York’s new council chief executive Mary Weastell has an impressive CV (The Press, September 21), but her entire career has been spent working in local government. Would it not have been wiser to employ in such an important position someone with a more rounded and fuller experience of working practices?

This inward-looking appointment, so typical of public sector thinking, furthers the appearance of “keep it in the family” mentality.

Her first public utterances are encouraging. She will be judged on achievements though, not rhetoric.

Geoff Robb, Hunters Close, Dunnington

READING about Mary Weastell, the new chief executive at City of York Council, one wonders how long she will stay with the council. Will it be a short stay before moving up the ladder? I suppose a high position such as this in York is a good springboard for anyone making and enhancing their career prospects. So let’s see how long Mary will stay.

As the financial situation is very fluid, looking at the many stories one reads in various issues, I wish her well in her appointment. At least with this story about her Stephen Lewis has started the ball rolling on what we can expect.

Keith Chapman, Custance Walk, York