1979-09-19 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

• • Regular Meeting 9/19/79 5 4. JOINT PUBLIC HEARING-WITH CHARTER REVISION COMMITTEE (CONTINUED) The census was done in July, 1978, in La Porte, showing an actual population of 11,148, done by an actual house to house census, using the water meter books. .The census was done by volunteers from various areas of the community. All ages were counted as required by the Justice Department. Information as to minority, such as White population, Black population and Brown population was taken. The result of this was that the minority is a much lesser percentage than that of Houston, or Harris County as a i~hole. There was a discussion about drawing a safe minority district. It was found that the small Black minority is not concentrated in one particular area and would not lend itself to a compact district. If all the Blacks were concentrated in one area, it would take eight district Council positions rather than four, in order to create a safe minority district. With four districts, it would give everyone the opportunity to vote on a majority of the Council. The three at large and the one from their district. This would give a greater degree of • responsiveness to every citizen. At the same time, it would balance the needs existing in different neighborhoods. The Attorney further stated that this was an overview of the Charter; there were many important :items in the Charter other than the voting or the Council arrangement. Details such as who writes the checks, who countersigns them, budget procedures. The Charter is a constitutional document. This determines how much power the citizens are going to give to the government. City Council can not pass an ordinance contrary to the Charter. A great deal of time is required before any change is made. A generation has passed since the last comprehensive change to the Charter. There have been single issue changes. Stating that it was of grave importance. The Charter Revision Committee has been made of members that were previous officials, Mayors, Commissioners and others of previous experience, employees from the City and have all had an input into the proposed revision. The Attorney stated that a lot of experience and thought and earnest consideration had been put into the proposed Charter and was very proud of the work that had been done. Tf there were any questions, he would be happy to answer them. A. James Spradling was recognized and stated that he had several ~. questions. .There are going to be four .districts. The Attorney stated, "Four single member districts and two at large and the Mayor". If this is voted in then we will no longer have the type