My latest op-ed appeared in The Virginian-Pilot Thursday. In it, I discussed the public redistricting hearing that was held Tuesday evening. As of right now, that will be the only public hearing, which is a real shame since almost no one was there.
Attending another meeting last night, several people mentioned to me why they didn’t make the public hearing: the notice in the paper that they saw had the wrong time in it. Of course, if the city hadn’t waited until Memorial Day to announce the hearing, there would have been more time to promote it in the first place.
At this point, I think the city needs to slow down and take a good look at the new plan offered. There is no rush to submit a plan to the Justice Department – council elections are not until next year.And they could hold another public hearing – this time, properly advertised so that the citizens can participate – and discuss the pros and cons of each plan.
We live with these lines for ten years. Minor tweaking of existing lines should not be the only alternative.
I have to shamefully admit when I saw I would still be in Ward 5 and Tommy would still represent me I didn’t bother to attend.
Posted by Peggy Scott | Friday, June 10, 2011, 11:46 amUnderstood.
Posted by Vivian J. Paige | Friday, June 10, 2011, 5:59 pm