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builds power
base, lessens
accountability
Monday night’s decision by the county commissioners to redraw commissioners’ districts to more accurately reflect population shifts since 1992 was long overdue, but the bigger job of approving at-large voting for commissioners was left undone by a 4-3 vote.
Now, voters can vote only for commissioner candidates who run from within their districts. Many voters don’t like the system because they can’t vote for all candidates.
There is a better system than the current one that would allow for a combination of at-large candidates (those on which all voters vote) and candidates who run by district.
One or two minority districts are needed to ensure minority representation on the board. This is not only required by the Voting Rights Act, it’s also the right thing to do. Before the 1992 federal court decision that saw the creation of the current district system, no black had ever been elected as a county commissioner.
The other commissioners would run at-large, possibly representing districts, but they would be voted on by everyone.
Changing the current system will be a hard row to hoe, however. Running by districts is the easiest way to protect one’s hold on office because they can take care of voters within their district first and foremost, thus building a power base and not having to face an angry electorate
That’s exactly why a new system is needed.