What Happened with Abandoning the Ward System?

/ City Reporter

Critics of the ward system argue that in this tiny community, the ward system restricts voter options and limits who can serve in these essentially volunteer positions, which come with significant responsibilities and pay only an honorarium. They emphasize the importance of competence and dedication over geographic considerations when selecting council members. In their view, maintaining a motivated workforce capable of addressing the community’s needs should be the primary selection criteria in a city of this size.

The Opinion Poll on Abandoning the Ward System closed on November 12th after 3 months of community outreach.

Approximately 14.4% of residents had taken the poll. 78.9% of participants responded “Yes, abandon the ward system and have all aldermen serve the community at large” and 21.2% responded, “No, adhere to the ward system & continue with two aldermen selected from and elected by residents residing in the corresponding half of the city”.

Then What Happened?

  1. The poll sponsor attempted to bring a motion on the issue to a vote at the November City Council Meeting on 11/13/23.
  2. The Mayor refused to add the item to the agenda and informed the Board of Aldermen that an ordinance would need to be provided and debated in advance of bringing it to a vote.
  3. Since the motion did not even make it to the agenda, the city will continue with two aldermen selected from and elected by residents from the corresponding geographic area.

Since the ward system was not abandoned:

  • One open council seat will be listed on the ballot and presented to residents who live on the south side of town; nominees for that seat must live on the city’s south side.
  • One open council seat will be listed on the ballot and presented to residents who live on the north side of town; nominees for that seat must live on the city’s north side.

What’s next?

We start over. We begin the outreach campaign again – this time with full awareness of all requirements from the start, and with the ability to get items added to City Council meeting agendas.

Stay tuned.