How many Rivers in the North East?

Looks like Mr. P. Rivers of the Yes Campaign's letter writing team has been busy. One letter in the Journal and this one below in the Northern Echo...

Northern Echo Letters
23rd August 2004
REGIONAL GOVERNMENT:
I AM in favour of an elected assembly to represent the interests of the people of the North-East.
An elected assembly would have powers and influence over economic development, skills and training, strategic planning, culture, public health, the environment, rural issues and tourism.
The assembly would be elected entirely by the people of this region and would therefore be answerable to us.

Part of the problem we all face in this region is that so many of the decisions which affect what happens here are made by London-based civil servants and members of unelected quangos.
Our own elected assembly would not only make a positive difference to the way the region is run as it would reflect the opinions of the North-East population but it would also give us a voice to argue our case at national and international level.
P Rivers
Wallsend