Latest news with #CouncilChamber
United News of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Council Chamber: India's first Parliament House echoes legacy of freedom movement
Shimla, May 30 (UNI) Tucked away in the hills of Shimla, the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly building — known as the Council Chamber — stands as a silent witness to India's journey from colonial rule to democracy. Constructed between 1920 and 1925 during the British Raj, this grand structure originally served as the Central Legislative Assembly— the first Parliament House of India. Built at a cost of ₹10 lakh, the Council Chamber was not just a building but a political landmark of its time. It was here that Vithalbhai Patel, elder brother of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, made history in 1925 by becoming the first Indian President of the Assembly, defeating British candidate Frederick White by just two votes. His election marked a defining moment in India's legislative autonomy under British rule. The Assembly's Speaker's chair, crafted from fine teak, was a diplomatic gift from the Burmese government to the British — a relic that still occupies a place of pride in the House. The chamber also served as the venue for key developments that shaped India's democratic fabric, including the historic passing of the proposal to grant women the right to vote. Even the Quit India Movement, one of the most powerful calls for independence, found its early voice in this very hall — imbuing the site with revolutionary resonance. Today, the chamber continues to evolve with time. Modern legislative tools like zero hour and online committee participation have been introduced, marrying tradition with technology. The historic chamber received renewed attention today when the Government Assurances Committee of the Haryana Legislative Assembly, led by Chairman Bharat Bhushan Batra, paid a courtesy visit and toured the site, appreciating both its heritage and upkeep. UNI ML ARN PRS
Powys County Times
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Powys County Times
Dr John Glyn Hughes 'honoured' to be made Llanidloes mayor
A former Llanidloes High School headteacher says it is an "honour" to become the town's mayor after serving as a deputy. Liberal Democrat councillor Dr John Glyn Hughes, of the Clywedog ward, was officially made mayor at a ceremony at the Town Hall in Great Oak Street on Friday, May 9. Following his election as mayor, historian and author Cllr Hughes said: "It is an honour to serve this wonderful town that I have been a part of for 40 years.' Cllr Hughes, who retired in 2010 after 26 years as headteacher of Llanidloes High School, paid tribute to 'exceptional' outgoing mayor Cllr Jamie Jones by describing his three-year tenure as an 'extremely hard act to follow". The mayor will be joined by new deputy mayor Cllr Daniel Craig, of Dulas ward, who works at Llanidloes High School. Speaking after the results of a vote were announced during a full council meeting at the Town Hall on April 28, Cllr Craig said: 'Thank you to all who supported and those who didn't". Cllr Hughes' first town council meeting as mayor will include discussions on progress with acquiring a lease on Llanidloes Youth Centre, the re-opening of the Old Market Hall and the Town Hall lift project. The full council meeting, which is open to members of the public, will next take place on Monday, May 19, at 7pm inside the Council Chamber at the Town Hall in Great Oak Street.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Skokie swears in first new mayor in 26 years, new Village Board
A jam-packed Council Chamber cheered and clapped for what some saw as a new day in Skokie, with the swearing in of a new mayor and Village Board on Monday. Mayor Ann Tennes was the first official to be sworn in, and received a standing ovation from Skokie residents after she commented on what it means to be Skokie's mayor. Incumbent Trustees Keith Robinson and Alison Pure Slovin were sworn in for their second term on the village board, and new trustees Kimani Levy, Lissa Levy, Jim Iverson and Gail Schechter took the oath for the first time. Village Clerk Minal Desai was also sworn in at Monday's Village Board meeting. 'Thank you to everyone who entrusted all of us to guide our community,' Tennes said. 'As (it) has been said in the last few minutes, whether you voted for one of us, all of us, or some of us, we will represent you.' Tennes paid homage to past female mayors in the northern suburbs, including Jacqueline Gorell (Skokie), Lorraine H. Morton (Evanston), Joan Barr (Evanston), Madeleine Grant (Lincolnwood), Nancy Firfer (Glenview), and Sheila H. Schultz (Wheeling). 'I stand on their shoulders this evening,' she said. 'I believe that we will see that the best decision we make will often include components of our differing thoughts and opinions on the issues we face. And I also believe, and I know, that we are all stronger and better together,' Tennes said. The new village board represents a mix of more traditionally-minded officials and reformers who felt empowered to run for office after the village implemented election reform initiated by residents through a petition. As part of that election reform, an amended election code created term limits, staggered terms for trustees (with some running every two years) and four geographic districts from which trustees were to be elected. In line with that last item, the Skokie Village Board now contains four district trustees and two at-large trustees who represent the entire village. Election reform also created non-partisan elections, meaning that party affiliation wasn't on the ballot for Skokie voters. Skokie voters also recently approved ranked-choice voting for its municipal elections, though that voting system appears to be facing roadblocks to implementation in Cook County. Robinson, who received the most votes for re-election in his race, thanked voters. 'Your confidence humbles me and I do not take it lightly,' he said. 'This election felt very different. While we're no longer managing the global crisis of COVID-19, like we did before, we are undeniably in another epidemic: a national crisis of hate, division and misinformation.' 'What grounded me was the joy of connecting, meeting new people, walking through new neighborhoods and listening — I'm talking real deep listening — from parents concerned about their LGBTQIA+ children's future, to families unsure about where they will live next. To folks who are worried about something as basic, but as real as the rat and garbage problem,' Robinson said. 'To my new colleagues on the board, congratulations. We've got work to do. And if I can offer some unsolicited old head advice — check your privileges and your bias at the door. This seat is not about your personal agenda, it's about our shared future. Ask questions. Be willing to learn and recognize the brilliance of this village and the value of the commissioners who work tirelessly behind the scenes.' Schechter said she accepted her seat on the board with humility, honor and gratitude. 'My philosophy of responsible democratic governance over my 40 years of community service that I developed is this: trust your people.' 'The underpinning of democracy is that no one is entitled to lead a government by divine right, inheritance, military might or wealth,' Schechter said. 'With electoral reform in Skokie, a campaign that I am proud to have chaired, now no political party has that kind of privilege either.' 'Today, you seat the first village board in decades that was elected based on our individual merits, vision and values. You have the right to expect a board that is accountable to you, as Alison said, that listens to you and that is not only welcoming, but invites you to sit at the governing table and contribute meaningfully to improving everyone's life,' she said.
