Critics of the elected mayor are failing to address the key issue of democracy.

At present, a small number of councillors have the right to select the leader of the council. The Yes campaign seeks to extend that right to 200,000 electors.

The No campaign believes councillors should keep that to themselves. They are protecting their rights at the expense of the electorate's rights.

The other problem is falling turnouts and the decline in the standing of local government. We cannot go on with councils elected on just 25 per cent of the electors.

In Europe and the US, local elections attract turnouts of as much as 85 per cent of voters.

This suggests a healthy interest - we need some of that here to get support to tackle the big issues.

As for too much power resting with one person, can that be true when the legislation ensures the mayor will have to work with councillors, the local cabinet and the community stakeholders, much as the leader does now?

The difference is, the elected mayor will have a mandate to carry out a programme and also be accountable to his her party.

The Yes campaign is driven by a strong commitment to public service.

Strong mayors the world over have made great strides to clean up cities previously in decline.

Elected mayors are there to strengthen both democracy and public service together with the people. Or, if you like, to put people power into government.

-Steve Bassam, Yes For A City Mayor