Minutes:
Councillor Doug Taylor paid tribute to Jeff Rodin, former councillor, former Leader of the Labour Group, former Leader of the Council and freeman of the borough.
He began by saying that Jeff Rodin had been an embodiment of civic life and he felt it was therefore appropriate to pay tribute to him on this occasion. A memorial event would also be held later in the year.
Jeff Rodin had been a councillor from 1986 to 2010 and leader of the first Labour administration for 26 years. He had given up his time to serve the community to make a difference: “to dare is to do”. He was a politician with principles who believed in fairness and redistribution and was dedicated to the abolition of need and want. When he became leader in 1994 his clear focus had been combatting poverty, making a difference to individuals, families and groups in the borough.
Since leaving the Council, Jeff had continued to make a contribution to society through his work with the Citizens Advice Bureau, Community Transport and the Over 50’s Forum.
His unexpected early death had been met with great sadness but Councillor Taylor hoped that all who knew him would acknowledge his achievement, contribution and worth. And that he would live on personal memories. Enfield was a better place because he had lived here.
Councillor Taylor thanked Jeff’s family for coming along that evening.
Councillor Neville also paid tribute.
Councillor Neville said that this was a sad occasion and that he had been stunned when he had hear about his death as he had not heard that Jeff Rodin was unwell. He had known Jeff for a long time, since he had first joined the Council.
Although he had taken a different view in politics, he had respected Jeff Rodin as a highly principled man who held to his principles. Both parties were in politics to strive to do something to address people’s problems, the problems of poverty, fairness and equality, but they believed in different means to do so.
Both had agreed on the introduction of Cabinet government, the new model of governance which had been bought in in 1998. It was fitting that they liked each other.
He felt that Jeff Rodin had been a good man who did what he believed to be right.
Councillor Achilleas Georgiou added his own tribute saying he was pleased that Jeff Rodin’s wife and family were present that evening. Jeff Rodin had been proud of Enfield which had much going for it. Jeff had wanted to improve the borough and there was much to admire. It was thanks to Jeff that the borough had the Southbury Leisure Centre, the Cinema on Southbury Road, the redevelopment of Edmonton Green and Community House. These developments had been achieved because of Jeff’s vision, leadership and courage.
Councillor Georgiou praised Jeff’s conviction and belief in social justice, fairness and equality, also mentioning his volunteer work at the Citizens Advice Bureau and his free tax advice. He had a desire to make the world a better place and had changed the lives of the people of Enfield for the better.
A minute’s silence was held in memory of Jeff Rodin.