And so a fourth councillor that I have shared the chamber at
Southend-on-Sea has passed away. It really is very sad. I can be quite combative
in debate, but at times like this all of that must be forgotten. Someone who
has served his community has passed on.
I have many memories of Mike Assenheim. I cannot pretend to know him as
well as others, my tenure as councillor for Milton is still not yet five years
after all. But we chatted, and often agreed. I used to tease him a bit, and I
am still not sure whether he knew I was joking at the time!
If I sit and think about our non-political conversations it was often
on the subject of Westcliff-on-Sea, my birthplace and where I live today. I
cannot recall if Mike was born here, but he certainly had a long association
with it. We talked of places and streets we knew well.
Recently I sat beside him when we were interviewing prospective Town
Clerks. His contribution to the process was mostly excellent.
He died on the way back from his doctor's, and I can only say I am
pleased that in a recent debate about parking at his GP surgery I supported
Mike's arguments.
Mike was 74, far too young to be taken.
He was a leading light in politics in the east of the borough, even if
he often asserted he was non-political.
My condolences to Mike's loved ones, and to the Independent Group who
have lost a wise and gentle voice.
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