Stone Town has a new Mayor, and A Little Bit of Stone caught up with Councillor Jonathan Powell, known as Jon, to find out more about him, and the duties of his new role.
It’s been a while since we shared news of a new mayor so thanks to the new mayor for spending some time for a virtual sit down with us and provide answers to our questions!
How is a new mayor selected?
The mayor is proposed and seconded by the other councillors, and can either put themselves forward or can be asked to stand.
A vote is then held with the whole council. I was asked by three councillors and was flattered that the vote was unanimous in my favour. It meant a lot to be selected and backed by my peers.
Do you get a mayoral car?
No, I wish we did!
How long does the mayor serve for?
A term is 12 months, but I can stand again if I choose to and get voted in again.
What is the correct way for people to address you?
In a less formal setting, I would be introduced as “Stone Town Mayor, Councillor Jonathan Powell”, and would be addressed in conversation as “Mr Mayor”. In a formal setting, I would be introduced as “The Worshipful the Mayor of Stone, Councillor Jonathan Powell”.
What is your background & how do you think it will help you carry out Mayoral duties?
I have experience in management within the hospitality & events industry. I’ve been a member of Stafford Chamber of Commerce, and a coach at Stone Rugby Club. I believe I understand how business works & how people think. I also understand what community can do, and what it requires. For my term as Mayor, my focus will be on inclusivity, finding funding for local causes, and meeting people with empathy.
What sort of events does the Mayor get to attend?
The mayor can be invited by anyone to attend an event. My first duty was attending Stone & District Scouts AGM. Obviously, I’ll be attending things like Remembrance Sunday, Stone Festival, and other important events for Stone, along with charity events, etc.
How heavy are the chains, and when do you have to wear them?
They’re actually not as heavy as you think! The worst part is the pins the hold them in place on my shoulders, they can be sharp! If I’m doing anything as the Mayor, I’ll be wearing them.
What title does the mayor’s wife get?
There are actually two titles; Mayors Consort, and Mayoress. I believe Mayors Consort is used mainly for an unmarried couple, my wife Nancy will be the Mayoress.
Does the mayor meet with other mayors?
Yes, I will receive an invitation from other mayors for their civic ceremonies, for example, the Mayors of Stafford, Leek, and Cheadle.
The Mayor’s Pig Race is a popular fundraising event, will you be hosting one?
I’ve actually never been to one, but yes, restrictions permitting we will be hosting one this year.
Have you picked your charities for the year?
I have, I wanted to make sure I picked charities that don’t just serve Stone but are based here too. My chosen charities are the Stone Community Hub, and Chuckle Productions as they both do amazing work for the local community.
Tell us some things about yourself that would surprise the residents of Stone
- I was born in Nairobi, Kenya, due to my father being in the army.
- My taste in music goes from classical to heavy rock, but my guilty pleasure is the Eurovision Song Contest, I absolutely love it!
- Top item on my bucket list is to play a dame in a panto.
- I once hosted A Question of Sport with Frankie Detorri, and he was a thoroughly lovely bloke.
Previous mayors have written monthly blogs for A Little Bit of Stone, would you like to do one?
Yes, I’d love to!
Some quickfire questions:
- Tea or coffee? Tea
- Beer or wine? Beer
- Bacon sarnie or sausage sarnie? Neither because I’m a vegetarian! I’m partial to a veggie sausage sarnie, but it has to have brown sauce.
- Star Wars or Star Trek? Star Trek
- Favourite colour? Blue, but it changes all the time
- Favourite TV show? Schitt’s Creek, I might model myself on Roland Schitt!
- Favourite band? All-time favourite is Metallica, but at the moment I’m loving Greta Van Fleet
- What would be your perfect day? Staying in bed! But seriously, I’ve already had it, it was the day I married Nancy, followed closely by the days my children were born.
You can find out more about the role of Stone Town Mayor on the Stone Town Council’s website and be sure to keep an eye out for the Mayor’s first ALBOS blog!
1 comment
Bill Shearin
The new Mayor should address the illegal pavement parking on Lichfield St, a constant menace,
Ignored by the rare Police patrol. I have had to help a man up off the floor after his mobility scooter tipped over trying to circumnavigate a car blocking 99% of the pavement….. wheelchair users have zero chance of using the path safely.