Bristol mayoral referendum: Post's rallying cry to voters

THE Post today issues a clarion call to voters across the city to go to the polls for the referendum on whether the city should have a directly elected mayor.
In a page one comment piece The Post backs the "Yes" campaign but urges all 300,000 eligible voters in the city to have their say - whatever their view:


TODAY'S mayoral referendum puts our great city at a political crossroads. And we will decide which road it takes.
We must seize the opportunity to do so.
One route – a 'no' vote which keeps Bristol's current councillor-run system of local government – is well travelled and predictable. We've been where it goes.
The other – a 'yes' vote for an elected mayor – looks new and inviting but bends quickly out of view. We don't know where it goes.
Which is why it is easy to be convinced to vote no, to be suspicious of change. Especially when the concept of an elected mayor is being portrayed as undemocratic and expensive by its opponents.
This paper happens to believe it is time to take the new road. Time for a change in the way this city is run. That is not a politically motivated view. It is what we think is best for Bristol. But that is not our message today. Our message today is simple – use your vote.
This is a vote that will set Bristol's political agenda for the future. And whatever Bristol decides, it is vital that as many of its citizens as possible are part of the process.
Because one thing is certain. At this moment, we do not know who will lead our city on one of its most important journeys ever, out of the worst recession for generations.
Bristol's current leader, the leader of the ruling Liberal Democrat group Barbara Janke, is stepping down.
Today, Bristol will essentially decide how Ms Janke is replaced. If Bristolians vote no to an elected mayor, the city's leader will be decided by 30 members of Ms Janke's party, behind closed doors.
If Bristol votes yes today, then the city will elect a mayor in November and all 300,000 of Bristol's voters will get the opportunity to have a say in who that person is.
We happen to prefer those statistics but will respect and support whatever decision Bristolians make.
Yes or no, please have a say in this momentous vote. Make the effort. Engage. Opt-in. Do not leave this choice to someone else.

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