Full steam ahead

By Bridget Cook
SPRINGFIELD Ward councillor Sam Aziz was unanimously voted in as the new mayor of the City of Casey for the next term.
Cr Aziz was elected to the top job at a special meeting on Monday night.
He takes over the role from Cr Shar Balmes.
The council chamber was filled with his family, friends and members of his local church to wish him the luck for the year ahead.
River Gum Ward Cr Wayne Smith was elected to the position of deputy mayor.
Cr Aziz said he was honoured to be made the mayor.
“This has tremendous meaning to me both personally and professionally,” he said.
“It’s a role that I will cherish and be working very hard in to deliver the best possible outcomes for Casey residents.
“I think we have so many exciting things happening next year and I’m looking forward to being a part of them.”
Cr Aziz said he looked forward to the term.
“I’m looking forward to maintaining the council’s ability to be the top performing council in the state,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to continuing being the highest spending council in the state in terms of delivering infrastructure and community facilities and at the same time do that in a economic and sustainable way.”
Cr Aziz thanked his colleagues, the community and his family following his election.
“I’d like to thank my fellow councillors for the confidence they have place in me,” he said.
“I’d like to thank my family who have been incredibly supportive and made many sacrifices for me to continue my career and for it to prosper.”
Cr Simon Curtis wished Cr Aziz all the best for the year ahead at the meeting.
“I hope together we can work hard over this next term to restore this council’s integrity, honesty and impartiality,” he said.