Councillor Kevin Allen's comments that "this is the end of the Bassam era" ("Joy as the people say no to Mayor", The Argus, October 20) reflects the true focus of the No campaign.
It was a campaign fuelled by the politics of envy on the part of those who have never been called on to show leadership or ability simply because they have never demonstrated it.
The so-called Bassam era provided a complete turnaround in the fortunes of Brighton and Hove as the major regenerative and rebuilding projects currently underway in the city testify.
To denigrate those skills of leadership, determination and vision that have achieved so much is ridiculous and sets the challenge for a system to be developed that does not stifle them.
This will now be difficult - but certainly not impossible - for those with the true interests of their city at heart.
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