New Mayor is appointed - at a virtual ceremony
David Snartt takes over from Brenda Seaton
THE new mayor of Charnwood literally Zoomed straight into action when he was both officially - and virtually - appointed on Monday.
Coun David Snartt was made the Mayor of Charnwood through the virtual world of the internet with a special Zoom platform borough council meeting.
Coun Snartt represents the Forest Bradgate ward on the borough and his wife Joan will be Mayoress.
His appointment was officially proposed by fellow councillor Coun Colin Hamilton, who, by the wonders of technology spoke in front of a virtual background of the council’s Woodgate Chambers where the ceremony would normally have taken place.
Coun Hamilton said that Coun Snartt is “One of the most resolutely polite, positive, and cheerful people you could wish to meet and in all my time as a councillor I don’t think I’ve ever seen him grumpy or displeased, at worst he might display a mild concern about something. I think there’s a lesson for all of us in that approach.”
Coun Hamilton detailed Coun Snartt’s career background - serving with the RAF as an engineer for 12 years after joining straight from school at the age of 16 and then his long-time management role at Xerox.
After taking early retirement Coun Snartt wanted to get involved in the local community and became a parish councillor and finding that role rewarding stood for the borough council and then a county councillor as well. He was once appointed Chairman of Leicestershire County Council in 2015-16. He is also an Honorary Alderman.
Coun Deborah Taylor seconded the proposal saying that Coun Snartt had been a personal inspiration adding that she was delighted that: “His lovely wife Joan” will be supporting him as mayoress.
She added: “What I admire and respect about David is his commitment to get the best for his residents, his determination to succeed, but all done in his very pleasant and persuasive manner.”
“He will be an excellent ambassador for us.”
Coun Snartt said he very was touched by all the kind words said about him and thanked everybody.
He added that: “Firstly as the newly elected mayor of Charnwood I would like to start by saying a big thank you to all the people working in the NHS and key workers who have worked so hard on our behalf - keeping us safe during this difficult time. I thank our council staff for their contribution and dedication, making sure front line services continue for the benefit of Charnwood residents.
“I also thank the many volunteers that have come forward to help provide vital every day items. Especially for the elderly and vulnerable residents in our communities.”
Coun Snartt announced that his charities for the year would be LOROS and Admiral Nurses.
The role of Deputy Mayor of the borough was also announced with Coun Paul Baines taking up the position for the forthcoming year.
Thanks were made to the outgoing Mayor, Coun Brenda Seaton, for all her work during the past year.
Coun Seaton said: “What an amazing year it has been.
“I need to thank the people of Charnwood, without them being Mayor would be a dull job, with them we have a borough filled with people making it more interesting, more friendly, more equal. And we have a borough filled with music, dance, art and friendship, ambition and hope.”