Mayor wants second concurrent term

Question

The current mayor wants to mayor again because of the Jubilee. The only reason we had the same mayor and deputy mayor previously was because of COVID. I wouldn’t have an issue with her being mayor a second consecutive term if it weren’t for the following:

1. We are having to repeatedly bring up that she is breaking laws and it’s gotten so bad that she now doesn’t allow people to quote laws that we all must follow during meetings.

2. She was mayor a few years ago and I think it’s good to have different people be mayor and deputy.

3. We are using panels to decide things illegally. I am having to bring this up during questions at Full Council because my repeated attempts to advise everyone that decisions made in secret and not at an actual meeting are not legal.
4. During one meeting, she felt so ill (she is very old and ill) that the deputy mayor just took over the meeting. She sat there and didn’t even ask for a vote for someone else charing it. I don’t know if this is legal or even normal. Just that it was plain odd. It was because she was too ill to chair but well enough to attend.
Any ideas on how I can convince Councillors sitting on the fence besides pointing out the illegality (which many know but just don’t care) of the panel system making decisions committees should. Is there anything really good about having a new mayor. I don’t want to be mean and say you are too old and ill.

Answer 1

The Mayor ( or Chair) is an elected position by the council members. The election should be based on the abilities and suitability of the proposed candidate and not because they want to or are the only person wanting to. For someone who has served in the position before their performance in the duty must be considered as councillors owe it to the community they serve to supply the best person for the job without exception. A Mayor is the public face and a reflection on the council ( and community) they are elected to represent.

So it is for you to decide who should take that position. Why not stand yourself?

Comments

Thank you. I intend to.

Answer 2

Funnily enough your question has a far wider context than just Mayors as I’ve lost count of the number of Councillors I’ve met who want the status of the role but not the responsibilities
The democratic process should prevent this happening but alas it doesn’t  mainly because of apathy

Answer 3

Being a Mayor(Chair) is a responsible role and should go to the person who intends to do the role properly. If the Mayor can't follow the laws and procedures then who can! They should go for that reason alone. I'm just about to finish my second term as Mayor after being Deputy Mayor for a year. I was asked to do another term by my Deputy who did not feel ready to be Mayor and wanted to do more training, I was unanimously voted in. I have put my heart and soul into the role and attended every training course available whilst Deputy.  If your current Mayor is so bad then surely some of your fellow Councillors will recognise this and vote for someone else that stands? I appreciate it's difficult if those Councillors are sitting on the fence but try and get someone suitable to stand, if not yourself, and encourage them to support that candidate.

I'm 'old' myself and have two chronic health problems. I've managed to do the role properly for the two years but recognise that my health does not allow me to do the role again even if I was asked to. It needs someone how has the time, strength and integrity to do it properly. Good luck.