set to dominate

as dirty tricks,

big bucks wear

aspirants down

CASEY'S 52 candidates are breathing a sigh of relief as they near the end of what has been dubbed the dirtiest election campaign in the municipality's history.

The Mayfield Ward was the epicentre of the nastiness, which included an anonymous leaflet railing against Cr Kevin Bradford being dropped into letterboxes and mailed to Brookland Greens residents.

Cr Colin Butler, who is not standing again, joined Cr Bradford in describing it as the dirtiest campaign since Casey's inception in 1994.

"There's been a lot of attacks on personalities rather than the issues," Cr Butler said.

Cr Butler was also concerned about the amount of money spent by many candidates on campaign material.

"It's nearly impossible for independents to be elected, especially in the biggest wards," he said.

Candidates with links to political parties had an advantage, Cr Butler said, as they were more likely to have help in producing material or gaining support for big fund-raisers.

Cr Steve Beardon said he was frustrated by the "tidal wave of political muscle" being exerted by well-funded candidates aligned to the political parties.

"I have no way of matching their direct mailouts and constant barrage of letterbox drops. It's simply too expensive for me and I can't match it. I did expect it, but not like this.

Cr Butler said it was important independents had a voice in council as it meant "less in-fighting, political wrangling and more getting on with business".

But he predicted only two independents would be elected.