Mayoral referendum: what do people in Avonmouth think?

With the mayoral referendum just days away, Bristol24/7 is visiting different areas of our city to find out how people will be voting, if they are voting at all.

The question that the referendum on May 5 will be asking is whether Bristol wants to retain the current mayoral model, or replace it with a committee system.

Here is what people in Avonmouth think:

Steve, 32, a roofer from Avonmouth

Steve is a roofer from Avonmouth

“People forget that there was a time before we had the single mayor system, and things were a lot slower to happen. They couldn’t make decisions.

“I’m undecided how I’m going to vote, but one thing I can say is that the previous mayor, George Ferguson, did things that people remembered. What Marvin has done that people will remember, I don’t know.

“I don’t want a committee system, but I don’t want this current mayor either. Ideally I’d want an independent mayor.”

Ewan, 19, a furniture maker from Avonmouth

“The people need a voice,” says Ewan

“I haven’t even heard of the referendum, to be fair.

“It sounds better, though. The people need a voice. The power can’t all be held by one person. Something definitely needs to change in that regard.”

Caroline, 63, retired from Avonmouth

Caroline has never voted and doesn’t think she ever will

“A committee means that people have more of a say, which is always a good thing.

“There’s much less chance of corruption when it’s not one man running the show. Although, the corruption has been going on far too long, so I don’t see it stopping any time soon.

“I’ve never voted, though, and I don’t think I will this time around.”

Carole, 80, retired from Avonmouth

Carole is concerned about her council tax going up if Bristol changes to a committee system

“If it was to go through, it would just mean extra expenses for council tax. Everyone on the committee will have staff and nobody’s working for free.

“For Marvin, it doesn’t matter what happens as he’s gone after this term anyway. I don’t even know how much power he really has as mayor.

“I remember in the 70s when they changed the county from Bristol to Avon. We didn’t have a say in that, so it’s good at least that we’re getting a say.”

Ken, 81, retired from Avonmouth

Ken remembers back before Bristol had a single elected mayor

“The committee won’t ever be able to make a decision, just like before.

“It would be a massive waste of time and money on the council’s part, it needs to be one person. The buck needs to stop with someone.

“People really don’t have very long memories. It hasn’t been long since we had a committee style system, and it was no good back then.”

Eileen, 77, retired from Shirehampton

Eileen hopes that we stick with the current system

“It’s already so confusing with all these different mayors, it feels like none of them actually have any political power as it is. I really hope the people vote against it.

“What are all these mayors supposed to be doing currently? The mayor has no connection with the people. A committee would be even worse for that.”

Bristol24/7 will be hosting a Twitter Space on Tuesday, May 3 at 7pm where people in favour of retaining the mayoral system and people who want to change to a committee system will be invited to speak

https://twitter.com/bristol247/status/1519790841149202442

All photos: Miles Arnold

Read more: Mayoral referendum: What do people in Hillfields think?

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