If we want elected mayors, we need cities with greater democratic powers
HARRY Reid is correct to call for reform in the governance of Scotland's cities; however, it is less certain whether his proposal to do so solely through the creation of directly elected mayors is the right way to go about it ("Case for elected mayors in our cities", The Herald, January 29).
HARRY Reid is correct to call for reform in the governance of Scotland's cities; however, it is less certain whether his proposal to do so solely through the creation of directly elected mayors is the right way to go about it (\"Case for elected mayors in our cities\", The Herald, January 29).
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Before considering such a step, it would be essential to examine the powers and responsibilities which the municipality should have, on the basis that the greater the mayor's authority is, the better the quality of individual who would be attracted to stand for election. In the cases quoted by Harry Reid, it is unlikely that Boris Johnson would have suspended his parliamentary ambitions to replace David Cameron to be mayor of Henley-on-Thames, or that Michael Bloomberg, pictured, would have stood for mayor of New York City had the post been a figurehead only.
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If we want elected mayors, we need cities with greater democratic powers
HARRY Reid is correct to call for reform in the governance of Scotland's cities; however, it is less certain whether his proposal to do so solely through the creation of directly elected mayors is the right way to go about it ("Case for elected mayors in our cities", The Herald, January 29).
Before considering such a step, it would be essential to examine the powers and responsibilities which the municipality should have, on the basis that the greater the mayor's authority is, the better the quality of individual who would be attracted to stand for election. In the cases quoted by Harry Reid, it is unlikely that Boris Johnson would have suspended his parliamentary ambitions to replace David Cameron to be mayor of Henley-on-Thames, or that Michael Bloomberg, pictured, would have stood for mayor of New York City had the post been a figurehead only.
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We moderate all comments on HeraldScotland on either a pre-moderated or post-moderated basis. If you're a relatively new user then your comments will be reviewed before publication and if we know you well then your comments will be subject to moderation only if other users or the moderators believe you've broken the rules, which are available here.
Moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours. Please be patient if your posts are not approved instantly.
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