A DIRECTLY-elected mayor is the only way forward for Anglesey, according to its MP.
Albert Owen MP said that a mayor would make the Anglesey Council accountable for their actions.
“I believe an elected mayor is the best way forward for the Island, bringing both stability and accountability to the people of Anglesey and motivating both councillors and our beleaguered council staff alike,” he said.
He added that the recent Welsh Assembly intervention showed that the council had not concentrated on the issues important affecting Anglesey.
“When the recession hit and people were worried about their jobs, the UK government and the Assembly came up with programmes to help,” he said.
“Anglesey Council talked amongst themselves, were insular and argued.”
Chair of the Assembly-appointed recovery board that overseas the council Dr Elan Cross Stephens said in July that, although improvements had been made, the council had to make long-term management improvements to avoid being run by commissioners.
Under the Local Government Act 2000, 10 per cent of the island’s 50793 voters calling for a referendum to secure an election to force a referendum.
Mr Owen added that a mayor would have a mandate to manage councillors and to create a manifesto that would run parallel to the duration of the Council.
“It’s time for Anglesey County Council to get its act together and be accountable for its actions,” he said.
Councillor John Chorlton, of Kingsland Ward, supported Mr Owen’s campaign.
“Anglesey Council need strong leadership, we need a leader that can deliver a five year manifesto which will provide a degree of much needed stability both to the electorate and our staff support services,” he said.
However, Valley ward councillor Goronwy Parry said that a directly-elected mayor would not be suit Anglesey.
“It might work well for cities with an equivalent population, but Anglesey had small towns and many small rural areas and I don’t think that it would work,” he said.
Anglesey Council leader Clive McGregor met Mr Owen’s campaign with indifference.
“It’s something about which I have no feelings either way,” he said. “If he does secure enough signatures with the petition, we’ll see what the people have to say.”