By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Casey mayor Sam Aziz may be investigated by the State Government for an alleged breach of the councillor code-of-conduct in threatening to sue Berwick Springs roundabout opponents.
The investigation’s proponent Judith Couacaud Graley told State Parliament on 25 May that Cr Aziz should be open to opposing views, not threatening and silencing concerned locals.
“They are concerned about having to fork out hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal costs just because they dared to speak up for their community.
“After seriously overreaching indeed, it could be that the mayor is taking himself just a little bit too seriously.
“One could question whether the mayor is using his position of power, or maybe even council resources, to attack the very constituents he should be representing.”
Ms Graley said Cr Aziz might have been in breach of code-of-conduct provisions that councillors treated “all persons with respect” and had “due regard to the opinions, beliefs, rights and responsibilities of … other persons”.
The code also requires councillors to try to “ensure that public resources are used prudently and solely in the public interest.”
Ms Graley called on Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins to investigate the matter.
“The minister has said that she will follow up on my very serious request because mayors and councillors have a duty to treat their constituents with respect,” Ms Graley later told Star News.
Recently, Cr Aziz sent legal letters to several people who posted on a Facebook page against a proposed roundabout across a bluestone-wall estate gateway at Greaves Road and Berwick Springs Promenade, Narre Warren.
The letters demanded an apology “in wording to be agreed”, and the payment of Cr Aziz’s “reasonable” legal costs as well as “adequate” damages compensation.
Cr Aziz, who was unwilling to comment on the lawsuits themselves, said his actions were lawful and “absolutely not” in breach of the code.
He returned fire against Ms Graley for a “political stunt” attempting to deflect from her dipping “internal polling”.
It drew comparisons with a similar “stunt” in 2016 when the State Government-installed Monitor gave a “glowing report” of Casey’s governance, he said.
“Judith would be better off spending time on the infrastructure needs of the City of Casey, which her government has failed miserably in delivering upon.”
Cr Aziz said his door was “always open” for productive talks on infrastructure, crime reduction and decongesting roads.
Cr Aziz stated it was “definitely not on my radar” to stand for the next state and federal elections.
“I’ve got a job to do for the next three years to deliver for the people of Springfield Ward.”
Berwick Springs spokesman Michael Ball said he didn’t hold a “personal grudge” against Cr Aziz during the protests.
“I believe residents and myself have a right to hold all decision makers accountable for poor performance and handling of this issue.
“I expect as a local council they acknowledge the concerns of local residents and treat residents respectfully even if residents hold opposing views.”
