SIR – Well done, Councillor Slater, for finally confirming what many of Bradford’s long-suffering electorate have always suspected – that our elected officials could not give a damn about those who put them into power. They preside over a litany of failure (I include all three parties) – the non-starter that is Westfield, the Odeon and our puddle that is substantially over budget and three months late. On today’s letters page (T&A January 26), I read Mr Bird’s letter, which outlines the possible cost of an election to see if we want an election for a mayor. If we were to have an elected mayor, you could bet your life that councillors who oppose this would be queuing up to get nominated for this post. As regards Councillor Slater’s comments about challenging the “middle classes” over green belt development, I am working class but oppose any destruction of Micklethwaite, Menston, and anywhere else with green space. If Councillor Slater and her cronies, elected, appointed or otherwise, are keen to build new homes in Bradford, why not get started on the hole in the ground? Gerrard Myers, Raven Street, Bingley