Elected mayors - good idea?

[venator]

Salford Council has been forced to hold a referendum on whether the mayor should be elected.

http://www.democracyf...force-referendum.html

At the moment, it's pretty well Buggin's turn - sit there long enough, then you're mayor just before you retire.

An elected mayor could have a better public profile, and could sell Salford.

Does anyone have any experience in this area?

[Mosaic]

Erm - do you have receipts for this salford you're selling sir?
No seriously I agree. Our local political parties hoist their own Napoleon pigs up the flagpole every so often and pretend it's of interest to anyone. It's hardly any wonder nobody bothers to vote.

[mike11111]

We have one - not a good idea in my book. Formerly the office of mayor was purely ceremonial. An elected mayor has political power. Three years ago the conservatives held an absolute majority on the council but the Labour mayor had enough support to force his policies through despite this. Now the boot is on the other foot - we have a conservative mayor ruling with minority support.

[sandyRoe]

Red Ken and Bojo have both shown that the power of patronage is still strong.

[Eve]

I lived in Salford for a good few years and couldn't even tell you who the Mayor was, no idea!

[venator]

Hmmm - I seem to agree with everyone here - perhaps there's no right answer?

[venator]

Mosaic - If you buy Salford, I'll give you a receipt - but what would you do with it?

Best offer of 10p ono. will secure.