While on holiday I happened upon “No Punches Pulled” by Bob Jones, published 2014.  It is still very relevant today and I took particular note of the chapter “Night Mayors”.  I quote.

“There was a time when the mayoralty of our major cities commanded considerable prestige as a cap on a successful professional or commercial career.  History reveals many historically important mayors of an earlier age.  Sadly, no longer.  Instead, everywhere there are mayors and councillors devoid of even the faintest credentials for any public office ….  Given perks such as the sister cities silliness and ratepayer funded jaunts to them, free cars, telephones etc, for the unaccomplished, being mayor is quite appealing”.

Unfortunate, but true.  Ratepayers are the losers.

Paddi Hodgkiss