Hamilton's Mayor has called the proposed abolition of both corporations an affront to local democracy in a strongly-worded letter to the Premier, adding that "residents of Bermuda should be concerned about this step".

Sutherland Madeiros wrote to Dr. Ewart Brown yesterday morning, calling Cabinet's plan to take over the running of Hamilton and St. George's "a considerable surprise" and requesting a meeting with the Premier to try and reach a compromise.

Mr. Madeiros' letter follows last week's shock announcement that Government will get rid of both local corporations, parceling out their operations to relevant departments.

Cabinet secretary Marc Telemaque wrote to both corporations last Wednesday to say that Government would be inviting private firms to bid for a contract to carry out reform of the municipalities. In a press conference held the following day, Mr. Madeiros and St. George's Mayor Mariea Caisey vowed to fight the decision, stating that they would be taking legal advice on how to oppose it.

In yesterday's letter, Mr. Madeiros questioned the Government's rationale for abolishing the corporations of Hamilton and St. George's, writing that the reasons provided by Cabinet Minister Walter Roban in Friday's House of Assembly "cannot be substantiated".

"We ask Government to explain exactly how the corporations 'compete' with the Government of Bermuda," said Mr. Madeiros in his letter, referencing Mr. Roban's statement.

"We ask the Government to provide facts and figures that would explain how abolishing the corporations will lead to practical, efficient and effective reform, particularly since there is no duplication of services and the corporations have never requested subsidies.

"We ask the Government how the issue of double taxation can be considered a significant issue, when it has already been dealt with in St. George's and only amounts to $350,000 a year.

"We ask how Government can claim it is unhappy with the manner of electoral reform when it is Government that has stymied the reform process by refusing to discuss changes to the Municipalities Act 1923 that would lead to an expanded franchise, among other things."

Mr. Madeiros also asked why Government never responded to numerous requests to meet with the corporations to discuss reform, having received a paper outlining recommendations eight months ago.

"The corporations did extensive research, sought input from the public and hired two former senior civil servants to review our proposed changes to the Act," he wrote. "In October 2008, we presented the Ministry of Finance and the Attorney General's office with a 41-page document containing our recommendations, which focused on electoral reform and modern governance.

"At the same time, we requested consultation, wishing to work in partnership with Government to establish a new Municipalities Act that would reflect best 21st-century practices.

"While the Government acknowledged receipt of our document, it never responded to our repeated requests for consultation. It came as a considerable surprise, therefore, to learn last week that, in fact, Government's agenda is quite different and involves the abolition of the two local governments in Bermuda. We believe this undermines the principle of local democracy.

"Residents of Bermuda should be concerned about this step as all countries, large and small, with any form of democratic tradition, have local governments to provide residents with easy access and input to decisions that affect their daily lives."

The Premier's press secretary did not respond to a request for comment on the letter, nor would he confirm whether Dr. Brown plans to meet with the Mayor as requested.

• What do you think? Should Government assume control of the corporations? E-mail news@royalgazette.bm with your opinion.