CHC 1979-08-20 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MR. ODA: Mr. Chairman, as far as I can tell, the objection, if I can call_ it .that, is quite appropriate. This is changing the entire nature of the motion which was previously made so it would require a new motion at such time as it can be entertained. CHAIRMAN SAKATA: Then Mr. Omonaka' s motion still stands? MR. ODA: Right. CHAIRMAN SAKATA: Mr. Cadinha, do you have anything to say? MR. CADINHA: No. CHAIRMAN SAKATA: Are you ready for the question? The motion now is 5 from the districts and 2 at-large and the terms will be 5 district councilmen for 2-year terms and 2 at- large councilmen for 4-year terms. MR. SCHUTTE: Mr. Chairman. I don't know how good it will be but whatever the situation, I 'd like to say something in regard to this. I would like to call your attention to a statement made by Mr. Sensano. A very eloquent statement made on July 18, 1979 at this Charter Review Commission and I quote. . ."Only a fool or a very strong headed individual would not change his mind if a compromise is required on an issue, but not on a principle , and to me the member composition of the council is an issue, not a principle. " I have strongly supported district representation as I believe that, everyone should be accountable to the area that he or she is elected to represent. The at-large candidacy is e*cellent if one can adhere to the philosophy that representa- tion is considered and excelled to all the constituents within the county. I know there is a present motion on the floor for a 5-2 council makeup. I certainly hope that those individuals that would have it in their minds to be so considerate as to take into consideration the 5-2-2 which would give the Western side of the island an at-large--2 at-large candidates and also the Eastern side of the island 2 at-large candidates with a 5 district makeup. What this all amounts to, as far as I 'm concerned, is Mr. Sensano made a very eloquent statement when he said that. I think I made note of that at that time and I 'd like to make note of it again. I would ,to hope that we could suggest a proposal of 5-2-2 and that it would be carried by this commission.. today. I -think- the -responsibility- that we have has a lot to do with the consideration that we have for those individuals we represent and giving them the opportunity to make their own decisions. If you are talking about an at-large situation, you have that right now. What we're looking at is bringing government a little closer to the people and all we're looking for is two more additional candidates, if this be the case, for the Western side of island. -7-