Candidates hit the road

By Tania Martin
AS THE run to the polls heats up, controlling the country’s debt and improving infrastructure at schools and hospitals has been highlighted as key election issue for the Casey electorate.
Sitting MP Tony Smith is protected by a 5.9 per cent margin.
Going into his fourth election campaign, Mr Smith will be supporting practical, tangible and responsible policies which would see a reduction in the country’s debt levels.
He said this was desperately needed if the government was to ease the pressure on interest rates and the cost of living burden on families.
“Our local community cannot afford another three years of Labor’s waste, mismanagement, higher taxes, higher debt and policy disasters,” Mr Smith said.
The electorate covers more than 411 square kilometres from Ringwood East to Seville, Monbulk, Coldstream, Montrose, Mooroolbark, Mount Evelyn, Silvan, The Patch, Wandin and Yering.
Casey also covers small parts of Emerald, Mount Dandenong, Olinda, Sherbrooke, Warranwood and Wonga Park.
Mr Smith, a father of two, is a fanatical Carlton Football Club support and attends as many games as he can with his father.
He also likes to restore old Holdens, cook for his family and friends and take his two dogs for long walks.
His opponent Sami Hisheh, a former journalist, said he wanted provide a strong voice for the people of Casey.
Born in Cyprus, he migrated to Australia in 1968 and has lived in the Casey electorate for more than 30 years.
Mr Hisheh worked as a journalists on government issues and now runs a small printing design businesses.
He will campaign for improved infrastructure in schools, at hospitals and on local roads.
Mr Hisheh said he would also work to secure economic opportunities and jobs for people in the local community.