Twelve Good Reasons to vote No to an elected Mayor

An elected Mayor in Birmingham would give too much power to one person. This is un-British.

The time-honoured position of Lord Mayor would be diminished and the valued civic role threatened.

The role of councillors would be diminished and the City Council would probably be shrunk.

There is no need for an elected Mayor. Chamberlain's success was as a councillor with the committee system. He succeeded because the council had powers which governments have since taken away.

The Council Leader is paid £66,000. An elected Mayor would demand at least £100,000 - possibly £200,000 - all from your taxes.

Birmingham is different to London where the Boroughs do the hard work delivering basic services. Boris has little to do except grandstand.

Elected Mayors have four years to do what they like and even if incompetent cannot be got rid of.

An elected Mayor would be easily lobbied by vested interests - as foreign experience shows.

An elected Mayor could employ unelected deputies at large salaries without the public having a say.

An elected Mayor could be a compulsive globetrotter - at your expense.

Elected Mayors don't produce more efficient Local Government. Under Chamberlain Birmingham was described as "the best governed city in the world".

The May 3rd referendum will cost £250,000 which the Government bills to you. Don't add to the waste by voting yes.