Mark Crane is most probably right ("Democracy's death is a smokescreen", Letters October 1).

The No campaigners have over-inflated the potential dangers of an executive mayor (as well as their claims regarding the effectiveness of the committee system).

However, the Yes campaign is not smelling of roses either.

It has to be recognised the essential argument in favour of an executive mayor is that it indeed does concentrate power, decision-making and accountability into fewer hands. That is its very point.

There may be lucid arguments as to why this a sensible way to structure the political arrangements of a city such as Brighton and Hove but trying to sell it on a democratic ticket is just plain wrong.

I am sure other Brighton and Hove residents are, like me, trying to make light of the evidence, both for and against, being presented to us.

For me, the essential issue is how we can balance the requirements for a system that allows for deliberative, inclusive and representative debate and decision-making but at the same time does not dissolve into a complex, bureaucratic, self-referential talking-shop.

Ultimately, I have no doubt it will be about values. I don't particularly want to live in a city that, while it can make sure the buses arrive on time and my rubbish is picked up properly, doesn't condescend to involve either myself or my elected representatives in the full business of local government.

-Chris Lee, Bear Road, Brighton