Council members want option to adjust Menifee redistricting maps
The majority of Menifee City Council wants the option to be able to make adjustments to the three maps the redistricting committee turned i...
http://www.menifee247.com/2011/10/council-members-want-option-to-adjust.html
The majority of Menifee City Council wants the option to be able to make adjustments to the three maps the redistricting committee turned in.
On Tuesday evening the council reviewed the maps they would be voting on during their next meeting. Before one is selected, council members discussed the feasibility of making alterations without spending extra time or money.
City Attorney Karen Feld said making adjustments is legal, but depending on how many, another public hearing may have to be held.
National Demographics Corporation President Douglas Johnson said making a large change would cost more money, but a small change would be no problem.
“Just a minor change will take a few minutes on the computer, and there would be no extra charge,” he said.
Redistricting committee chair Anne Pica questioned why the council would need to alter the maps.
“Everyone is exactly where they should be,” she said during the meeting. “We did what you requested, now we’re requesting you to do your jobs.”
Councilmember Tom Fuhrman asked if the council could make a vote on whether or not to change the maps, but a few members felt uncomfortable being stripped of that option.
“It was not my understanding that we’d be forced to pick a map,” said councilmember Darcy Kuenzi, who originally asked if adjustments would be possible. “I thought there’d be some flexibility. I’m not saying I’m going to make adjustments, but I want that option.”
Councilmember Sue Kristjansson stressed that it is incumbent for city council to make the right decision on these maps.
“I have an obligation in my position to make sure I’m comfortable with what I’m voting on,” she said. “If I do make changes, they’ll be for substantive reasons.”
Mayor Wallace Edgerton reminded the council of how this redistricting process has affected them and the city.
“I will not accept any modification based on the context of what we’ve faced these past three years,” he said.
Councilmember Fuhrman agreed with the mayor.
“I’ve been here 20 years, and I’ve driven every one of my streets,” he said. “I’m happy with the boundaries and I’ll pick one of these three maps.”
The council will continue to review the maps, drive the boundaries and solicit feedback from the public until their next meeting.
The next meeting will be held on Oct. 18th at 7 p.m. in City Hall.
On Tuesday evening the council reviewed the maps they would be voting on during their next meeting. Before one is selected, council members discussed the feasibility of making alterations without spending extra time or money.
City Attorney Karen Feld said making adjustments is legal, but depending on how many, another public hearing may have to be held.
National Demographics Corporation President Douglas Johnson said making a large change would cost more money, but a small change would be no problem.
“Just a minor change will take a few minutes on the computer, and there would be no extra charge,” he said.
Redistricting committee chair Anne Pica questioned why the council would need to alter the maps.
“Everyone is exactly where they should be,” she said during the meeting. “We did what you requested, now we’re requesting you to do your jobs.”
Councilmember Tom Fuhrman asked if the council could make a vote on whether or not to change the maps, but a few members felt uncomfortable being stripped of that option.
“It was not my understanding that we’d be forced to pick a map,” said councilmember Darcy Kuenzi, who originally asked if adjustments would be possible. “I thought there’d be some flexibility. I’m not saying I’m going to make adjustments, but I want that option.”
Councilmember Sue Kristjansson stressed that it is incumbent for city council to make the right decision on these maps.
“I have an obligation in my position to make sure I’m comfortable with what I’m voting on,” she said. “If I do make changes, they’ll be for substantive reasons.”
Mayor Wallace Edgerton reminded the council of how this redistricting process has affected them and the city.
“I will not accept any modification based on the context of what we’ve faced these past three years,” he said.
Councilmember Fuhrman agreed with the mayor.
“I’ve been here 20 years, and I’ve driven every one of my streets,” he said. “I’m happy with the boundaries and I’ll pick one of these three maps.”
The council will continue to review the maps, drive the boundaries and solicit feedback from the public until their next meeting.
The next meeting will be held on Oct. 18th at 7 p.m. in City Hall.
Is there any way to see the three maps on here?
ReplyDelete