The mayors of Hamilton and St. George's have further questioned plans to abolish the town corporations, claiming Government has ignored reform recommendations.

A Friday statement to the House of Assembly by Minister without Portfolio Walter Roban outlined reasons for axeing the centuries-old institutions. (See separate report from the House.)

Hamilton Mayor Sutherland Madeiros and St. George's Mayor Mariea Caisey yesterday called on Government to examine the facts, and revealed that they've requested a meeting to find a way forward.

A press release issued on behalf of the two mayors claimed: "To date, there has been no response by the Government to the recommendations for reform laid out by the Corporations in the detailed amendments to the Municipalities Act 1923 document presented in October 2008."

Mr. Madeiros stated, "We have read the Ministerial Statement and find that the reasons given for abolishing the Corporations are not supported by the facts. Minister Roban stated that it is impractical to have competing arms of government. This is a puzzling assertion.

"The Corporations of Hamilton and St. George's are supplemental to the Government and in no way compete with it. We run efficient and effective organisations."

He added, "The Ministerial Statement goes on to state that 'electoral reform has not been effected in a manner that gives comfort to those of us who value the franchise'. I state categorically, the corporations have never been given the opportunity to effect reform, as the recommendations that were put before Government were never addressed or responded to.

"Minister Roban's claim that fiscal prudence played a role in the Government's decision to abolish the corporations appears to be a red herring.

"The corporations do not duplicate any of the Government services, nor have they ever asked the Government for subsidies. In fact, the most recent audited statements demonstrate that the corporations balance their budgets, and both are currently debt free a claim the Government cannot make."

Ms Caisey said, "It is important for the public to know that the cost to the Government to end double taxation in St. George's is only $350,000 a year. When Government initiated this policy, it said it would look for additional savings by seeing whether Ministries could provide services that the Corporation provided. However, their analysis showed that the cost to the Government would be almost four times what it cost the town to provide the same services. So we fail to understand how abolishing the corporations will make better use of the public purse."

She added, "Today we have sent a letter to the Premier that expresses our desire for consultation and cooperation. We would like the opportunity to explore how we can work together to address the issues and concerns laid out by both sides, to focus on real reform rather than dismantling two municipalities that have served Bermuda well for centuries. We are confident that mutually respectful dialogue will enable us to find a way forward that best serves our employees, the voters and the people of Bermuda."

A Government spokesman declined to comment.