Reply #10: Are council members trying to squash districts plan?

[sonias]

AAS 2/28/08
Are council members trying to squash districts plan?
Proposal would require that several criteria be met before single-member districts are put to a vote

Three Austin City Council members are proposing an idea that their colleagues say would hinder plans to let residents vote on a new form of government.

In a resolution that the council will vote on today, Council Members Sheryl Cole, Brewster McCracken and Betty Dunkerley want to require a council-appointed committee to gather a long list of information before the council can consider whether to put a plan for districts-based representation on the November election ballot.

"They're trying to create insurmountable hurdles to prevent citizens from having a voice and a vote on this issue," said Council Member Mike Martinez, a supporter of districts.
(snip)
Gerry Hebert, an election law expert who has been advising the city on possible district plans, said the Justice Department could not issue advisory opinions on possible district maps, as Cole's proposal requests.

Leffingwell makes a good point that it's premature to vote on this when the council could have as many as three new members after the May council elections. Good for Lee.
:applause:

Sonia