4/28/2010
Earlier this week, Borough Mayor Dave Carey announced that he would like to see voters and the Borough Assembly consider the possibility of redistricting the Kenai Peninsula Borough into three districts in 2011, instead of the current nine districts. As part of this proposal, Mayor Carey would like to see three members of the Assembly come from each of these three districts. We asked him why he was considering this idea. He felt it would be provide more of an opportunity for residents to vote on one of their members to the Assembly.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Carey on redistricting idea 1…….
Carey feels this would be healthier for the Assembly as a whole.
One Comment to “Carey Discusses Redistricting Idea”
Post comment
Advertisement
Kenai Weather
-
Clear
47°F
-
Fri
54/37
-
Sat
52/39
-
Sun
57/39
-
Clear
47°F
CONTACT
KSRM 907-283-5811KWHQ 907-283-9430
KKIS 907-283-5821
KSLD 907-283-9183
KFSE 907-283-1069
FRIENDS
My first thought, upon reading the opening paragraph, was “NO WAY!”. Dividing the borough into three districts would give the cities way too much power. After listening to the Mayor’s explanation however, the idea merits careful consideration. The borough definately has three natural geographical areas (South, East, and Central) which could be adjusted via the census to equal population districts for equal representation. Allowing every one in the whole geographical area to vote each year for one of three representatives would distribute each assembly member’s power to a greater extent, and make three people accountable for an area instead of just one. It would also “train” people to go to the polls on the first Tuesday of EVERY October, as they will have a relevent race to decide upon. The main danger I see, is that the cities, with their larger population will consistently win with any candidate that they run. Any ideas for evening that score? All-in-all, let’s run this idea up the flagpole. It deserves debate.