Middlesbrough ignores Mallon this time as he insults the voters

Gravy train...more clout?
Oct 29 2004
By Evening Gazette

It was disappointing to learn that Ray Mallon is recommending a Yes vote on the regional assembly referendum.
In the Middlesbrough Mayoral election, when he was independent and opposed by a Labour Party candidate, I voted for him, but I shall not be following his advice in this matter.
I am totally opposed to any British Government abolishing England and its traditional counties in favour of a series of meaningless European regions. This is the first step in such a process.
Regarding the virtue of making decisions about the North-east in the North-east, I vividly remember one such decision when the spokesman for One NorthEast (based in Newcastle, of course) proposed that Newcastle Airport should be extended and Teesside Airport converted to a freight terminal. I am sure that we on Teesside (and maybe those in other parts of the region) could expect more such decisions from a regional assembly.
In my view, the chief benefit of a regional assembly would be to provide another gravy train for ambitious politicians and high-flying local authority staff.
I see no benefit to those who pay council tax (especially pensioners) and must agree with your correspondent G B Butler of Stockton that unless there is a really massive vote in favour, in all parts of the region, it would be dishonest of the Government to proceed with a North-east Regional Assembly.
R PASKIN Linthorpe, Middlesbrough

As someone from outside the North-east, can I give an interested outsiders' view?
I live in the West Midlands which has a population of over five million. For years we have bemoaned the fact that London and the South seems to get what it needs while those of us north of Watford have to shout to get our region's problems on the Whitehall agenda. Even regions fairly close to London suffer decisions made by civil servants who know little about local economic and other issues. On November 4 the people of the North-east can change all that.
If the North-east says Yes you will take power over a number of decisions currently made in London or by unelected bodies.
In my area we want more local control. We envy the North-east its chance to start the shift of powers from London to the regions. I hope the people of the North-east will speak for England with a big Yes to more say and less London domination.
PHILIP DAVIS Telford, Shropshire

Up in arms over Mallon
Nov 1 2004
By Evening Gazette

I read with some dismay your article (Page 2, Thurs, Oct 28) regarding insulting comments made by Ray Mallon about those who do not support the proposed Regional Assembly.
We are all entitled to an opinion and will vote as we think fit, but to be verbally abused for not agreeing with Mallon is not my idea of democracy.
It is easy for those receiving a large salary to pay little attention to the cost of an assembly in terms of taxation.
Like most pensioners, I cannot absorb any further astronomical rises in taxation. Since 2001, my council tax has risen by over £250 a year, by far the largest increase of my outgoings. I consider a further tier of politicians an imposition I can do without.
It is my right to vote as I see fit, to protect my rapidly dwindling living standards.
I am aware the pensioners' story may be considered "the same old tune" but it is very real. The problem is that very few politicians listen. Could that be because they have safeguarded their pensions?
Mayor Mallon would do well to consider his words and, if the report in your paper was accurate, I believe he should offer a complete apology to those he has insulted.
A LLOYD, Stockton