New councillor keeps it in the family

By Kelly Yates
THE mother of former Casey councillor Karen Baxter has been elected as the new Four Oaks Ward councillor.
Beverley Hastie was announced as the councillor on Monday, following her daughter’s shock resignation from Casey Council on 16 February.
She was sworn in to the council on Tuesday night.
During her first council meeting, Cr Hastie said she was delighted to be appointed to the council, and looked forward to serving the residents of Four Oaks Ward for the next three years.
Casey mayor Lorraine Wreford said she was happy the vacant seat was filled by another woman, as it provided diversity and therefore good decisions.
River Gum Ward councillor Wayne Smith said he had known Cr Hastie for the longest of anyone on the council.
“It was a pleasant surprise,” he said.
Fellow Four Oaks Ward councillor Shar Balmes said she had met Cr Hastie previously at several council activities over the past year. “She’ll bring a new perspective to the council. I think she’s a lovely person. It’s very positive for the Four Oaks Ward residents.”
The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) did the countback of votes from the November 2008 general election at the City of Casey Civic Centre this week to fill the then vacant position. The News understands Cr Hastie and Ms Baxter were in Queensland at the time of the re-count.
It was believed there would be a three-horse race for the position between Roger Hall, a member of the Rotary Club of Narre Warren, and former Four Oaks Ward councillors Rob Wilson and Paul Richardson.
Mr Wilson said Cr Hastie was a good, honest woman.
“I’m sure she’ll do the right thing for the residents of Four Oaks,” he said.
Last month Mr Wilson predicted Mr Richardson would win, with Mr Hall coming second and himself a close third. Both Mr Wilson and Mr Richardson said the VEC countback system needed to be reviewed.
Cr Hastie did not return any calls made by the News.