No benefits!

I HAVE just read Kevin Ward’s article about Newport becoming the City of Democracy (21/2). Not sure what to think of this but Kevin’s piece seems a little biased. Given Newport’s record over the last 30 years, the title is hardly fitting, for various reasons. A good example is the lack of off-the-cuff questioning at full council meetings which I am sure the Conservatives have picked-up on.
I am not particularly against the idea but at this time of austerity in local government, is it a priority to shell-out £50,000 for - what? Can see no particular benefit to the community. Kevin makes some other points which need looking at. Is it absolutely true the Chief Executive of Newport is firstly a civil servant and secondly, completely independent. For the latter I very much doubt as the days in councils’ when the Town Clerk ruled the roost are long gone. Pretty sure there will be no ‘independent’ decisions without the Leaders approval. And finally, who are the Chartist Commission? Is this yet another quango (which the need for was under investigation by the Conservatives!). No Kevin I cannot see one good reason why this expensive idea will benefit Newport but I am sure it will keep a few staff involved for some time.