9:32am Wednesday 14th May 2008
By Emma Goodfellow
Falmouth mayor Mike Varney launched an unprecedented attack on the local press on Monday evening as he looked to the future for another 12 months as civic leader.
Mr Varney, who has received considerable publicity during his first term as mayor, called for greater support from local newspapers during his speech at Monday's mayor-making.
After being unanimously re-elected as mayor by his fellow councillors, Mr Varney appealed for more supportive coverage of the town's successes.
Speaking to the Packet after the meeting Mr Varney, who is no stranger to publicity having been involved in a pre-general election row within the local Conservative branch a few years ago which received international headlines, said he did not like negativity.
"There's a lot of positive things out there. We have got such wonderful enthusiasm going right through the town and it would be nice if the press would report some of that in a bigger and better way.
"All we ask for is a bit more integration with the press and not so much negativity. I do think the media has got a phenomenal role to play in this."
Packet editor Paul Armstrong dismissed Mr Varney's attack on the press, saying that local newspapers reflected the concerns of everybody in the community and was not just a mouthpiece for the town council.
"Every week we report positive stories in the community and the incredible achievements of the people of Falmouth and Penryn," he said.
Monday evening's ceremony began with the assembled dignitaries - including Falmouth police inspector John Trott, Helston mayor Ronnie Williams and the chairmen of both Carrick and Kerrier district councils - singing "happy birthday" to Mr Varney who was celebrating his 55th birthday.
John Body was unanimously elected as deputy mayor, replacing councillor Gerald Chin-Quee who did not seek re-electon.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Varney spoke of the "partnership" within the town that was moving Falmouth forward. "The response from people out there is phenomenal," he said.
He thanked his partner and consort, Ann Trudgen, for always being at his side and being a "wonderful ambassador" for the town. Both had carried out more than 200 civic functions during the year.
He also thanked the council staff, in particular his assistant Emily Middleditch who he described as a "fantastic inspiration", and all the council's partners.
"This is not a one man Mike Varney show. I'm here as the figurehead but I cannot do it unless I've got the support of the council and all our partners out there. This is the Falmouth town show, for the people, and it's going to be led by this town council," he added.
"There is a buzz out there in the town," he added. The university and work at Falmouth Docks had meant a lot to the town, but now that had to be enhanced.
Much had been achieved over the past 12 months but there was more to do. "By working together there is no problem we cannot overcome. Let's work together and let's enjoy it."
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