Mayor must be held to account
I rejoice that someone has at last exposed the publicity generated by the elected mayor in our local media.
The letter from Bernard Fox ("I'm bracing myself for some bad news", Mercury Mailbox, October 3) was right to question the huge amount of publicity given by the Mercury and Radio Leicester to the proposals issued by Sir Peter Soulsby since he was elected.
The Mercury seems to bend over backwards to promote everything this politician does or says as being good for the city, without questioning who pays for these ideas?
On the other hand, BBC Radio Leicester has managed to put this politician on air more times, both before and since his election, than any other politician in the radio station's history. I would challenge anyone to disprove this statement.
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So how does all of this publicity help the taxpayers of Leicester?
I'd like to know the true cost of salary and expenses (allowances) of Sir Peter and his cabinet.
Radio Leicester said it would find out but, alas, we are still waiting.
One of the new mayor's supporters pointed out the number of potholes that have been filled.
I responded by inviting him to drive from Aylestone to Narborough Road South on Braunstone Lane East, along what is supposed to be a vehicle highway, and see for himself the quality that the first 100 potholes were dealt with.
It is apparently very easy for certain politicians to spend other people's money on schemes where there has been no public approval.
Surely the district auditor (if there still is one) should look at some of these undemocratic policies?
Jack Brooks, Leicester.
Ian Lambert ("Who sets policy?" Mercury Mailbox, October 1) and David Seddon ("All about mayor", Mercury Mailbox, October 2) squeak in futile rage about the work and achievements of our mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby.
What they do not realise is that, for the first time in many years, we have a leader who really does want to lead the city from the front. His determination and leadership can arguably be compared with that of Churchill.
Messrs Lambert and Seddon are, of course, entitled to their opinions. If both are so determined, they are free to stand for the office of mayor come the next elections – if they dare.
John Burrows, Humberstone.
I noticed a factual error in your article of September 28 about care homes ("A must-have helping hand if you are thinking about care").
It said: "If you are not satisfied with the response that you get, then you can complain to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) or social services, or a relative or advocate could do this for you. If you are funding your own care, you can also raise your concerns with the Local Government Ombudsman."
This is not quite right, and is likely to mislead your readers.
The Local Government Ombudsman handles all complaints about social care – the Care Quality Commission does not accept complaints. The paragraph should have said something like:
"If you are not satisfied with the response that you get, then you can complain to the Local Government Ombudsman. The LGO can look into your complaint, whether your care is arranged and funded by the council or by you."
The CQC is the regulator of care provision and carries out inspections of care homes.
It would help your readers if you could publish a correction, as this will direct them to the correct steps to take if they have a complaint about their adult social care.
Rob Rundle, Information Assistant, Local Government Ombudsman.
So here we are then, the aristocracy finally rule again, and the toffs from the playing fields of Eton are showing no mercy.
Ethics and altruism out of the window. Shatter the NHS, desecrate the greenbelt. Never mind the not-so-well-off, fill the coffers of the rich.
But don't let us complain against these yahoos. After all, we're only plebs.
Gordon Newton, Leicester.
Comments
by heisspartacus
Sunday, October 07 2012, 10:02AM
“by Nigel5
Friday, October 05 2012, 4:34PM
."He's definitely better than Martin Clunes in those adverts."
.
I know some people "have the ear" of Peter Soulsby, with Mr Clunes that might be a dangerous thing”
by Graham_LE8
Friday, October 05 2012, 8:32PM
“As the most prominent and arguably influential politician (in local terms) I would expect SPS to have significantly more coverage in the media - in fact I'd think there was something amiss if it wasn't the case.
Like graydjames, I too live outside the city boundaries, but have no qualms about adding my twopenn'orth either for or against his ambitions for the city - it is after all where I rely on for my employment and leisure, and of course many policies that the council pursue will affect me despite that lack of democratic accountability.
Many times in the past, previous strategies have suffered the ignominious fate of 'design by committee', consequently encompassing so many compromises they fail to actually meet any criteria from their original outline. In that respect the idea of a single visionary to forge a way forward is appealing, however the pronouncements so far this year, including such items as Jubilee Park, more pedestrianisation, or the Belgrave Flyover make me think we've either not got the 'checks and balances' right, or SPS isn't listening to them...”
by Nigel5
Friday, October 05 2012, 4:34PM
“He's definitely better than Martin Clunes in those adverts.”
by graydjames
Thursday, October 04 2012, 11:04PM
“I am not particularly an advocate for Sir Peter Soulsby. I don't even live in the City so, unlike some (Eastonian for example), I don't really think I have much right to either complain or praise. But what I do know is that the vile and outrageous vitriol that is spat at him daily from a majority of those who comment on these pages is an absolute disgrace.
If people have a good reason to argue against him then that is what they should do instead of using insulting, puerile nicknames to refer to him and then firing a volley of rude and vitriolic language which, quite frankly, is a sickening indictment of the standard of some people's mentality and overall level of behaviour. They know who they are.
One other thing. I find it odd that the letter writer should find it surprising, and presumably unacceptable, that the elected leader of the City is on Radio Leicester and featured in the Mercury more than any other politician. Of course he is, what would you expect?”
by mole74
Thursday, October 04 2012, 9:17PM
“The Mayor should be held to account, but it's unlikely he will be. Most of the usual local government checks and balances have gone since he was elected. We don't even know for sure if his nomination/election as Labour's candidate for Mayor (...way back in 2011 when Ed Milliband wanted a safe Labour seat for John Ashworth) was open and transparent.”
by Oh_come_on
Thursday, October 04 2012, 1:43PM
“by powellp
Thursday, October 04 2012, 1:00PM
."Comparing Peter Soulsby to Churchill..................you must be joking!
But for all those who are opposed the idea of the post of elected mayor, it only takes a petition signed by 5% of the electorate to force the council to hold a referendum."
.
I think we are all well that 5% of the electorate could force a referendum as it gets mentioned in the comments section at least once a week since his election. However the 5% do not seem to be forthcoming, take from that what you will..............”
by andymel
Thursday, October 04 2012, 1:26PM
“What they do not realise is that, for the first time in many years, we have a leader who really does want to lead the city from the front. His determination and leadership can arguably be compared with that of Churchill.
Oh Pleeeeease!!!!!”
by powellp
Thursday, October 04 2012, 1:00PM
“Comparing Peter Soulsby to Churchill..................you must be joking!
But for all those who are opposed the idea of the post of elected mayor, it only takes a petition signed by 5% of the electorate to force the council to hold a referendum.”
by JayBe11
Thursday, October 04 2012, 8:37AM
“"On the other hand, BBC Radio Leicester has managed to put this politician on air more times, both before and since his election, than any other politician in the radio station's history. I would challenge anyone to disprove this statement."
I think most would consider the onus to be on the writer to back it up.”
by spalding1944
Thursday, October 04 2012, 8:06AM
“John Burrows- re your comment about Pete being compared to Churchill ,I assume you are a comedian by trade. I could lead the city and spend money hand over fist that I had not got.”