– Elizabeth Hart
A BEHIND the scenes attempt to scuttle Casey chief executive Mike Tyler as master of ceremonies at the opening of Casey RACE on the weekend, met with little success.
The ill-fated coup attempt was unknown to most at an otherwise smooth opening of the $37.9 million recreation and aquatic centre in Cranbourne, the largest public facility project in the city’s history.
Council insiders said Mayfield Ward councillor Kevin Bradford had expected to MC the day, and that mayor Geoff Ablett and councillors Daniel Mulino and Lynette Keleher had backed the idea and had put pressure on the chief executive to step aside.
The practice in Casey has been for an officer to act as MC at openings of large public facilities, to prevent councillors from using the role for political and personal gain.
The tradition is a way of depoliticising public events that reach beyond individual wards.
The News understands Mr Tyler refused Cr Bradford’s demand, informing the bidders that neither protocol nor policy supported the plan.
Casey RACE is in Balla Balla Ward.
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