Will having an elected mayor improve the ability of all of us to work together to solve the crucial problems that affect our city's prosperity?

Or will having one damage that aim? We must have an open and honest argument across the city.

An elected mayor will not be "free to do whatever they like", as Councillor Taylor and others claim.

An elected mayor will have to negotiate his or her budget through full council and have the backing of full council for overall strategy on, for instance, transport or education.

Full council will have the right to require a mayor to return to it for agreement on "key decisions".

The council will remain the ultimate source of authority. However, an elected mayor fills a void that currently exists because he or she will be able to create a vision for the city and give the leadership to implement it.

According to The Argus, I have a personal stake in this debate. But I think it would be wrong for anyone to declare an interest in a post not yet created. Roll on a November referendum, when the people can decide.

-Simon Fanshawe, Brighton