WITH all the hullabaloo focusing on the election of the Mayor of London, let us consider the good old American way of doing things.

First, they elect the Mayor; then, he picks his council, police chief, leading fire officer and other posts -- even the dog warden.

They are responsible and have to carry out their duties efficiently or he fires them and puts someone else in their place.

With all the slipshod decisions and money wasting ventures carried out, it is no wonder that no one wants it to happen here.

A lot of the councillors etc, would lose a nice cushy number.

K SOWERBUTTS (Mr), Southwood Drive, Baxenden.