To elect the Mayor for the Municipal Year 2023/24.
Decision:
The Mayor was saddened to hear of the recent passing of former Councillor John Gardner, who had served as an SBC Member for the Roebuck Ward between 1998 and May 2023, including being Deputy leader of the Council between 2006 and 2018.
A number of other Members spoke in tribute to former Councillor Gardner, following which the Council stood to observe a minute’s silence.
The Mayor then gave a speech thanking the Council for a wonderful year in office.
The Mayor asked for nominations for the Office of Mayor for 2023/24.
Councillor Richard Henry nominated Councillor Myla Arceno for the Office of Mayor.
The nomination was seconded by Councillor Lloyd Briscoe.
There being no other nominations, a vote was taken and it was RESOLVED that Councillor Myla Arceno be elected as Mayor for the 2023/24 Municipal Year.
Councillor Myla Arceno then made the statutory declaration of office.
The Mayor announced that her son John Arceno would be the Mayor’s Consort for 2023/24.
The Mayor thanked the Council for her election, and gave an inaugural speech, including the announcement that her chosen charities for the year would be the Douglas Drive Day Care Centre, The Red Shed, Hertwise and
Stevenage World Forum.
Minutes:
The Mayor was saddened to hear of that former Councillor John Gardner, who had served as an SBC Member for the Roebuck Ward between 1998 and May 2023, including being Deputy Leader of the Council between 2006 and 2018, had passed away in the early hours of the day.
The Leader of the Council advised that he had known John Gardner as a friend and fellow Labour councillor for over 20 years. His passion and commitment to the Borough was amazing in terms of the Regeneration of the Town, sustainability and his work on the environment agenda and the Council’s Climate Change commitment.
The Leader advised that the Council would be considering, following liaison with John’s wife Michelle at an appropriate time, a suitable and fitting memorial somewhere in the Town in tribute to John. Thoughts and prayers were with Michelle and her family at this very difficult time.
Councillor Bibby CC, Leader of the Opposition spoke of John Gardner’s commitment and as a politician with conviction and passion.
Councillor Robin Parker CC, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group spoke of John’s contribution to the Town and his brave fight with his recent illness. He was committed to his socialist principles and could always be relied upon to speak up for the disadvantaged.
A number of other Members spoke in tribute to former Councillor Gardner, following which the Council stood to observe a minute’s silence.
The Mayor then gave a speech thanking the Council for a wonderful year in office and she recounted some of the highlights of the year, including events celebrating the King’s Coronation, various concerts such as the Hertfordshire Schools Evening Gala at the Royal Albert Hall and choosing and declaring Stevenage’s Friendliest Street. The Mayor also spoke about a number of events she had held throughout the year and thanked everyone that had supported the events from her Charities and local musicians, singers and dancers.
The Mayor then thanked her Mayoress, Cathy Bibby; The Deputy Mayor-Councillor Myla Arceno and her Consort John Arceno; her Chaplain the Revd Ruth Carroll; the Youth Mayor Paige Abrey; and the Council officers who had helped her throughout her year in office, particularly the Mayor’s PA Tracey Frost.
She then wished the incoming Mayor and Deputy Mayor every success for the coming year.
The Mayor asked for nominations for the Office of Mayor for 2023/24.
Councillor Richard Henry nominated Councillor Myla Arceno for the Office of Mayor.
The nomination was seconded by Councillor Lloyd Briscoe.
There being no other nominations, a vote was taken and it was RESOLVED that Councillor Myla Arceno be elected as Mayor for the 2023/24 Municipal Year.
Councillor Myla Arceno then made the statutory declaration of office.
The Mayor announced that her son John Arceno would be the Mayor’s Consort for 2023/24.
The Mayor thanked the Council for her election, and gave an inaugural speech, including the announcement that her chosen charities for the year would be the Douglas Drive Day Care Centre, The Red Shed, Hertwise and
Stevenage World Forum.
The Mayor Advised that it was a privilege to be given the role of Mayor and the opportunity to serve the Town and its residents. She spoke of her journey to Stevenage from the Philippines and her work in the NHS as a specialist physiotherapist in cardiac rehab.
The Mayor thanked her friends and colleagues for their support along with her supporters from the Filipino community in Stevenage and Worldwide. The mayor also thanked her husband, son and daughter for their love and encouragement.