"Our democracy in this Village is more vital because of you" - Niki A

When I was first appointed Trustee back in September 2009, I learned that I would have to “run for office” the following March. I had no idea what that entailed but was told that the scariest thing I would have to do is be interviewed by Vanessa Merton.

In an effort to find out who this super scary person was, I asked some people to describe her: “brilliant” said one person, “intimidating” said another … and the list of impressive adjectives began to add up … “hard-core”, “rigorous”, “no-nonsense”, “persistent”, “relentless” and even “terrifying.”

So you can imagine, the “theory of Vanessa” loomed large in my mind … but when we finally met, I found her to be thoughtful, honest, fair, passionately committed to justice and a person of deep integrity.

It was always fascinating to learn Vanessa’s thoughts (which she shared readily!), irrespective of whether we agreed, as she would predictably add a delicious morsel of historical and legal context that had eluded me.

Vanessa knew our village through and through, and you only needed to listen to her talk about Hastings once or twice to be clear she loved it here.

Vanessa, you are a true inspiration, and our democracy in this Village is more vital because of you!

Sending all love,
Niki A