City? Mayor? Is it fair? I came away from last Thursday night's public meeting, held at the Brighthelm Centre, enlightened but deeply depressed and concerned.

There are three core elements to genuine, democratic local government: Local people, local taxes and local accountability.

If Brighton and Hove gains city status and with it a city mayor, one of these core elements will be eliminated.

I urge all local council tax payers to join the campaign against a referendum for the election of a local city mayor being organised by (among others) Councillor Francis Tonks.

-Name and address supplied