COPELAND BOROUGH COUNCIL LEADER HAS NO MANDATE! 0.97% is a tiny percentage, and seems insignificant; yet an estimated 70,600 people in Copeland have had to live with the results of it since 2011. 0.97% is the mandate that Cllr Elaine Woodburn has, to shape Copeland, and implement policy. 0.97% is not a mandate. It makes a mockery of local government, and enslaves the community to an inequitable regime. 0.97% of 70,600 is 685. This is the number of people that voted for Cllr Elaine Woodburn during the 2011 election. Is it right, that someone with a mandate of 0.97% of the population, should represent the interests of 70,600 people? WE SAY, VOTE FOR CHANGE The time has come to give a suitable mandate to a leader of Copeland Borough Council, so that they are truly representative of the local population. The current system of local government, where one person holds so much power, with less than one percent of the Copeland population voting for them is plainly wrong. Independent charity, The Institute for Government, has analysed the performance of the mayoral system since its introduction in the UK, and evidence overwhelmingly indicates that the Elected Mayor system of government is beneficial to the public. We urge the electorate to vote for an Elected Mayor in the Copeland Referendum. An Elected Mayor will bring democracy to an area that is desperate for fairness, transparency, and accountability. It is time for change. ELECTED MAYOR FACTS: An Elected Mayor will have the same powers as the current leader of Copeland Borough Council, and is not “all powerful” as some opponents of the role have suggested. An Elected Mayor would replace the current leader of Copeland Borough Council. Councillor Woodburn would revert to being an ordinary Councillor. An Elected Mayor will serve a four year term, and cannot be removed from office, unless under certain circumstances. This is also the case for all Councillors. An Elected Mayor will be chosen by the public, every four years. A political party currently selects the leader of Copeland Borough Council. NOTES: The campaign for a Directly Elected Mayor, for Copeland was launched during October 2013. 2,777 signatures on an Elected Mayor Petition was required to compel Copeland Borough Council to carry out a referendum. On 21st January 2014, a petition, containing 3,850 signatures, was submitted to Copeland Borough Council, requesting a referendum. On the 14th February, Copeland Borough Council posted official notification of the referendum, which is to take place on the 22nd May 2014. If the referendum results in a yes vote, an election for a Mayor may take place on 16th October. Discussions are ongoing with government to move the date to May 2015.
Posted on: Thu, 13 Mar 2014 09:46:43 +0000