1991-08-12 Joint Public Hearing and Regular Meeting

Browse Search

E r� Minutes, Re -Districting Public Hearing and La Porte City Council August 12, 1991, Page 3 Mayor Malone called the meeting to order and called for a review of the proposed map drawn up by the Re -Districting Committee. He stated that Councilperson Gay has also drawn a map to be submitted for consideration and Councilperson Cooper would like to make some changes. Mayor Malone asked if anyone in the public would like to speak about the proposed map presented by the Re -Districting Committee. Mr. Charlie Perry asked about guidelines set-up for drawing the new boundaries. Chairperson H. P. Pfeiffer explained that all the guidelines were established by the Justice Department, and all guidelines were adhered to by the Re -Districting Committee in the process of drawing up the boundaries of the map. Mayor Malone asked Mr. Perry to step to the microphone so he could be heard by all. Mr. Perry stated "We do not wish to lose the privilege of the Single Member Districts by reducing the minority voting power." Mayor Malone asked if anyone would like to make statements or ask questions. He stated the committee really wants to hear their concerns, if you have some. Councilperson Gay clarified for some of those who are from the minority area which of the proposed maps was drawn by the Re -Districting Committee and which was drawn by him. Mr. Swanagan addressed Council and reiterated H. P. Pfeiffer's statement, and he told the assembly the committee would like to make everyone aware that a lot of thought went into the total make-up of the City. He directed attention to the fact District 4 with all the minority break down, is significantly smaller than all the other districts. The committee was trying not to dilute the minority vote. The Justice Department ruled there can be "No Dilution" of the minority vote, and this is what the committee attempted to do.