Islington Tribune - News: First Polish mayor

Publications by New Journal Enterprises

Home

Archive

Competition

Islington Tribune - by ROISIN GADELRAB
Published: 16 May 2008

Former mayor Barbara Smith, Robert Rusiecki, and Stefan Kasprzyk.

First Polish mayor-making

COUNCILLOR Stefan Kasprzyk donned the mayoral robes and chains on Tuesday to become the borough’s first Polish mayor.
Mayor Kasprzyk, who was born in Islington but of Polish descent, told a gathering at the mayor-making ceremony at the Town Hall on Tuesday: “I never thought someone of my background could become the borough’s first citizen. Here in Islington we have a proud history of tolerance. Now I’m proud to be elected as the borough’s first mayor of Polish descent.”
Robert Rusiecki, Consul General of the Polish consulate, who attended the ceremony, said: “It’s something very new. It’s not a frequent situation that I am involved in, I guess that in London this is the first Polish mayor. It’s a great honour for us.”
Mayor Kasprzyk paid tribute to Labour’s mayoral choice Councillor Wally Burgess. “I’m sure Wally Burgess would make an excellent mayor,” he said. “I’m only sad that circumstances dictate otherwise.”
Cllr Kasprzyk was referring to the mayor’s delicate position in Islington, where the ruling Lib Dem council regularly relies on the mayor’s casting vote. He has chosen The Angel Canal Boat Community Trust and The Islington Boat Club for his two nominated charities.

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment: