Only months after winning the Second World War, Winston Churchill was voted out of office as Prime Minister. On this occasion he perhaps cynically quipped that ‘democracy is the worst system of government – except for all the others that have been tried’.

In a few weeks, voters in the Kiama Municipality will have the opportunity to decide on a referendum question which asks you if you would like a popularly elected mayor. For those who think this is a good idea, I ask that you read on and consider that the grass is not necessarily greener. I urge people to vote ‘No’ to the proposed referendum.

Currently, Kiama voters elect nine Councillors, and those Councillors not only elect the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, but they also play an important role in holding the Mayor to account.

If the mayor doesn’t do a good job – they can be replaced. If you elected a mayor once every four years, and that mayor doesn’t perform, you’re stuck with a dud.

Currently, if the mayor leaves office for whatever reason, another councillor can immediately take their place without the need for a costly by-election. The current arrangements mean a new Mayor would bring the experience and understanding of council and its deliberations on matters throughout that term.

We don’t directly elect the Prime Minister or Premier; these matters are determined on the basis of who can command the confidence of the chamber. The proposal to directly elect a mayor departs from the very important principles of responsible and stable government.

By our elected councillors determining who will be the mayor, the councillor who hold the office needs to focus on working collegiately and colourably with their colleagues in order to get things done.

Local government should be about bringing various skills, views, backgrounds, and talents together to progress the best interests of our community. A mayor elected from among elected councillors is more likely to foster this environment given they need the votes of a majority of their colleagues to stay in the job.

The corollary can be (and often is) that a popularly elected mayor may be at loggerheads with the elected councillors, which causes dysfunction and disharmony where the councillors become pitted against the mayor. I’ve seen this all too often in places like the Shoalhaven.

A popularly elected mayor will also allow a greater opening for party politics in local government as the two major parties know this position can be very influential over the course of a four-year term.

Our State Electorate of Kiama touches four local government areas. In my experience as your local MP, Kiama Council has had the least internal tumult and the most consistent collaboration between elected councillors.

Whilst I may not have always agreed with the decisions and direction of Kiama Council, debate in the council chamber is overwhelmingly respectful, dignified, and sensible.

Opinion by Gareth Ward

Just like Churchill, I welcome whatever the decision of our community will be. I love democracy because the people always get it right.