SAY NO TO ELECTED MAYOR

On 3rd May you also have the chance to vote in a referendum for an elected mayor for Newcastle. Denton Activist Kevin Brown says: "An elected mayor is the wrong approach for Newcastle - it puts too much power in the hands of one person, it costs much more and there's just no evidence that mayors perform better for their areas.

Beware so-called "strong" leaders - they can go native or become full of their own self-importance. It would take two-thirds of Council members to overturn a mayor's decisions, much more than the 50% for a Council Leader - or even the Prime Minister. It's not right. David Cameron is imposing this referendum and is desperate for Newcastle to have our own Boris, who is a joke to many.

Councils without mayors are better performing according to independent regulators and better rated by their citizens than those with mayors.
The Quayside regeneration and developments like the Eldon Square extension, new museums and libraries and the Angel of the North happened on Tyneside through great civic leadership but without mayors. Newcastle already has a Lord Mayor, mostly ceremonial and non-political. It would continue even with an elected mayor. But two mayors? It's a recipe for confusion.

Finally, the COST - £200-250,000 for the referendum; £200-250,000 for a mayoral election; at least £100,000 for a full time Mayor and staff, much more than a Leader currently costs. It's a waste of money."

Find out more at www.nonewcastlemayor.org.uk