I refer to the report Ombudsman suggests changing Local Councils Act to give executive secretaries a more autonomous role (TMID, 23 January).

The Ombudsman must know that the local councils are run on the lines similar to local clubs in our villages or towns. The mayors run the show and other members of the councils have no say in the administration. All forms of excuses are brought forward to avoid council meetings and, when held, nothing comes of out of them. Many times decisions are taken by the mayors without the knowledge of the council members or else they are informed only after the event. The opposition is totally ignored. The recent amendments to the local councils’ regulations, which entitle the candidate who gets the most votes to be the mayor, have filled the mayors with more arrogance.

The position of the executive secretaries is very critical indeed, as they have to accommodate the mayor if they want to have their contract renewed. Holding opposing political views makes the secretaries’ job unbearable and very often they quit their jobs before their contract expires.

Presently, in spite of what the rules of local councils say regarding the duties of the executive secretaries, they do not act as watchdogs of the councils’ activities, they do not ensure good governance and proper administration and they do not see that the council observes financial and administrative procedures. They are just subservient to the council, especially the mayor. That is their only way of survival.

So contrary to what the Ombudsman suggested, I am in favour of newly-elected councils recruiting their own secretaries just to ensure smooth relations with the council especially the mayors.

With regard to good governance and proper administration, especially of public funds, I think that auditors should see to that. Their report should be taken more seriously than hitherto and legal action should be taken against mayors if administrative abuses are reported.

Charles Camilleri

Paola