To the Editor of the Henley Standard
Dear Sir
I would like to thank Jane Smewing publicly for the excellent hard work she has shown as a Councillor over the last four years.
Jane possibly has the lowest profile of all our Town Councillors but she has made a highly significant contribution particularly to the work of the Finance Committee since being elected chair two years ago.
The position has a challenging brief requiring a detailed, conscientious mind plus a range of skills and knowledge. Jane quickly demonstrated her ability, apparently effortlessly, but as a direct result of her careful preparation which has been her hallmark. She earned the respect of officers by listening to them carefully, and by her competence and even-handedness.
Responsible for the Town Council budget, Jane exercised a perfect balance between making sure HTC increased and improved services, while keeping a watchful eye on the bottom line. As a result, Jane has restored HTC’s sound finances with a small but sustainable deficit.
She is now stepping down as Councillor, and I and her colleagues wish her well in the next stage of her busy retirement.
I know that all sides of the Council will miss her.
Yours faithfully
David Feary
HRG Treasurer