Vote yes for city mayor, says Zissman

ONE of Birmingham’s best-known public figures has given his backing to the campaign to elect a city mayor.

Sir Bernard Zissman, who led the city council Tory group from 1991 to 1995, said: “I am in favour of Birmingham having a place of influence at the top table of decision makers when decisions about investment in Birmingham are made.”

A referendum on whether the city should have a mayor will take place in May. If the vote is yes then an election will take place in November.

Sir Bernard is in no doubt that the vote in May should be a resounding yes.

“Of course there are voices which oppose the move and in my view they are mistaken and will lead our city to miss an opportunity which will not return possibly for generations,” he said.

“There is never a 100% right time for anything and this is the right time to boost our morale and our hopes especially for our young people.”

Sir Bernard, who led the team which developed the International Convention Centre and the Symphony Hall, said Birmingham’s elected Mayor needs to be a respected and successful leader already.

“I challenge those who have not yet put their names in the hat to come forward. Don’t sit on the fence and wait for May,” he said.

“This is a unique opportunity to lead one of the great industrial cities of Britain, and, yes, of the world.”

Sir Bernard now serves as chairman of a number of local companies including Rewired PR.