Councillor John Sullivan

After serving as the Civic Mayor of Tameside last year, and as the Chair of Hyde District Assembly for the previous 10 years, 2010/2011 has been my first with the very different remit of Assistant Executive Member for Music, Culture, Performing Arts and Town Twinning Development. Whilst that role is ideal in terms of my personal/professional background, skills and aspirations for the Borough, it has been a difficult time, taking into account the enormous challenges we have had to face in terms of unprecedented financial cuts and consequent huge reductions in personnel.

Participation at Council Panels and Committees

• I have attended Council meetings during the 2010/11 Municipal year.
• I have attended meetings of Hyde District Assembly as well as meetings of Longdendale and Hattersley District Assembly
• The position of the Council’s Music and Choral Attaché has been incorporated into my new position, and in this role have been responsible for continuing the prestigious Tameside Music Festival which this year has included events with the world famous Black Dyke and Foden’s Brass Bands
• I am a member of the Services for Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel
• I have attended various meetings with the Leader of the council, other elected members, officers of the Council, as well as officers of outside agencies.
• I am a Board Member of the Hattersley Neighbourhood Partnership.

Participation at District Assemblies

I have continued to take part in public meetings and events organised in connection with both District Assemblies as outlined above.

Participation on Outside Bodies

• I am a member of the Statutory Functions Committee of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities, and I have participated in meetings of that body, as well as taking part in funding reviews of a wide range of Arts organisations throughout Greater Manchester.
• I am a member of the Joint Management Committee of the Werneth Low Country Park.
• I am a Board Member of the Manchester Camerata Orchestra, representing AGMA
• I am a Board member of the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester, representing AGMA.
• I am a Board member of the Greater Manchester Centre for Volunteer Organisations, representing AGMA.
• I am a Vice Chair of the Probin Mela Luncheon Club
• I have attended PACT meetings in Godley Ward.
• I am a volunteer Presenter at our community radio station, Tameside Radio, hosting a weekly programme of Brass Band music, “Mainly Brass” which is broadcast on Sunday evenings
• I am a member of the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.

I am a Justice of the Peace in the Tameside Petty Sessional Division, serving as a Chairman in the Adult court, and as a winger in the Youth court.

Training

I have undertaken training sessions in order to develop and enhance my skills as a councillor, magistrate and volunteer.

Constituency Work

I have participated in the distribution of funds from the Ward Monies Scheme for Godley.

I have taken part in meetings with colleagues and officers in relation to Cultural, Educational, Arts centred matters inside and outside the Borough as well as with council officers and officers of external Theatrical organisations, Arts based organisations and Town Twinning Committees .

I have met with local business and residents' group representatives.

I have attended meetings with the police, the patrollers and other agencies regarding specific issues within my ward.

I have dealt with a variety of constituents' problems during the year, liaising where necessary with our Member of Parliament and his staff as well as members in adjacent Wards. I have worked alongside my two elected ward colleagues, Councillors Kitchen and Fitzpatrick in dealing with a variety of constituents’ problems and concerns.

I have worked with my colleagues in by-elections in Tameside and in other wards as well as my own, towards the successful outcome of the local election in May 2011.

Achievements During the Year

I have continued to enhance and develop culture and performing arts in Tameside by the organising of events, and forging and developing links with key figures within voluntary arts organisations in Tameside, as well as attending and supporting many events/productions organised by them.

• I have, through a series of meeting with senior council education staff, begun to give new strategic direction to the Instrumental Music Service
• The Hyde Splendid Weekend including the 'Prom in the Park' with the participation of the Manchester Camerata
• The continuation of the prestigious Tameside Music Festival
• The Tameside Arts Festival.

I have successfully assisted individual constituents in a variety of ways.

Members' Advice Surgeries

I have attended Councillors surgeries both alone and with my ward colleagues where I have dealt with a number of constituents' problems, queries and issues. My duty to my constituents is always at the forefront of my mind, particularly in the solving of individuals' problems, and even though this is not always easy, I find the experience to be a thoroughly rewarding one.