Chicago Tribune
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Skokie swears in first new mayor in 26 years, new Village Board
A jam-packed Council Chamber cheered and clapped for what some saw as a new day in Skokie, with the swearing in of a new mayor and Village Board on Monday. Mayor Ann Tennes was the first official to be sworn in, and received a standing ovation from Skokie residents after she commented on what it means to be Skokie's mayor. Incumbent Trustees Keith Robinson and Alison Pure Slovin were sworn in for their second term on the village board, and new trustees Kimani Levy, Lissa Levy, Jim Iverson and Gail Schechter took the oath for the first time. Village Clerk Minal Desai was also sworn in at Monday's Village Board meeting. 'Thank you to everyone who entrusted all of us to guide our community,' Tennes said. 'As (it) has been said in the last few minutes, whether you voted for one of us, all of us, or some of us, we will represent you.' Tennes paid homage to past female mayors in the northern suburbs, including Jacqueline Gorell (Skokie), Lorraine H. Morton (Evanston), Joan Barr (Evanston), Madeleine Grant (Lincolnwood), Nancy Firfer (Glenview), and Sheila H. Schultz (Wheeling). 'I stand on their shoulders this evening,' she said. 'I believe that we will see that the best decision we make will often include components of our differing thoughts and opinions on the issues we face. And I also believe, and I know, that we are all stronger and better together,' Tennes said. The new village board represents a mix of more traditionally-minded officials and reformers who felt empowered to run for office after the village implemented election reform initiated by residents through a petition. As part of that election reform, an amended election code created term limits, staggered terms for trustees (with some running every two years) and four geographic districts from which trustees were to be elected. In line with that last item, the Skokie Village Board now contains four district trustees and two at-large trustees who represent the entire village. Election reform also created non-partisan elections, meaning that party affiliation wasn't on the ballot for Skokie voters. Skokie voters also recently approved ranked-choice voting for its municipal elections, though that voting system appears to be facing roadblocks to implementation in Cook County. Robinson, who received the most votes for re-election in his race, thanked voters. 'Your confidence humbles me and I do not take it lightly,' he said. 'This election felt very different. While we're no longer managing the global crisis of COVID-19, like we did before, we are undeniably in another epidemic: a national crisis of hate, division and misinformation.' 'What grounded me was the joy of connecting, meeting new people, walking through new neighborhoods and listening — I'm talking real deep listening — from parents concerned about their LGBTQIA+ children's future, to families unsure about where they will live next. To folks who are worried about something as basic, but as real as the rat and garbage problem,' Robinson said. 'To my new colleagues on the board, congratulations. We've got work to do. And if I can offer some unsolicited old head advice — check your privileges and your bias at the door. This seat is not about your personal agenda, it's about our shared future. Ask questions. Be willing to learn and recognize the brilliance of this village and the value of the commissioners who work tirelessly behind the scenes.' Schechter said she accepted her seat on the board with humility, honor and gratitude. 'My philosophy of responsible democratic governance over my 40 years of community service that I developed is this: trust your people.' 'The underpinning of democracy is that no one is entitled to lead a government by divine right, inheritance, military might or wealth,' Schechter said. 'With electoral reform in Skokie, a campaign that I am proud to have chaired, now no political party has that kind of privilege either.' 'Today, you seat the first village board in decades that was elected based on our individual merits, vision and values. You have the right to expect a board that is accountable to you, as Alison said, that listens to you and that is not only welcoming, but invites you to sit at the governing table and contribute meaningfully to improving everyone's life,' she said.
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Savannah Mayor Johnson signs ‘friendship agreement' with city of Limerick, Ireland
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Savannah Mayor Van Johnson visited Limerick, Ireland, signing a Friendship Agreement with the city. The mayor shared the news of his trip on Saturday. According to local Limerick media, the signing ceremony was held during a special meeting of Limerick City and County Council in the Council Chamber in Dooradoyle this on Tuesday, Feb 18. 'I had the privilege of joining Mayor John Moran and other officials to formalize this partnership,' Johnson wrote on Facebook. 'Which will create opportunities for cultural exchange, education, and economic collaboration.' The focus of the agreement is on economic development, tourism opportunities and 'fostering mutual understanding.' 'Savannah's rich past and dynamic present make it a perfect partner for Limerick as we look to the future together,' said Limerick Mayor John Moran. 'As we embark on this journey, let us remember that a place is not just made of buildings and roads—it is made of people and communities. It is the friendships we form, the ideas we exchange, and the common goals we pursue that make initiatives like friendship agreements successful.' Savannah has a rich history with the Irish community, soon to be exhibited the Saint Patrick's Day parade, which is the second-largest in the United States, and the many Irish cultural events that are celebrated this time each year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
