HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 1121.019 2006-2008
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Murashige, Laura-
From: blann [blann@verizon.net] 24~$ ~RY 1~ 9 32
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 7:12 AM
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Cc: bford
Subject: Bill 276 Draft 2: testimony in support
C=~`id y. I 1 /
Aloha County Council,
Once again I offer congratulations to County Council for considering this Bill on the
very foundation of representative democracy, the fair election with one man one vote.
This Bill gives very important improvement over the present redistricting section of
our County Charter. For this reason, I support it.
The earlier version (Draft 1) was perhaps better for my own taste, as it recognized
that redistricting is under the legislative wing of county government, according to the
charter, and that therefore the council should both nominate and confirm members
of the redistricting commission (RC). As the work of the RC will influence fair voting
for ten year periods, it is essential to 'get it right'. My feeling is that the collective
judgement of nine elected officials each nominating one person from their districts
is better than a single party (Mayor) appointing all the commission. If ever we were to
have a Mayor with overly strong loyalties or ambitions, his/her ability to handpick the
entire commission could for practical purposes negate the important reforms contained
in Bill 276 draft 2.
1 strongly support passage of this Bill 276 draft 2, but hope that the council nomination
and appointment of RC membership will be restored.
Respectfully,
Marshall Blann
Kailua-Kona
cam. ~Io? ~ ~ Z~ • /
Ref. 'N Prsse~t~i
Ref. Date , MAY 2-0- 2008
5/16/2008