As the end of my first year in power at Staffordshire County Council draws near I have been reflecting on what a memorable 12 months it has been.
While national politicians have been on a roller coaster ride, locally we have been finding our feet.
My top priority is, and always has been, the health, wealth and happiness of the people of this county.
It is during times of national turmoil that we are able to pull together to find a way to rise like a phoenix from the ashes and become stronger and more successful than ever.
As Leader of the county council it is my job to help to make this dream a reality.
We have done many things over the last 12 months to support the county’s residents during these troubled times.
The economy boosting community volunteers programme has had a really positive impact with 127 people signing up to the initiative and an impressive 21 people gaining jobs or entering into full time education thanks to the skills they have learnt.
We also announced the lowest ever increase in council tax, with a rise of just 1.9%, and have frozen the rents at our 13 business centres to give small to medium sized firms a helping hand.
We are also encouraging schools to look at different models of governance and giving them greater diversity in how they are run.
Social care services are increasingly being tailored to give people a more freedom and choice in how they live their lives.
The discovery of the Staffordshire Hoard was an unexpected and major highlight of our first year in power.
The Hoard, which contains more than 1,500 objects including 5kg of gold and 1.3kg of silver, attracted interest from around the world and has really put Staffordshire on the international map.
The treasure is now being showcased at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery and the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
It really has been an exciting first year and I am looking forward to another positive and productive 12 months.