The vexed subject of how our local authorities should be run was raised in a thought-provoking column by Andy Maciver last week, in which he argued that metro mayors should be introduced, along with some consolidation of smaller councils.
Read that article here.
Today one of the most celebrated figures in Scottish council history contends that we should be looking at the key role Lord Provosts can play.
Dr Michael Kelly of Glasgow writes: "Ad the issue of metro mayors for Scotland moves inexorably up the political agenda, it is worth reminding those Glaswegians who may be nervous about the proposal that a model, if not a precedent, exists.
"The position of Lord Provost, is, yes, filled through an indirect election by sitting councillors choosing one of their number. However, by tradition and expectation, the person so elected moves away from party politician to representative of the whole city. Those who have sought fully to exert the influence this confers have been able, despite the lack of any political powers, to use the office for the promotion and general good of the city.
"This, to me, is the essential characteristic that has made metro mayors such a success and why those judged to have worked for their communities are, in the main, re-elected irrespective of party label.
"To the respect that such a position in a new Greater Glasgow would command, add the effective powers that would be allocated to the office and one can see why it will be such a powerful tool in restoring pride in the city and inspiring the private sector to co-operate in economic regeneration.
"As flesh is put on this proposal, one political problem that must be addressed is the apprehension the peripheral local authorities might feel at any intrusion by the 'big city'. As one who has chosen exile in well-run East Renfrewshire I would meet this concern by creating a Greater Glasgow with defined powers of economic strategy and planning while strengthening the existing smaller councils with increased funding. This would allow them to execute enhanced devolved functions under local democracy which is a role they already perform effectively; more effectively, certainly, than the current set-up in rubbish-littered Glasgow which is long overdue for change."
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