I felt an air of sadness today as two valued colleagues retire - one a hugely respected chief officer, the other being my Liberal Democrat colleague on Dundee City Council (and sister-in-law!)
Earlier today, along with the Lord Provost, the City Council's Chief Executive, previous Chief Executive, Legal Manager and other council group leaders, I attended a civic lunch to mark the impending retirement of the City Council's Depute Chief Executive (Support Services) - Patricia McIlquham - who, after over thirty years of service to the city, will retire from her post at the end of next week.
Patricia is not just a hugely experienced legal officer. She is a much respected and her advice to all elected members of the council has been greatly appreciated by us all over the years. She's also very pleasant and courteous and we all have the highest respect for Patricia. Her retirement is a real loss to the City Council.
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| Cllr Helen Dick |
As reported in today's Courier, my colleague - Councillor Helen Dick (pictured right) - has today confirmed that, after nine years as Strathmartine Ward councillor, she is standing down at May’s elections, following a period of protracted ill-health.
Originally elected in 2003, taking the seat from the SNP, Helen was re-elected in 2007 but has found herself battling Multiple Sclerosis in recent years, leading to her decision not to seek re-election.
Helen has been a superb and loyal colleague who has worked hard for the people of her Strathmartine Ward summed up by her comment to the Courier - "The people of Strathmartine have been brilliant – friends more than constituents – and although I am retiring from the City Council, I will continue to keep a close interest in the local area."