Council's tribute to parting mayor

10:22pm Wednesday 21st May 2008

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Tributes and thanks poured in from all political parties in Hertsmere tonight as Councillor Martin Saunders ended his year as mayor and nine years on the borough council.

At a meeting attended by past mayors, councillors, officers, religious leaders, residents and Hertsmere's MP, Councillor Saunders passed on his mayoral chain to former deputy mayor, Sandra Parnell.

Speaking to a packed-out committee room, Hertsmere Borough Council leader Councillor Morris Bright praised the work Councillor Saunders had done in almost 30 years of service on Hertsmere Borough Council, Aldenham Parish Council and Hertfordshire County Council.

He said: "He is one of life's givers and has spent many years working in his own inimitable way for the good of residents across all our towns. He is vocal where he sees injustice, such as in the closure of the Radlett Fire Station."

Hertsmere's Liberal Democrat leader, Lynne Hodgson and Labour leader Ann Harrison also praised Councillor Saunders, especially his input into planning discussions on both the Bushey and Aldenham and Elstree and Borehamwood planning committees.

Councillor Saunders will continue to represent Watling (Radlett) on Hertfordshire County Council.

In his year as mayor, he has raised around £12,000 for his chosen charities, Asthma UK and the Purcell School in Bushey.

Mayor Parnell's chosen charities were named tonight as the Alzheimer's Society and The British Heart Foundation.

In a final speech, Councillor Saunders spoke of the hundreds of community events he and his wife Jane have attended over the year, particularly praising the voluntary work done for the elderly and disabled.

His speech, however, ended on a political note, as he recommended more participation from opposition parties in local government, urging the council's 31 Conservative councillors to work with the Labour and Liberal Democrat minority.

He said: "The vast majority of decisions made are not party political. We will not get people to be members of this council if they do not think they can contribute to these processes and serve their community. In the end local democracy will suffer."

The meeting, held at the Hertsmere Borough Council officers, also saw the appointment of Potters Bar Councillor Eddie Roach as deputy mayor. This was, however, met with some controversy as the borough's Liberal Democrat councillors voted against his appointment.

Councillor Lynne Hodgson said that, as Councillor Roach had already been mayor of Hertsmere, the deputy position should be given to someone new.

For further details of appointments made during the meeting visit www.hertsmere.gov.uk