the issues

CASEY ratepayers had a chance to grill candidates on issues that will influence their electoral vote.

Issues included the place of party politics in local government, council accountability, boosting employment and how to spend Casey's $2.28million share of the Federal Government's regional and local infrastructure funding.

With each question, the first three candidates to respond were given the opportunity to address the audience.

Michael Shepherdson (Mayfield Ward) said he was happy to admit he was a member of the Liberal party.

"But as a candidate I am standing for Mayfield as Michael Shepherdson - not for a political party."

On the infrastructure funding, Milroy Martyn (Four Oaks Ward) said his "key vision" was to bring industry and jobs to Casey.

Mick Morland (Edrington Ward) said it would be up to the new council to decide on how to spend the funds.

On the most important quality for a councillor, Lorraine Wreford said "integrity and congruency - what you say is what you do".

Resident Julie Freeman asked how the council could involve more residents in local government.

"Invite residents to forums and then invite relevant ministers," Cr Richardson said.

Cr Wreford said the council's CaseyConnect website was important.