Community radio station manager Geoff Ablett is the new mayor of the City of Casey.24464
By Bridget Brady
CASEY mayor Geoff Ablett says the new councillors will hit the ground running in an attempt to regain residents’ trust.
Councillors unanimously elected Cr Ablett as the City of Casey mayor at a special council meeting last Thursday.
In the history of the City of Casey, it is the first time a new councillor has been immediately elected as mayor.
The former Hawthorn football player and newcomer to council said he was honoured at his new role, and looked forward to working as a team with his colleagues.
“I’m delighted with the enthusiasm I’ve felt (in the council),” Cr Ablett said.
“We are listening, and our radar is up at 100 per cent …we are really committed to making a big difference.”
Cr Ablett, one of eight new councillors, said the introduction of fresh faces to the council was a step in the right direction.
All councillors have said a new beginning was needed following the previous council that was plagued with bickering and controversy.
Cr Ablett said the council needed to support its residents, including those affected by the methane gas mess at the Cranbourne estate Brookland Greens.
An Ombudsman’s report on the fiasco was expected soon, he said.
“We really need to earn their res-pect back and show them we support them.” Councillors welcomed the election of the Balla Balla Ward councillor as mayor.
Mayfield Ward councillor Kevin Bradford said Cr Ablett would bring a lot of respect to the position of mayor.
“You have my total support,” Cr Bradford said.
Entering his sixth term on the council, River Gum Ward council-lor Wayne Smith said the appointment of Cr Ablett was a good start for the new council. “We are in for some good times ahead,” Cr Smith said.
Edrington Ward councillor Daniel Molino was elected as deputy mayor.
“I thank all of the councillors for putting their trust in me,” Cr Mulino said.
He said the unanimous election of Cr Ablett as mayor proved the council was committed to working together, as the community had hoped.
