I HAVE read with interest the debate that seems to be forming over the mayoral referendum in West Devon.

As I understand it, the two structures themselves are fairly simple: the mayoral system offers the chance for a select group of councillors to retain more power and ability to get things done, for good or ill; the revised committee structure will keep that power dissipated amongst a larger number of councillors, stifling progress but with no chance for any loose cannons to go off half-baked.

I would like to vote for the mayoral system but cannot help but worry what would happen if the wrong person got the job. An understandable reaction looking at the majority of our current councillors, well meaning though they are.

Hope lies, I think, in the recent 'pay rises' awarded to councillors. It is now possible for a councillor to put the hours required into the job without suffering financially, hopefully opening the doors to a much wider section of the population than has been the case.

Until we have higher calibre councillors throughout the council I don't think either system will make a lot of difference. A shame though that Cllr Waterhouse (Letters, December 13) sees the need to answer so sarcastically a letter from a member of the public. Pomposity is a very unattractive attribute.

Dave Goodwin

38 Hillfield

South Zeal