Former National Liberal Party candidate Graeme Outerbridge is to stand for mayor of Hamilton after branding Corporation elections undemocratic and antique.

He said the system, which dates back to 1926, needs upgrading because it was similar to the anointing of kings with chosen candidates from serving Corporation people emerging to take the mayor's role.

He said: "It isn't a fair process."

He said the voters' register had not even been released which made canvassing difficult.

"My challenge is another charge of the light brigade. I don't care about the cannons. Where the system is wrong and it isn't being changed I am going to attack it."

He said Corporation meetings were held in secret and un-elected officials such as Corporation Secretary Roger Sherratt had more power than elected officials.

"It's hardly democratic when he speaks more than the mayor."

The Corporation had done little except build a new pumping station to pump more sewage into the south shore, said Mr. Outerbridge.

Mr. Sherratt said the Corporation had been pumping sewage into the South Shore since the beginning of the last century and the recent upgrade was necessary otherwise a breakdown would have led to sewage going into Hamilton Harbour. He said the Corporation was looking at ways to clean up sewage more. Meetings were held in secret because Corporation members did not have rights to speak publicly without fear of being sued unlike sessions in the House and in the Senate.

He said public meetings would be possible if that privilege was extended to Corporation meetings.

Asked about his own public role, Mr. Sherratt said he did not make policy but was the spokesman who had a high profile because the Corporation was open with the media and never refused to comment.

On the succession to mayor Mr. Sherratt said other candidates were welcome to stand such as Mr. Outerbridge but within the Corporation it was the most senior member who moved up.

"This is no different from many other jurisdictions," said Mr. Sherratt.

Mr. Outerbridge told The Royal Gazette the docks should be moved to North Shore and Hamilton Harbour be opened up for exiting waterfront developments including restaurants and licensed gambling.

He said: "Nightlife has gone down hill in Hamilton in the last 30 years."

Nomination day for the October 9 election is tomorrow.