FOR centuries Birmingham has been at the centre of this country's manufacturing, commercial, political and artistic life.
Now, at the beginning of the 21st century, there are many reasons to remain optimistic that this city will continue to thrive.
New industries are emerging in the place of old; great financial institutions have major offices here; venues such as the NEC, ICC and NIA attract international visitors; we have fabulous shops, world class hotels, a vibrant nightlife and restaurants in which diners can eat the finest cuisine.
And yet these are the successes of the past and, for Birmingham to continue to thrust forward in a world in which competition is fiercer than ever before, our most important commodity will be vision.
That lies at the heart of the debate that is currently raging about whether Birmingham needs an elected mayor. Whether such a powerful figure could provide the drive and ambition to push the city towards a bright future.
Prime Minister Tony Blair, speaking to our reporter Jon Griffin, is in no doubt that an elected mayor is needed in Brum.
"It is bigger than some countries in the EU in population terms and in wealth terms." he points out.
But, like the Birmingham Mail, he is no doubt about who ultimately must decide.
"It is entirely up to the local people," he insists.
Other major national political figures and business leaders have also backed this newspaper's campaign for a referendum to allow YOU to decide how YOUR city is run.
Only the current leadership of the city council seems set against allowing the electorate to decide.
Thousands of people have already signed our petition demanding a vote and we thank every one of them for their support.
We have a year to collect the names needed to force a voote, but let us try to do it far sooner.
Play a part in Brum's future by signing today.