Why do we have a mayor/ess

groove · 19-11-2011, 15:25

As the title suggests, what is the point in a mayor. What do they do? Is it simply a vanity thing? I really dont know and this question is'nt an attempt to cause controversy.

Neil · 19-11-2011, 15:56

I used to think having a mayor was a waste of money but I have changed my mind recently after she attended a couple of events I was involved with.

She presented certificates to GPA bid winners last week and I think everyone who was successful was very pleased the mayor gave them out. Well it was either the mayor or me so its no wonder they were pleased.

I said in another thread that she gave the event a more formal feeling and I would like to thank her again for making time to attend.

cashman · 19-11-2011, 16:15

The mayor thing has never been my bag, but at same time i don't see a lot wrong wi it,some regard a presentation by such a person as a big deal fer whatever they earned n award for,so i think good luck to em.

susie123 · 19-11-2011, 16:30

It's historical, innit? Goes back a long way and a bit of tradition doesn't hurt. And as Neil says it confers a bit of kudos on a ceremony. I can remember when we had a town clerk in wig and gown as well. Bet that's gone now.

The following is a precis from wikipedia to give some background:

In England, the mayor is the later descendant of the feudal lord's bailiff or reeve. By the beginning of the twelfth century the title of portreeve gave way to that of mayor as the designation of the chief officer of london. The adoption of the title by other boroughs followed at various intervals.

In the 19th century, in the United Kingdom, the municipal Corporations Act 1882, Section 15, regulated the election of mayors. He was to be a fit person elected annually on 9 November by the council of the borough from among the aldermen or councillors or persons qualified to be such. His term of office was one year, but he is eligible for re-election.

The office of mayor in most modern English and Welsh boroughs and towns did not in the twentieth century entail any important administrative duties, and was generally regarded as an honour conferred for local distinction, long service on the Council, or for past services. The mayor (who had to be a serving elected councillor) was expected to devote much of his (or her) time to civic, ceremonial, and representational functions, and to preside over meetings for the advancement of the public welfare. His or her administrative duties are to act as returning officer at parliamentary elections, and as chairman of the meetings of the council.

However, since reforms introduced in 2000, 12 English boroughs have elected mayors who combine the 'civic' mayor role with that of Leader of the Council and have significantly greater powers than either.

groove · 19-11-2011, 16:43

Yes i suppose its more of a tradition thing now. Though was'nt it the mayor who rallied the young men of the town to form the 'pals' batallion. I doubt the mayor would be able to manage such a feat now. Maybe the mayor was more revered in them days though.

cashman · 19-11-2011, 16:46

Thing is i reckon too many owd traditions have vanished n that aint always a good thing.

davemac · 19-11-2011, 17:06

http://www.accringtonweb.com/forum/f...yor-59354.html

I think we might have given this subject a bashing before from a slightly different perspective

cashman · 19-11-2011, 17:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by davemac

http://www.accringtonweb.com/forum/f...yor-59354.html

I think we might have given this subject a bashing before from a slightly different perspective

Ah missed it first time around,will have to stop going on holiday.

davemac · 19-11-2011, 17:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by cashman

Ah missed it first time around,will have to stop going on holiday.

you can go on holiday, just take me with you

cashman · 19-11-2011, 17:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by davemac

you can go on holiday, just take me with you

Nah people would start talking.

davemac · 19-11-2011, 17:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by cashman

Nah people would start talking.

I could wear a dress if it takes the heat off

susie123 · 19-11-2011, 17:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by davemac

I could wear a dress if it takes the heat off

People might talk even more if you did that!

davemac · 19-11-2011, 17:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by susie123

People might talk even more if you did that!

youve not seen me in a frock, I look like Emma Bunting, no, got that wrong, a pile of bunting.

jaysay · 19-11-2011, 20:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by davemac

youve not seen me in a frock, I look like Emma Bunting, no, got that wrong, a pile of bunting.

Ya glad you put that right Dave, I have met you remember

davemac · 19-11-2011, 22:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaysay

Ya glad you put that right Dave, I have met you remember

I know, and you never paid back that tenner you borrowed