'Why asking questions of South Yorkshire's Mayor is so important

The Star is giving readers the chance to put their questions directly to South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard.

Have you ever thought of a question you would love to ask someone in power - but haven’t had the channels to ask it directly?

South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard. Picture Jonathan Gawthorpe

placeholder image — South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard. Picture Jonathan Gawthorpe

Well now you have.

The Star is giving readers the chance to put their questions directly to South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard.

Our first Q&A, on Monday October 5, is your opportunity to raise the issues that matter to you. In the first of a new monthly series, we will take your questions to Mr Coppard directly.

When I was younger, I had a head full of questions that I wanted to ask those in charge. That is one of the main reasons I wanted to become a journalist in the first place, to ask difficult questions of those in power and to share and spread information.

That hasn’t change, but through my job I have had the chance to grill those who represent us on numerous occasions now.

I appreciate how much of a difference it can make to have your voice heard.

For some, the most important topic will be local transport issues. For others, crime, anti-social behaviour, safety and housing all sit front and centre - along with many other localised issues.

Whatever it is, we want to hear it.

Here at The Star we believe in giving you, the people of this great city, a voice. Not talking on your behalf or putting words in your mouth.

And that’s why this matters so much.

Oliver Coppard has urged residents to back opposition to Whitestone Solar Farm | LDRS

You genuinely have the chance to get your questions answered - and that’s a great thing for transparency and for local democracy.

We know there is no shortage of strong opinions about the direction of Sheffield and South Yorkshire as a whole. People want to see a future for their families in this region, but the economy, job security and housing has to keep pace with those ambitions.

We understand that - which is why we know your questions are the most important part of our new feature.

We will put your questions to Mr Coppard and bring you the answers.

This is your chance to make your voice heard and get answers directly from the person in power.

And that’s an opportunity I wouldn’t have been able to pass up.

Email The Star’s editor, Claire Lewis, with your questions - [email protected]