The argument in favour of an elected mayor is the chronic apathy we show regarding local affairs, except when some aspect of "nimbyism" is involved; 30 per cent turnout at election time is hardly "democracy in action".
It has happened in London and to accuse Ken Livingston of despotism is laughable.
This indifference is now spreading to national affairs. Having to concentrate on a person could well stimulate interest in local affairs and we would know who was responsible for decisions, unlike anonymous "committees".
As we move towards such a system we might at the same time invite Brighton and Hove Council into our homes via a web site so the busy and the elderly can watch their representatives in action in the comfort of their homes rather than trudging all the way into town and sitting on cold, hard benches in Victorian gloom.
-Reg Jenkins, Hove
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