Question time 'Meet the Mayor' session is a hit with public
Members of the public have quizzed the city's newly-elected Mayor on issues ranging from health problems to playgrounds.
Sir Peter Soulsby held his first Meet the Mayor event at the Clock Tower on Saturday.
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He was joined by deputy mayor Rory Palmer and his six assistant mayors as they answered questions from a steady stream of passers-by.
Sir Peter, who was at the Clock Tower from about 11am until 12.30pm, said: "It's been an amazing success and people having been coming up to me with a range of issues, from health through to play facilities in the city.
"It's been a varied bunch of people as well. There's been young and old, and people from all backgrounds.
"Now, we've got to think about going to other areas of the city and talking to communities there."
One of the people at the event was Sandra Lucille, 64, from Stoneygate, Leicester, who said she wanted to raise awareness of ME and the lack of care for sufferers.
She said: "I've lived with ME for 14 years and there is currently nothing in the city specifically for the treatment of ME.
"I've been talking to Peter about what he plans to do and he's going to arrange for me to have a meeting with one his deputies."
Trevor Locke, editor of the online magazine Arts in Leicestershire, asked Sir Peter about the future of arts and culture in the city.
He said: "The future of the city's economy lies in the arts. At the end of the day, it's the creative industries which are going to bring in the most money for this city. I think Peter understands."
Jason Wood, 32, from Western Park, said: "I think it's a brilliant idea and it should be taken to other parts of the city, not just the centre.
"People should be able to give their views on how the city is run and I think this is a good way of doing that."
Among the assistant mayors at the event was Councillor Sarah Russell.
She said: "We're really open here. I thought it would be tough and people would give us a hard time.
"But actually people have been really responsive and they've been talking to us about the things which affect them.
"Being here today gives out a strong message that we're not shut behind closed doors and that we're accessible to everyone."
Fellow assistant mayor Councillor Manjula Sood said: "I have had a lot of people asking a variety of questions about a variety of issues.
"They have been asking about issues such as school admissions, employment and provisions for disabled people. We have done our best to answer any questions today, and we've taken names and contact details so we can follow up any unanswered issues."
11 Comments
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by m, le3
Tuesday, May 17 2011, 7:45AM
“@P Bruinvels, The Towers, Leicester :D”
by P Bruinvels, The Towers, Leicester
Tuesday, May 17 2011, 7:11AM
“I think it is utterly disgusting that taxpayers should have to fork out petrol money or parking fees just to see our so-called "elected" representatives. Typical of LieBore and their cronies that we, are hardworking, silent majority have to drag ourselves into the city centre on a saturday when we could be watching TV or enjoying a full english (if I'm allowed to call it that - thanks a lot PC Euro do-gooders!!!) cooked by the Good Lady Wife (I suppose that's sexist too?!?). When I am going to get a personal visit from the mayor and a committment that he will actually get his hands dirty and fill in the potholes badgers have made in my lawn? I'll tell you - NEVER! So much for democracy.”
by Pappu, Belgrave
Monday, May 16 2011, 9:27PM
“At least SPS and team have the courage to face to public openly, and listen to their problems. I do hope that they are not listening problems, but also take action to resolve them. Can SPS and team visit Belgrave area and see rubish on Melton Road, Harrison Road and side streets linked these two roads. Our local councillors do not bother at all.”
by Kulgan, Crydee
Monday, May 16 2011, 4:23PM
“@David,
It maybe a publicity stunt, it may not be. Only time will tell.
You said "How can anyone bring an issue if they did not know about the event?"
Perhaps if they read the LM on:
Tuesday 10 May:
http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/news/Mayor-unveils-cabinet-council-decision-makers/article-3537090-detail/article.html
or
Friday 13 May:
http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/news/chance-meet-Mayor/article-3552677-detail/article.html
Just a couple of times there was advance notification of the event.”
by Michael, Market Harborough
Monday, May 16 2011, 4:12PM
“Talks cheap; let's wait and see what he does.”
by Steve, Countesthorpe
Monday, May 16 2011, 2:52PM
“It is a good start and not worth knocking the new mayor for trying (that coming from me who thinks a mayor is a silly idea ;-).......Is Phil the councillor Phil King...style of writing seems similar?
Good start and it would be great for him to show this wasn't just a publicity stunt by holding more sessions and providing feedback on what we heard and what we did to those meetings he attends.”
by Red, Leicester
Monday, May 16 2011, 2:00PM
“And Phil - the same goes for you...you never say anything useful, just insults and whining. This "tribe of eegits" has been elected by the people of Leicester, who you clearly hold in contempt. You're perfectly entitled to this opinion of course, but don't be surprised when those same people prefer to elect people who actually try and do something constructive for leicester rather than just talking it down and belittleing it's inhabitants.”
by Red, Leicester
Monday, May 16 2011, 1:38PM
“David - would you preferred he didn't do it?
It was advertised beforehand in various places including this newspaper if I remember correctly as well as the usual council websites. Not bad considering he was only elected the week before.
We all know there is nothing SPS can do that will please you David (short of resigning) so there's really no point in continue to post, we'll just take it as read (red...geddit?) OK?”
by billa, Leicester
Monday, May 16 2011, 12:56PM
“Well done SPS and his team, they come back to public.”
by David, leics
Monday, May 16 2011, 12:43PM
“"Credit where credit is due. Well done to the mayor and his team for getting out and speaking to the people. "
Kulgan, a publicity stunt! I wonder just how many of the problems/issues will be dealt with?
Will SPS be doing this on a regular basis? and notify people beforehand?
How can anyone bring an issue if they did not know about the event?”