Financial framework

THE article, Framework For The Future (Journal News, 8 February) identifies the strong determination of the City of Casey and its 11 councillors Sameh Aziz, Damien Rosario, Wayne Smith and company as well as management to construct the Autumn Place Family and Community Centre and possibly the other three projects (whilst the current construction of the new Casey Council Precinct costing $125 million) as stated at the Build Our Future Forum held on 5 December 2015 at any costs to the Casey ratepayers despite the high proposed Casey council rates to its property owners in the 2016/2017 financial year.
As a participant and witness at this forum, it was previously observed that the 70 to 80 attendees voted with the majority to oppose these four projects, including Autumn Place, to maintain the rate capping of 2.09 per cent to financially benefit the affordability of all Casey property owners.
As it has turned out, councillor Sameh Aziz, CEO Mike Tyler and the other 10 Casey councillors were aware of the final vote however they are determined to construct this structure.
Can this council be trusted, especially its 11 councillors and management to service the Casey constituents?
Let this structure be built with private funds and not ratepayer funds due to an uncontrolled Casey council budget.
Let us not forget the acts of secrecy by the Casey councillors and management.
Paul Richardson,
Endeavour Hills.