CALLS for a consultation about holding a referendum on Lewisham's directly-elected mayoral system have been rejected.
A joint motion, put forward by Liberal Democrat Councillor Mark Morris and Green Party leader Councillor Darren Johnson, was voted down at full council last week.
The motion stated the "council believes after five years of the current system the people of Lewisham should now have the opportunity to consider whether an elected mayor is the best method of delivering local government within the borough."
The Socialists and Conservatives were also involved in the drafting of the motion.
When there was a referendum in Lewisham in October 2001, 16,822 residents voted in favour of an elected mayor, with 15,914 votes against.
The vote had an 18-per-cent turnout.
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At the meeting on April 18, Cllr Morris said: "What the motion is setting out to do is to start the process of people being consulted over whether they really want to continue with an executive mayor.
"I believe it is now time such a consultation is necessary."
Lewisham Mayor Steve Bullock told the meeting a very good example of democracy in action was when the electorate voted him back in at last May's elections.
He said: "This is political posturing, nothing more, nothing less."
Cllr Morris added: "If we
are wrong, what is your worry?
"There are some good things which have happened in the borough.
"But what is the unique thing which has come
about because of the mayoral
system?"
After a lengthy debate from all political parties in the council chambers at the Civic Suite, Catford, the motion was rejected by a vote of 28 to 24.
Mr Bullock added: "I now hope everyone can concentrate on doing the best for residents, rather than campaigning to undermine the democratic will of the Lewisham electorate."
S. Bullock (£70k pa) has appointed a deputy mayor (£50k pa) Total wages £120k pa. The Council tax for the 36 flats in Mandarin Court is £83 per month. If all residents are paying full council tax it would take 3 years and 3 months to pay one years salary for these two mayoral posts. I doubt if we are getting value for money.
S. Bullock (£70k pa) has appointed a deputy mayor (£50k pa) Total wages £120k pa. The Council tax for the 36 flats in Mandarin Court is £83 per month. If all residents are paying full council tax it would take 3 years and 3 months to pay one years salary for these two mayoral posts. I doubt if we are getting value for money.
Posted by: Martin Quinlan, SE14 on 9:29am Fri 20 Apr 07
I would like Mayor Steve Bullock to explain how campaigning to hold a second referendum, given the poor turnout and wafer-thin margin of the first, can possibly be seen [italic]"to undermine the democratic will of the Lewisham electorate."[/italic]
Its comments like this that lead people to question the value of having so much power concentrated in the hands of one person.
I would like Mayor Steve Bullock to explain how campaigning to hold a second referendum, given the poor turnout and wafer-thin margin of the first, can possibly be seen "to undermine the democratic will of the Lewisham electorate."
Its comments like this that lead people to question the value of having so much power concentrated in the hands of one person.
Posted by: Ben Moss, Lewisham on 12:28pm Fri 20 Apr 07
Dear Sir/Madam,
What happened to Democracy, public service and accountability?
Having just read your article published today on the subject of the Directly Elected Mayoral System, and having read the statement made by Mayor Bullock: ( "I now hope that everyone can concentrate on doing the best for Lewisham residents rather than campaigning to undermine the democratic will of the Lewisham electorate.")
I felt Compelled to share my frustrations with your readers.
Your Article mentioned the fact that the original ‘Mandate’ was carried by 908 votes. You also mention the fact that a mere 18% of the Electorate participated. This being the case, how on earth can this be described as the “Democratic will” of Lewisham by anyone, who is neither a fool or grossly dishonest?
What does it say about our society that our elected representatives pursue their own interests with such contempt for the interests of those they are paid to represent? Furthermore, this would seem not to be isolated to our Mayor either. I have found that writing to (twice) my M.P (Bridget Prentice) has become an exercise in being ignored. Can anybody tell me if this has become official Labour policy? Have we sunk so far as to have entered a ‘Post Democratic’ stage in our history?
Is it any wonder that election turnout continues to dwindle away to such low levels?
Dear Sir/Madam,
What happened to Democracy, public service and accountability?
Having just read your article published today on the subject of the Directly Elected Mayoral System, and having read the statement made by Mayor Bullock: ( "I now hope that everyone can concentrate on doing the best for Lewisham residents rather than campaigning to undermine the democratic will of the Lewisham electorate.")
I felt Compelled to share my frustrations with your readers.
Your Article mentioned the fact that the original ‘Mandate’ was carried by 908 votes. You also mention the fact that a mere 18% of the Electorate participated. This being the case, how on earth can this be described as the “Democratic will” of Lewisham by anyone, who is neither a fool or grossly dishonest?
What does it say about our society that our elected representatives pursue their own interests with such contempt for the interests of those they are paid to represent? Furthermore, this would seem not to be isolated to our Mayor either. I have found that writing to (twice) my M.P (Bridget Prentice) has become an exercise in being ignored. Can anybody tell me if this has become official Labour policy? Have we sunk so far as to have entered a ‘Post Democratic’ stage in our history?
Is it any wonder that election turnout continues to dwindle away to such low levels?
I hope the enclosed link to this website is useful and provides people with further information on this important issue.
Cllr Mark Morris
[bold]http://www.bringbackdemocracy.org.uk/bbd_press_release.asp[/bold]
I hope the enclosed link to this website is useful and provides people with further information on this important issue.
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