According to a report in today’s Tribune which was not posted to their web site, Council President Bob Dean has asked 3rd Ward Councilman John Brown to look into adjusting Warren’s seven council wards to reflect changes in the city’s population between the censuses of 2000 and 2010 when the city lost nearly 15% of its population.
Brown raised this issue in last week’s council meeting and reminded his colleagues that this redistricting is mandated by Ohio law. The Tribune article said Brown would also be looking at changes such as moving to an all at-large council rather than the current make up of seven ward councilpeople and three at-large.
This is a complex issue that I don’t know much about, but I’m sure we will be hearing more about it in the future.
“Immediately after the proclamation by the secretary of state as to the population of the municipal corporations, as determined by the federal census, the council may redivide the municipal corporation into wards upon the basis of its population, which shall be as nearly equal in population as possible and composed of contiguous and compact territory, bounded by natural boundaries or street lines.” ORC 705.73 Division into wards on basis of population.
I hope this works better at a city level than it does at a state level… This is one of those things that should be done by an independent party or group. Not sure who, though…
Thanks Brian. The operative word seems to be “may”?
The Engineering Dept. did a lot of the last redistricting.
I am against the all at-large idea. It costs more money and more time campaigning city-wide and this could discourage some good candidates. Also you could have whole sections of the city with no representation. While I think the Council would have the best intentions, neighbors know their neighborhoods best. By nature people contact their ward councilman which levels the influence and knowledge of members. With all at-large, people will contact the name they know best giving a few councilmembers more influence.
You make a lot of sense Janet. What I think would really benefit the city is an open primary that is neither Dem or Rep with the top two vote-getters facing each other in the primary. This is a one-party town and it really suppresses competition.
Dennis, you’re dead on. I’ve been saying for years that the best thing that could ever happen to this city is non-partisan council elections. I know of several people really interested in running for council but unwilling to put a party label on themselves (I know I personally could never run with a “D” or an “R”!); an open election would help to solve that problem.
Janet, I agree with you too (I’m just a yes-man today) about the all-at-large idea–everyone needs to be represented and ward representatives are the best way to ensure that.
Brian anyone can run as an Independent. You just have to have your petitions in just before the primary. I think an Independent could have a great chance. Remember that Jay Williams became Mayor of Youngstown as an Independent.