After 36 years of commitment, the mayor of this commune in Vendée resigns

Even if rumors were already circulating in the town, the announcement made by Dominique Durand, mayor of Nieul-le-Dolentat the end of his wishesSaturday January 18, surprised more than one. He indeed ended his speech thus: “These wishes are an opportunity to announce to you my intention to hand over, in the coming months, the baton of my mandate as mayor.”

A carefully considered decision that he had already discussed in 2020 with his deputies. She was confirmed in her remarks in the municipal bulletin distributed the following week to Nieulais homes.

36 ans d’engagement

Dominique Durand, » after 36 years of commitment to the municipal council including 19 years as 1st assistant to Joseph Merceron, then 11 years as mayor “, thus wishes to ensure a smooth transition until the next municipal elections, in 2026: “I am not leaving out of weariness or for health reasons, but to allow my successor to gradually take office”.

“Experience something else”

Aged 70 this year, he feels the desire to experience something else: “My family life will not be disrupted, but it will be a new life, with family, and another way of managing my free time, with several personal projects in mind. »

The first councilor recounted all the exaltation of his commitment, without any bitterness: “It was for me a great honor to serve our commune for 36 years, I leave my place being satisfied to have made my contribution to the building municipal. The role of mayor is as demanding as it is fulfilling, through the relationship that is created with the residents: being mayor means representing, listening to and serving the residents of your municipality. It's a demanding function. You have to be constantly present, touch on all areas, move from one subject to another constantly and know how to evolve in an increasingly complex normative system. With more or less pleasant moments like managing conflicts, or even painful ones when you have to break bad news to families.”

Actor in the development of his territory

He also spoke of “the pride of being an actor in the planning and development of his municipality, carrying out projects that bring people together and building his territory. Of course, we cannot always all agree, but what is most important is to always act in the interest of the greatest number.”

He thanked those around him: “A dynamic, committed municipal team, elected officials and administrative and technical staff”, as well as the Nielese population, “mostly conciliatory and tolerant”.

Advisor until the end of the mandate

With an optimistic conclusion from the future municipal retiree: “I will continue to work within the council and the community of municipalities until the end of the mandate. Then, I will always be happy to meet you, in the streets of Nieul or during events. »

The date for handing over the mandate has not yet been set; the municipal council will have to appoint his successor. “For my part, I give my full support to Emmanuel Ferré.”

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