WITH reference to your article entitled ?Mayoral hopefuls? (February 9), I would like to clarify your report that ?no-one proposed the Deputy Mayor and the standing Mayor was re-elected for a second term?. It is technically correct that no-one proposed the deputy mayor at the annual meeting because, following tradition, the members decide who will be mayor in a ?secret ballot? at an ?informal meeting? held prior to the annual meeting. Although this ?informal meeting? is not recorded, unlike all official meetings, I am reliably informed that several councillors did propose the deputy mayor be appointed mayor. This is borne out by the voting at the annual meeting, details of which are in the public domain and I quote: ?It was then resolved by seven votes for, three against (Cllr Mrs Batchelor asking that it be recorded that she voted against the proposition) and three abstaining, that Cllr Mrs Metcalf be appointed Town Mayor for the ensuing year?. This indicates that not all the members concurred with the outcome of the informal meeting. Surely it?s time to stop ?informal meetings? behind closed doors? We?re told we live in a democracy so perhaps it?s time for Tavistock Town Council to change their procedures and therefore avoid criticism in the future. It was unprecedented for the standing mayor to be re-elected for the succeeding term. Traditionally the deputy mayor becomes mayor and, on the basis that the councillors voted for the deputy mayor for the second year running, I very much hope that they will have confidence in her to represent them as mayor when they vote in May.
Geri Laithwaite 67 Bannawell Street, Tavistock