Page 3 - link magazine

swindonlink.com • June 2008 3

Should Swindon have its own Boris, Brian or a Ken?

Why can’t the people be asked if they want an elected mayor?
Swindonians are not able to choose the person who runs the town because Swindon Council’s affairs are
in the hands of a collection of councillors from one party which controls the seats around the cabinet table,
jockeying for position and pulling the strings of power.
In April the Institute of Public mayors have overseen important present you vote in each ward for
Policy Research (IPPR) published improvements in council perfor- a councillor and the party with the Serving Swindon
a report looking at the success of mance. most form the cabinet. People be-
elected mayors since they were In 2001 Martha Parry of the New come more engaged in civic affairs for 90 years
introduced eight years ago, sug- Mechanics’ Trust told The Link that, if there is a named person elected to Legal problems?
gesting that Central Government having grown up in Cleveland, take responsibility for council mat-
force local councils to put the idea USA, she supported the idea of an ters, somebody who has to stand or We have the answers
before the electorate. elected mayor. She would still like fall on their record of serving the
Yet we’ve been here before. The a referendum on the matter. “At whole community. Telephone 526601
June 2001 Link was the only local “You have to wonder why www.morrisonandmasters.co.uk
media that highlighted the idea. But Steve takes over Swindon has remained a two star Morrison & Masters Ltd
the then Labour controlled council’s council for the last three years,
consultation on having elected may- one of 17 local authorities stuck at
ors, as required by government, was that level.” CYCLe rePAIrS
half hearted and distinctly biased. North Swindon MP Michael
The exercise was shrouded in se- Wills said he’s keen for Swindon Free collection
crecy and was designed to preserve Council to again look at having & delivery from
the status quo. an elected mayor and considers
However the experience in the a referendum. “The IPPR report home or work
13 towns which have opted for an spells out that elected mayors could ★ Servicing & repairs
elected mayor has been positive, help give a stronger personality to ★ New cycles
Over 25 yrs
even though the media latched politics in the town and offer more experience ★ Parts & accessories
onto ‘Robocop’ in Middlesborough authority and accountability to the
and Hangus the local football club council.” SAfety Alert
mascot who got himself elected Under legislation 5 per cent of bikes bought on the internet
in Hartlepool. The IPPR says that the population is needed to force a or mail order must be checked
providing a name and a face to the Toothill and Westlea councillor referendum on the question. before ridden. cAll NOW
actions of a council has provided Steve Wakefield, who lives in •What do you think of the idea of an
more accountability to local lead- Middleleaze, took over for a year as elected mayor? Would you be inter- FOr FAst, FrieNdlY service
ership. Mayor of Swindon on 16 May. Read ested petitioning a referendum? Phil Mitchell: 874873 day or eve.
There is also evidence that elected his profile at swindonlink.com Mail: [email protected] or 07850 650956 (mobile)

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