Simon Fanshawe is a wise man not to be aiming to become an executive city mayor (September 4).

Imagine the abuse such an elected mayor would be subjected to, as illustrated to some extent over the years in The Argus letter columns towards Lord Bassam and Councillor Bodfish.

Only a character similar to Al Capone or Lord Jeffrey Archer could survive or afford the campaign costs.

Is it not prudent to continue to allow all democratically-elected councillors to annually elect a non-political civic mayor, while updating the committee system?

So vote No in the referendum.

-John Stanaway, Lorna Road, Hove