Charter Revision Committee mulls redistricting options, hears public comment

Mayor Lee Leffingwell, a proponent of the 6-2-1 plan, also testified.

While the mayor favored the 6-2-1 option, he urged the importance of compromising on one plan to put before voters in November to ensure a better chance of passage.

The committee discussed how Austin voters have rejected geographic representation several times in the past. However, it was agreed that the proposal has a better chance at passage in 2012 due to the city's rapidly growing population.

"The city is too large and too diverse for the type of government it has," committee member Fred Lewis said.

Those in support of single-member districts said the system would result in more equality for underrepresented minority populations, an increase in voter participation and a reduction in campaign costs allowing for those with fewer resources to run.

Committee member Delia Garza specifically expressed concern that no City Council members live in South Austin, while committee member Nelson Linder stated that many of East Austin's needs are not being met.

Several members of Austinites for Geographic Representation also spoke, including Roger Borgelt, who said he felt the at-large system is an unnecessary anomaly not found in many other systems of government.

"Effective representation requires enlargement of the council," Borgelt added.

Opponents of the 10-1 scenario cited the possibility of electing members who only care about the needs of their district and concern over infighting among City Council members.

Committee member Ted Siff said he believed a hybrid system would be a more balanced approach than the 10-1 proposal.

If approved by voters in November, the charter amendments will be implemented in 2013 with the first election under the new system for representation held in November 2013.

The committee will take on the issue again at its next meeting scheduled for Jan. 19 at Lord's Church of Austin, 301 W. Anderson Lane. Committee members will form their final recommendations to submit to City Council at their Feb. 2 meeting at City Hall.