Page 3 - link magazine

The Link Magazine • June 2002 3
Exciting year ahead as Mayor Stan takes over

Stan Pajak looks forward to his year as Mayor of Swindon
I first became a councillor way ceremonial one of youth, good neigh- Church in Old Town.
back in 1985 amid Margaret representing Swin- bour, carer in the The year ahead as mayor will
Thatcher as Prime Minister, the don, meeting peo- community, envi- have many highlights but among
miners' strike and the rise of the ple, visiting schools, ronment, sport and them will be the Queen's golden
SDP/Liberal Alliance as a politi- groups, organisa- charity. jubilee celebrations, Freedom of
cal force. How times have tions and charities, The awards will the Borough to the Wiltshire Yeo-
changed! campaigning and be presented before manry, possible linking with the
My career in politics stemmed attending the many full council meet- city of Torun in Poland, the open-
from community involvement on wonderful events ings and details of ing of the new Great Western Hos-
local issues and a love for the town that happen in our the scheme will be pital, the Swindon 10K run and
I was born in. Becoming mayor of town. This is made available meeting ...you!
Swindon is a wonderful honour matched by being soon. • One of the mayor's first engage-
for both me and my family. the chair of the The groups I ments was to open the new SK8
The classic image of a mayor as council meetings - have selected from skateboard sessions at the Link
an elderly, large person all dressed with a politically New mayor and mayoress so many great Centre on 18 May.
Stan and Dawn Pajak
in red with a nice set of chains has balanced council causes to be the -
been radically changed in Swin- this will be an interesting role. mayor's charities for the year are
don. My predecessor David Cox is The greatest asset of any town is Age Concern who campaign and
both young(ish) and a marathon its people and I will be introduc- give help to the elderly, Threshold Fc[ebratin i 10 Years 1992 - 200:
runner. His dynamic and fun year ing a Swindon Citizen Award Housing Link who provide accom-
has set the trend and will be a very scheme were people can be recog- modation for the homeless and the
hard act to follow. nised for their community involve- Skyline Appeal which is trying to WE COME TO YOU
The role of mayor is in main a ment. The six categories will be raise £1.5 million to save Christ AT HOME OR WORK'
FREE
Council leadership swings back to Labour ° collection & delivery
Around seventy per cent of Swindon voters in the 19 seats taking part in the local elections on 2 May Servicing & repairs
ignored the opportunity to express their democratic right; there is little change in the make up in the BIKE WE ALSO SELL
borough council. DOCTOR
* New cycles
Compared with the last local lose seats after it proposed a 15.5% • Parts & accessories
elections, response was higher by rise in council tax in April were not
four per cent because of wider op- realised. They lost Haydon Wick
portunities to cast votes, by post to the Conservatives after Kelvin
and telephone or via the internet, King stepped down, but won
the first time voting has taken place Dorcan where Conservative cabi-
outside the traditional polling sta- net lead member for education
tion. Gary Perkins was deposed.
The result is that the council is The Conservatives' brief reign NAWAB
still hung with no party in overall in power as a minority administra- FABRIC
control: Labour has 29 seats, the tion, after Labour stepped down
Conservatives 22 and Liberal following the disasterous Ofsted FASHIONS
Democrats hold the ring with eight. inspection report on the council's t i SWINDON'S
Expectations that Labour would education department, has ended.
Neither of the main parties BEST FABRIC
would share power with the Lib- SHOP
THE Need Clearer future eral Democrats and although the Come and see us
COMPLETE curtains for education Conservatives won 15,520 votes at Example silk saris only £4.99
CURTAIN orbliltds the elections against Labour's Monday - Saturday
13,700, they abstained from voting
10am to 4pm
SERVICE made? A positive step in turning around at the first council meeting of the 25 Tennyson Street, Swindon
Swindon's failing education de-
Design, making and complete partment takes place on 27 May year on 17 May and Labour took (Near the Health Hydro, Milton Road)
fitting service available when private contractors Tribal responsibility for the council cabi- Tel: 01793 611869
Large range of material samples Group commence a three year net. Formerly at the Brunel Market
Free estimating and advice management contract.
Call Tracey or Amanda on Swindon LEA failed its Ofsted
01793 611051 inspection in September 2001 and FOR SPECIALIST LEGAL ADVICE
councillors, schools and unions
1 r Home Sew Curtain L1 have been working to produce an * Conveyancing (On-Line Estimate Service)

Supplies education management system Employment
100's of fabrics in stock which satisfies the Government
from £2.50/metre and has the confidence of schools * Family Law Fam'y
LAWYERS
Heading from 25p/metre in the town. * Wills & Probate
Lining from £1.50/metre Tribal Group will take on the top
Cushion pads from £2 each four positions in the education For more information or detailed conveyancing costs visit:
All types of rails _rl department, reporting to a new www.crd.org.uk
Education Partnership Board made Or contact us at: Commerce House
up of teachers, governors, council-
Home visits arranged or lors and church representatives. 34/35 Commercial Road
The company has responsibility for Swindon SN1 5NS
developing a senior management Email: [email protected]
team who will run the education Tel: (01793) 617617
department after the contract ends Fax: (01793) 511249
in 2005.