Casey councillor Paul Richardson has angered deputy mayor Colin Butler by inviting Cr Butler’s estranged wife Cynthia Butler to next Friday night’s Mayoral Civic Dinner.By Callan Date and Glen Atwell
CASEY councillor Paul Richardson has been embroiled in yet another controversy after inviting Cr Colin Butler’s estranged wife to next Friday night’s Mayoral Civic Dinner.
The invitation of Cynthia Butler, who has been separated from her husband for 12 months, comes days after Cr Richardson accused Cr Butler of assault during an incident at last week’s Casey Council meeting.
Narre Warren Police have launched a full investigation into the alleged assault.
Cr Butler said he was disgusted that Cr Richardson had invited Ms Butler.
“It’s purely to cause trouble, I’m very disappointed,” he said.
“My ex-wife has had nothing to do with council or community activities and Cr Richardson has invited her to try and get at me. He ought to be ashamed of himself,” Cr Butler said.
“His actions clearly indicate an evil mind that will take any measures possible to intimidate and assassinate anyone who dares to disagree with him.
“I have every right to defend myself and I will not take a backward step to anyone for the rights and justice that I deserve as an elected representative of the community.”
Cr Butler said he did not have an avenue to block Cr Richardson’s invitations.
“He can invite anyone he wants to, the mayor has to approve the invitations, but I’ve asked Cr (Janet) Halsall not to intervene,” he said.
Cr Richardson said he had invited his colleague’s ex-wife and she had accepted the invitation.
“Oh, she is coming,” he said.
“Cynthia has a right to be there and has a right to life. She is a ratepayer and a business owner down in Tooradin.”
When quizzed about why he was inviting someone who lived more than 40km from his own ward, Cr Richardson said it was his right to invite anyone he wanted.
“She is only bringing her daughter with her. She is not bringing a male friend. They are there to enjoy the night.
“This had not been done for any negative reasons. This has not been done to provoke him (Cr Butler).”
He said he would not withdraw Ms Butler’s invitation if Cr Butler asked him to do so.
“I won’t be boycotting the event. I will be suggesting that Cr Butler boycotts the event if he is not happy with it. Or he could come along and just enjoy the evening,” Cr Richardson said.
Further clouding the issue, Cr Richardson said he did not support council functions such as the Mayoral Civic Dinner.
“I do consider that these functions are a waste of ratepayers’ money.
“I want people to realise that council waste thousands and thousands of dollars of ratepayers’ money.”
Asked why he was attending if he was against the function being held, Cr Richardson said:
“No. I still will be going.”
Former Casey mayor Kevin Bradford said Cr Richardson was out of line.
“I don’t think it is appropriate. One thing in politics at any level is you don’t involve people’s families,” Cr Bradford said.
“I have expressed my concerns to Cr Richardson and told him that he has overstepped the mark.”
