When I was in New York some three years ago, discussion of what the mayor was doing was part of everyday conversation, as much for as against.

I heard talk in the street, on the subway, in the bars and at the diners. There was even a Mayoral TV Channel. New Yorkers wanted to know, and had a great interest in, what was happening in their city.

Can anyone see the day when the people of Brighton and Hove excitedly talk about the "improved committee" system in McDonald's?

-Michael Fisher, Kings Road, Brighton