Cllr Christopher Fox is new cathaoirleach of Bray district
CLLR Christopher Fox was elected as cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District for the coming year. This was at the annual general meeting prior to last Tuesday’s ordinary meeting.
Outgoing cathaoirleach Steven Matthews thanked his colleagues for giving him the opportunity to sit in the chair for the past year.
He paid tribute to the staff. He said that he has always held them in high regard. Having worked closely with them this year, his regard is even higher. He remarked on their dedication and commitment to making the town better.
He said that current district council has two years left in its life-span, with some huge infrastructural and strategic projects on the way. ‘It critical that we work together as a united district. We need to battle together in Wicklow for what we need for the town. We can battle around the table then for what to do with it,’ said Cllr Matthews.
He said that forthcoming projects include the Florentine Centre, Fassaroe development, TII study on the N11/ M50, and the Bray Town Development Plan.
‘It’s critical that we have good direction and that we work together to support the executive. We’ve been moving in the right direction for the last 12 months – with things like the river walk, Blue Flag, seafront restoration and other projects.’
Cllr Pat Vance paid tribute to Cllr Matthews on his year in the chair. ‘You gave the job a lot of time and a lot of effort. Your communication with councillors was admirable. The feed- back I got from people was excellent. You set out your goals early on. From my point of view you did an absolutely tremendous job and you should be very proud of your achievements. It’s a great honour to be Cathaoirleach. You understood that and the demands, and gave it the time necessary.
‘It’s my great pleasure to propose Cllr Christopher Fox for cathaoirleach,’ said Cllr Vance. I have had the pleasure of sitting beside his father Johnny, sister Mildred, and Chris himself in Wicklow and now the new municipal authority in Bray. He is a very experienced public representative. I think to follow on from yourself (Cllr Matthews) he has a hard act to follow but he is very capable of that and will carry on the work you have started. He is the right person.
With no other nominations, the members unanimously agreed upon the election of Cllr Fox.
Cllr Fox thanked everyone and concurred with what Cllr Vance had said about Steven Matthews. ‘He has been an excellent chair in all aspects. There are so many different facets to the role – conducting meetings, sometimes under tough conditions, carrying out civic duties. Cllr Matthews was a great ambassador for the council and the town. He represented the public very well at civic receptions and presentations and had a great rapport with the staff, which I think is very important.
‘You started discussions with various officials in Wicklow too and progressed issues like the harbour. You opened up avenues to officials which I hope to continue. You invited me along as vice chair and I will invite the vice chair along to further discussions.’
Over the coming year, Cllr Fox hopes to push forward the agenda of decentrilising finance and powers. ‘I think we are all in agreement that this authority doesn’t have enough power and certainly finance. It’s a cash cow for Wicklow County Council with the highest property tax take probably, the highest parking take, significant rates, and probably development levies take coming with Fassaroe.’
He said that the policy of equalisation discriminates against the Bray District. ‘We have to progress this as one unit. We are the Bray Municipal District team, the staff and all the members.’
Cllr Fox asked members to give him some heads up on issues of concern to allow him and the staff to react in a considered manner. ‘I respect every- one around his table. I respect your mandate. I expect you to hold myself and the staff accountable.’
He said that it is important that the meetings are structured. ‘My phone is always on. Contact me at any stage with any issue and I will certainly facilitate you.
Cllr Joe Behan congratulated both men. ‘I look forward to working with you and have no doubt you will be an excellent first citizen. He said that Cllr Matthews had been a fantastic Cathaoirleach who represented all the people.
Cllr Behan nominated Cllr Pat Vance for Leas Cathaoirleach. ‘Pat is the longest serving member of this body. He was first elected in 1985 to Bray Urban District Council, subsequently Town Council and now district. He has 32 years of uninterrupted service and has been a magnificent servant to the people of this town,’ said Cllr Behan.
He recalled Cllr Vance’s leadership when Bray was due to host the Chinese athletes for the Special Olympics. Some called for the invitation to be revoked due to fears surrounding the SARS virus.
‘He stood firm. We had an astoundingly successful visit and stay here in Bray and have very strong links with the Chinese community to this day.
‘For those reasons and many others, I propose Cllr Vance.’
Cllr Brendan proposed Cllr Michael O’Connor, who seconded that motion. Only Cllr Thornhill and Cllr O’Connor voted for him, with former Sinn Féin councillor Oliver O’Brien abstaining.
Both Cllr Thornhill and Cllr O’Connor expressed concern that Cllr Vance would be leas cathaoirleach of both Bray Municipal District and Wicklow County Council.