Back on board

By Bridget Brady and Kelly Yates
FORMER councillor Rob Wilson says he is poised to return to Casey council after the resignation of Four Oaks Ward councillor Karen Baxter on Tuesday.
Mr Wilson yesterday told the News he would definitely step up to join Shar Balmes as the other Four Oaks Ward councillor if asked.
The News understands he is next in line as he received the most number of votes after Cr Balmes and Ms Baxter in their ward.
Mr Wilson said he felt “pretty good” about the possibility of returning to Casey council.
“I was surprised with her resignation. She worked hard to make sure the voices of the Four Oaks Ward were heard in the council,” Mr Wilson said.
Casey mayor Lorraine Wreford said Ms Baxter, who was a first-time councillor, found her role as a civic leader different to what she expected.
“It’s disappointing that she didn’t continue her term. I really like having a good balance of men and women on council. I think it makes for good debate so, from that point of view, it’s disappointing,” Cr Wreford said.
“But I wish her well with her future endeavours.”
River Gum Ward councillor Wayne Smith said sometimes people didn’t realise what they were in for when first elected.
“People are a bit shocked by the commitment and time and sometimes the controversy.
“I know Karen had some problems with councillors from time to time but that’s politics.
“We’re in a political arena whether people like it or not and sometimes you have to take the good with the bad,” Cr Smith said.
Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan said he was pleased Rob Wilson could potentially be returning to Casey council.
“It will be a great thing for the community,” he said. “He’s a strong advocate for local sporting groups and has incredible enthusiasm for sporting in the City of Casey.”
Mr Donnellan said it was always important to have passionate and committed councillors on the council.
“We had that with Karen and we’ll have that Rob,” he said.
Cr Balmes said she worked well with Ms Baxter representing Four Oaks Ward residents and said “it was a learning curve for both of us”.
“Her reasons for leaving are her own and certainly not anything I’m going to go into or speculate on,” Cr Balmes said.
In a statement released yesterday, Casey council said the chief executive had advised the Minister for Local Government, Richard Wyne, of the “extraordinary” vacancy.
The Minister will follow Victorian Electoral Commission procedures to fill the vacant position.
Ms Baxter did not provide comment before the News went to print.