have contested Edrington, was unaware of the Lucas decision and went over to Springfield.
Cr Wreford said she was happy and delighted with the chance to continue representing people in the Narre Warren South area.
“This ward now extends into much of the Berwick area,” she said.
In a statement, Cr Oates said a recent overseas conference had given him time to reflect on his life as a Casey councillor.
“I missed my home and my family very much and thought of how precious time is,” he said.
“Myuna Ward is no more and Doveton have the premiership. So I think this is an appropriate time for me to bow out of local government and announce that I will not be seeking reelection for the next term of the City of Casey.”
Springfield Ward councillor Ben Clissold also failed to renominate.
A surprise reappearance among the list of nominees was Cranbourne resident Steve Beardon, who triggered a byelection after stepping down only one month into his threeyear term when elected to Strathard Ward at the last council election.
Mr Beardon has nominated for Mayfield Ward.
Former mayor Janet Halsall has also thrown her hat into the ring in River Gum Ward.
Cr Lucas said he had enjoyed his time as a councillor immensely.
The City of Casey was a wellrun organisation, he said.
“Casey has an excellent chief executive in Mike Tyler and an excellent staff,” Cr Lucas said.
“During my time as a councillor I have seen the council make some real achievements.
“I have enjoyed the cut and thrust of council meetings and have agreed with some decisions while not with others.
“Party politics in council should not be encouraged, but, all in all, more than 95 per cent of what happens is for the best reasons.
“Casey residents are mostly served and supported through the council officers rather than the councillors.”
Nominations for the council election closed at 4pm yesterday.
When the Gazette went to print the following nominations had been submitted.
Candidates in a number of wards, particularly Edrington Ward, were expected to increase.
The full list will be published next week.
Balla Balla — Tony Camilleri; Derek Mosely
Edrington —Michael Hall; Craig Jones: Michael Morland; Brian Heatherton.
Four Oaks — Paul Richardson; Milroy Martyn; Rob Wilson; David Pal; Reuben Humphries; Roland Abraham; Benjamin Mammone; Janine Paul; John Hastie; Adel Hassaballa; Eliezer Francois.
Mayfield — Kevin Bradford ; Karen Barker; Avtar Singh Gill; Keith Cope; Steve Beardon; Sandra Whittaker; Karen Soane.
River Gum — Angelo Georgatsos; Warren Calder; Wayne Smith; E.C. Thomas Blaze; Janet Halsall.
Springfield — Meg Tanti ; Angela Dunleavy; Kripa Ram; Lorraine Wreford.