Dear City Council and Staff,
Thank you for your work getting us through the districting process thus far.
Given the two proposals for by-district elections, the five district proposal makes a lot more sense. Visually, it looks logical;
neighborhoods are intact; Belle Haven is intact; and the advisory districting commission recommends it over the six district
proposal.
Regarding the size of our city council, I wonder about the impact on staff. Would staff have to do more to support a larger
council? If so, that is another reason in favor of keeping to five councilmembers, because progress on many important issues
facing our city is currently limited by staff capacity, and we should not exacerbate that situation. Regardless of the direct
impact on staff, I would expect city council meetings to last longer with more councilmembers, and that in itself is an important
factor weighing against the six district proposal. Longer meetings would make it more difficult for all involved: councilmembers,
staff, outside presenters and residents who want to engage in the political process.
I’m sorry about the unfortunate consequence of the five district proposal drawing Ray and Cat into a single district.
Respectfully,
-Karen
