Testimonials for
Joe Anderson
Mayor of Liverpool (UK)

The winner and runner-ups of World Mayor 2014 will be chosen based on the number of nominations in relation to the size of their cities and, more importantly, on the persuasiveness and conviction of testimonials received during this year's World Mayor Project. Below we publish a selection of comments received to date about WM nominee Joe Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool, UK.

Testimonials:
Comment: Joe Anderson combines the very best qualities you need to be a mayor, strong, direct and fair leadership , boundless ambition for the city (not for himself) and a cracking sense of humour. He can see the big picture yet cares passionately about every individual in this city as is shown by his pledges and his actions.
 
At times when the city’s budget is under threat instead of burrowing down and hoping for it to pass he has pushed and driven this city onto an international stage….constantly striving for a better place.
 
I have worked in this city and for the authority for 15 years through the bid and delivery of European Capital of Culture and the legacy (often non-existent in many cities) of that great event has been led by Mayor Anderson with his customary passion and forward thinking of what next…let’s do it better, what’s the next idea…..
 
I have no hesitation in recommending him. His love of this city and its people and his ambition to put Liverpool on a world stage is second to none. (By Claire M, Liverpool)

Comment: I would like to vote for Joe Anderson for World Mayor. I like his idea of The new organization for “Marketing Liverpool”. His job creation ideas. Extension to the “Convention Centre”. (By Tina P, Calgary)

Comment: In order to compete with London, Britain’s core cities like Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and Bristol but also Glasgow and Edinburgh need larger than life mayors like Joe Anderson to be heard at home and abroad. In contrast to London’s Boris Johnson, Joe Anderson promotes his city and not himself. I wish him well. (By Jonny S P, London)

Comment: I am old enough to remember the damage inflicted on Liverpool by Derek Hutton and his ‘loony left’ cronies in the 1980s and unfortunately his name still crops up when I tell people of my generation that I’m from Liverpool. It is difficult to convince people that the city has changed, particularly since it was European Capital of Culture in 2008.

I must commend Joe Anderson for building on the success of 2008. For the first time for many years, I feel Liverpool is moving forward. Our mayor is a rough diamond…just like our city. (By Richard McL, Liverpool)

Comment: Joe Anderson works so hard for the city of Liverpool bringing in so many opportunities, resources, and investments to the city he passionately loves and works tirelessly promoting Liverpool and has achieved so much in the short time since he has been elected he is so dedicated and would recommend him for this award. (By Catherine K, Liverpool)

Comment: Mayor Joe Anderson has been working with local businesses to drive business creation, growth and create jobs. Is working with investors and developers to be confident in working in Liverpool to strength the economy. Joe is working hard to put Liverpool back on the map, which has resulted in a new cruise liner terminal and a number of festivals. All of which support local people and increase revenue. Joe has always said the children are our future so investment is being made for schools and providing a better future and equip young people with the right skills to help secure their future. Joe has worked on improving the housing for local people and providing a quality, secure and affordable homes for thousands of people. Joe is providing a service to support people to buy homes for first time buyers. Joe to me is a peoples person and has done and I feel will continue to put people first Joe has a hard and stressful job with very low budgets year on year being cut by government Joe has passion and drive to do the best for Liverpool and put it back on the map as on of the great cities in the world. People of Liverpool are behind Joe I am a voice of many. (By Janet S, Liverpool)

Comment: Mayor Anderson is an excellent leader, passionate about the city he was born and grew up in. Joe is grappling with the most severe cuts from central government to any local authority is England and Wales while refusing to back down and his encouraging mantra to the city is "Liverpool's best days are yet to come". He refuses to back down, is a fighter for his beloved city and constantly encourages business growth and partnership working across all sectors of the community be it voluntary and community sector, private and public. We are very proud and privileged to have Joe Anderson as our Mayor! (By Peter B, Liverpool)

Comment: Joe has led the city through very difficult times of recession. Working with an inclusive spirit of cross party politics to bring international investment and recognition to the city. He had turned around the perception that Liverpool was a failing city to that of a leading cultural asset if Britain, Europe and the World. (By Ian J, UK)

Comment: I have witnessed Mayor Anderson’s passion for his City and his efforts to protect the community but also to engage the community. He has a vision for Liverpool that includes everyone. (By Margie A, Liverpool)

Comment: Joe is very passionate about Liverpool, we couldn't have asked for a better mayor, he really cares for his city and the people who live here. (By J B, Liverpool)

Comment: Mayor Anderson is a passionate advocate for the amazing city of Liverpool. Despite many setbacks he continues to show Liverpool is a "will do" city, is open for business and his promises do come to fruition. (By Gary M, Liverpool)

Comment: Through incredibly adversity Joe is leading the city forward, getting the support and investment of the private sector and the public to put us back on the world map. This year should be a Festival of Liverpool, especially as the football teams are doing so well too! (By Ben F, Liverpool)

Comment: Joe got into politics as a way of making the city of Liverpool better. Since being city leader of the Labour Party and went on to become first ever Mayor of Liverpool, the job he has done so far is outstanding. He has a lot of love for the city and the people living here. (By Lindsey M, Liverpool)

Comment: Joe Anderson is an inspiration to myself, because of his commitment to the people of Liverpool - he has time for everyone, and building of new housing, schools and supporting health provision for everyone in our City despite swingeing cuts by Government, is admirable beyond belief. (By William J, Liverpool)

Comment: Joe is passionate about our wonderful city and its people. He has put Liverpool on the map globally and is a fantastic leader. He has achieved so much since becoming mayor of Liverpool and I am excited for the future of our city. (By Hayley T, Liverpool)

Comment: Mayor Anderson took Liverpool from a second rate city in decline, improved through regeneration throughout Liverpool along with installing a cruise liner terminal, building new children's hospital, new schools and plans for a new city hospital. The city keeps on getting better despite cuts from our government where the city has been one of the hardest hit in the country, Mayor Anderson is rebuilding Liverpool into a first rate city. (By Anthony A, Liverpool)

Comment: Mayor Anderson has done much to turn a city challenged by historical under funding to one worthy of the investment that reflects it's rich history. (By Linda J, UK)

Comment: In adverse times of austerity Joe Anderson manages to continue to put Liverpool on the world map through fantastic events like street theatre productions " the giants" Beatles and music festivals, as well as attracting world business to our fantastic waterfronts and surrounding city. (By Andrew R, Liverpool)

Comment: When Mayor Anderson says he will commit and do something for our city he does it and when he fails to deliver he always goes on local radio and explains the reasons why and does not make excuses like others have in the past. He is a extremely hard working man and the city needs him. (By Allen H, Liverpool)

Comment: Joe has done so much for this City since becoming Mayor. He has raised the profile of Liverpool, which has in turn attracted business and raised additional funding. In tough times when Liverpool are seeing the worst Government cuts in the Country, Joe has kept the spirits high for the residents of his City. (By Jennifer C, Liverpool)


Critical comments
Comment: I was very worried to see Mayor Joe Anderson's (Liverpool) name on the short list of candidates for the title of World Mayor. The following are just a few of the reasons why he should not be on the list
(1) Did not hold a referendum to see if the people of Liverpool actually wanted a mayor. He said that he had a special deal from the government - this turned out to be untrue.
(2) He brought the election forward by 6 months, again for some spurious reason. The fact is that this meant that independents and other parties who wished to put forward a candidate had very little time to prepare.
(3) He decides to sell off parkland and Green Wedge without any real consultation with local people
(4) There is a police investigation into some Liverpool Direct/ City Council staff/ ex staff and he has completely distanced himself from the problem. (By Josephine M, Liverpool)

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