1.) This hybrid system reduces the number of districts/wards by one. It increases the number of population per ward being represented by an elected official.
2.) There is no plan for the redistricting or proposed map for the public to be fully informed on new redistricting/wards lines. The census of 2010 could have been used to produce maps. As a part of the referendum. Thus, the citizens are not allowed to participate in the redistricting once again.
3.) Any redistricting of the wards should be supervised by the courts and the Department of Justice to ensure that no gerrymandering will occur.
4.) The at-large positions are discriminatory to minority voters to an equal opportunity to elect representatives of their choice.
5.) The hybrid system confuses the voters on who is really representing them and who to vote for if implemented.
6.) The hybrid system dilutes the voting strength of minority citizens due to racially polarized voting.
7.) The mixed at-large/ward system of electing the city council dilutes the voting strength of minority citizens.
8.) The hybrid system for citizens does not give an equal opportunity to participate in the political process and elect candidates of their choice.
9.) The At-large method of election for the City of Bloomington will dilute further residents equal opportunity to participate in the political process and elect candidates of their choices in violation of Section 2 of the Voting rights Act and not comply with “one person, one vote” principle.
If you want to join Bruce Meek’s complaint:
- By email at voting.section@usdoj.gov
- By telephone at (800) 253-3931 (toll free)
- By telephone at (202) 307-2767
- By fax at (202) 307-3961
- By letter to the addresses below:
United States Postal Service mail (including certified mail and express mail) should be addressed to:
Voting Section
Civil Rights Division
U.S. Department of Justice
Room 7254 – NWB
950 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20530
Deliveries by overnight express services (such as Airborne, DHL, Federal Express, or UPS) should be addressed to:
Voting Section
Civil Rights Division
U.S. Department of Justice
Room 7254 – NWB
1800 G St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
From an article in the Pantagraph today. ““Would the modified ward system have prevented all of the problems we found ourselves in? I’m not sure it would, but I do know that the ward system caused them because they all occurred during the ward system,” Fazzini said.
Nuff said.
Re-read the Sunday Pantagraph story which detailed everything that HAS been fixed under the Ward system. Basically, it blew Fazzini out of the talking point game.
I’m not sure what your point is, but if you think that a modified ward system is the answer, I’ve got news for you. The way I read it, Fazzini tried to kiss up to Rachel Wells thinking that she’d be free PR for him and his modified ward campaign, but when everyone has spoken Fazzini’s points look rather stupid and self serving. They’re groundless. You don’t have to be an expert debater to blow him out of the water. If you’re drinking his kool aid, then you’re really gullible. Bloomington citizens are far too disengaged in their local government; even so, I have more faith in them than to fall for this.
The biggest problem is they put it on a primary ballot because they know turnout will be low. All they have to do is turnout their supporters.
What I meant to point out by my comment “Nuff said.” was that the comment by Fazzini was dumb. The guy is out to lunch.
Thanks Mudd, for your clarification. I was really starting to worry about you there for a minute. As for the primary ballot, it’s my understanding this is due to state statute, but don’t quote me on that. There are specific regulations of when it can be placed on the ballot and when it cannot. But, you’re right voter turn out will probably be low. This is sure to be headed for a law suit if it passes.