Powers should have been set out precisely

AS a long-term supporter of the concept of elected mayors for major cities, I am reasonably happy with the yes vote in the Bristol Referendum. I can, however, appreciate the reservations of the no campaigners. The powers of prospective mayors are ill-defined in the government's primary legislation.

I think the more extreme fears of those who opposed an elected mayor are probably groundless, but they have been highlighted by legislative inadequacy.

The powers of elected mayors should have been precisely set out in a nationally introduced model constitution for elected mayors, including sufficient flexibility to meet the particular needs of individual councils. Specifically such a constitution should have included; provision for the mayoral budget, or major financial proposal, to be vetoed by a two thirds majority of councillors; a requirement for the mayor to choose his or her cabinet from the majority party of councillors, or after intensive consultation with party group leaders in a hung council; there should also be a right of impeachment so that a majority of councillors could if necessary depose an elected mayor who proved to be incompetent or a rogue.

I hope it will prove possible when a mayor has been elected for him or her to draw up a constitutional agreement on the above lines, after full discussion with the public and city councillors. I shall be asking the mayoral candidates if they will support my proposals, including those appearing at the hustings being held by my own political party.

Arthur Massey

WE are eagerly awaiting the appointment of an elected mayor in the hope that he or she will grasp the nettle and sort out the appalling traffic and litter problems in our city so Bristol can take its rightful place amongst the finest cities in England.

Carri Baxendale

Bristol

SO we are to have an elected mayor and we wish him well with his magic wand and our money.

Most people I have spoken to didn't have a clue which way to vote due to lack of or no information.

One person thought it was only one person involved and I told him the mayor would come with an entourage of well-paid civil servants.

We have elections to vote in our council and run the city. Are we as council tax payers paying twice or do we get rid of some of the councillors?

Oh for councils of yesteryear who did the jobs voluntarily for the sake of the city. Let's live in hope – watch this space.

Norman Fowler

Bristol

portable storage storage facilities mini storage