By Cam Lucadou-Wells
CASEY councillors have raised dissenting views to the council’s flag being flown at half-mast as part of its law-and-order campaign.
The flag at Casey Civic Centre has been lowered since 8 September as part of a motion introduced by mayor Sam Aziz and unanimously approved by sitting councillors.
However, in a Star News election survey, councillors Susan Serey and Rafal Kaplon opposed the move, while Wayne Smith called it “drastic” and Garry Rowe labelled it an “unnecessary political stunt”.
Cr Serey, of Edrington Ward, said community safety concerns could be expressed in other ways “rather than flying a half-mast flag which should be reserved for expressions of honour, grief or respect”.
Four Oaks’ Cr Kaplon said political advocacy for more police resources – which was also part of the motion – could have been made without “resorting to such tactics”.
“Attempts were made to suggest alternatives to the flag at half-mast but having (been) rejected, ensuring improved community safety was the priority.”
The council won’t raise the flag until it gets its desired action from police and governments such as more Casey-based police, tougher sentencing and a taskforce on violent street gangs.
The Australian flag, which is governed by a set of protocols, continues to fly at full mast.
In the survey, Cr Aziz described the move as a “symbolic gesture to demonstrate that our community is under threat from rising crime”.
It was also supported by councillors Mick Morland, Rosalie Crestani and Damien Rosario.
Geoff Ablett, Louise Berkelmans and Amanda Stapledon had not responded to the survey at the time of print.
Candidate Garry Page, in Cr Aziz’s Springfield Ward, said the “use of the tradition for political games is shameful and a disgrace”.
“Current Casey Councillors don’t seem to be capable of restraining Councillor Aziz.”
On the other hand, former mayor and Four Oaks Ward candidate Shar Balmes said the council showed “support and sensitivity to the victims of crime” by lowering the flag.
Another Four Oaks candidate Chris Sergeant said lowering the flag was a sign of surrender to offenders.
“I’d rather stand, fight and win instead of lowering my community’s flag in recognition of those who would seek to harm it.”
The survey sought candidates’ answers on their political allegiances, places of worship, campaign donors, campaign budget and ideas for projects, budget savings and law-and-order.
Less than half of the 84 candidates responded to the emailed questionnaire before a 24-hour deadline.
Candidate answers will be published in full on Star News websites.
