Perhaps Roger French, in his dual capacity of Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company managing director and campaigner for an elected mayor, could clarify whether or not there will be an attempt to coerce or unreasonably influence anyone employed by any of the big businesses supporting his campaign, including his own company?

Furthermore, it is worth reminding Mr French that the Victorians were very good at setting up structures made to last, as well as committees.

Thanks to many fine engineers of that time, there are structures including bridges, sewers and railways which are still in use today.

Should the people vote in the referendum to have an improved committee system, this could easily be established as an effective structure whereby local government could serve the people for many years to come, with greater public involvement being placed right at the heart of it.

Surely it is our collective duty to ensure the best interests of all communities in the city are served, not just the interests of the influential few?

-Coun Steve Collier, Brighton and Hove City Council