 Voters will go to the polls on 20 May |
A pledge by the major parties to work together on a campaign against a directly-elected mayor for Ceredigion has had a low-key start. Only a handful of supporters turned out for the launch in Aberaeron.
Among those who were there to voice their opposition was Nick Bourne, leader of the Conservatives in the Welsh assembly and fellow Tory AM Lisa Francis.
Opponents said one person with so much influence over policy would be dangerous for the area.
A directly-elected mayor would choose their own cabinet and have responsibility from everything from economic development and education to social services and housing.
"My main concern and I speak as a long term resident of Ceredigion - I live in Aberystwyth - is the danger of concentrating power in the hands of one individual," said Mr Bourne.
"Its far better to have the power spread across as many people as possible.
"I think there's a great danger of concentrating power in the hands of one elected mayor in Ceredigion."
He claimed that "one individual could go off the rails and do things that are deeply damaging."
Mr Bourne added: "That can't happen when you have a properly elected councillor carrying forward the views of the people of the county."
Ms Francis said: "If we get a mayor in Ceredigion that person could appoint a cabinet, be in charge of the budget and council. That's why I think it's dangerous."
More than 8,000 voters in Ceredigion signed a petition calling for the referendum, to be held on 20 May.
It is organised by critics of council plans to build thousands of new houses in the county. They argued that a new mayor would respond better to their concerns.
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I think there's a great danger of concentrating power in the hands of one elected mayor in Ceredigion 
