An important component of having at-large and and ward council members is that
citizens have, as in many European parliamentary systems, more than one vote.
People should have one vote for the candidate in their ward, and a second vote
for the at-large candidate of their choice. This gives people the opportunity
to select representatives for their "neighborhood" as well as for broader
concerns. Typically this type of arrangement bodes very well in increasing the
diversity of representation.
David Piehl
Central
"Arthur LaRue" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> on 03/16/2001 01:07:17 AM
Please respond to "Arthur LaRue" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
cc: (bcc: Dave G Piehl/USA/Pillsbury)
Subject: [Mpls] Re: Council members
A few people have mentioned a system of proportional representation (which
is what this talk of at-large seats stems from) which is commonly known as
"mixed": having some seats be elected from wards or districts, while others
are "at large". This seems to me a good solution: if everyone were "at
large" there might be little connection to the local neighborhoods, and,
conceivably, the entire council could focus on the interests of one
group.(hmm...sounds slightly familiar?)
With a mixed member system some reps are accountable to a locale, and a
population; therefore (in theory) would advocate on behalf of their
particular constituents.
Who can tell me what structural changes would need to occur to put this into
effect? Charter? State law?
Arthur LaRue
6-6/Cedar-Riverside
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