A new breed of people around the council table

There was a lot of swearing-in at the council office yesterday when new Mayor John Edwards, deputy-Mayor Neil Volzke and three new councillors, Sue Pugh, Alan Frost and Kelvin Squire took their declarations to 'execute and perform&' their duties on the Stratford District Council (SDC).
Mr Volzke's was the only nomination received for deputy-Mayor.
Families packed the public gallery for the swearing-in.
(SDC) CEO Michael Freeman reminded the councillors and Mayor of the rules of conflicts of interest and codes of conduct under the Local Government Act.
After the swearing-in, Mayor Edwards put on his robes and chain and the council got down to business.
In two special presentations retired Mayor Brian Jeffares acknowledged former councillor Brick Mathieson for his service to the community.
"This is a celebration and accolade of nine years of service you gave to Stratford."
Mr Jeffares said there were three stand-outs during Mr Mathieson's terms as a councillor: In 1998 Mr Mathieson locked in funding for the Percy Thomson Gallery, and the work he undertook with the Health Trust and Positive Ageing.
Mayor Edwards thanked Mr Jeffares for his contribution of 12 years and nine of those as Mayor.
Stratford's progress was testament to his vision and leadership, in a job that had few bouquets, but a lot of satisfaction.
He also thanked Diane Jeffares for her support and the lonely nights that go with the job as Mayoress.