04-13-02 Special Advisory Redistricting Committee

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i 1 Special Advisory Redistricting Committee f April 13, 2002 Page 2 ly • She noted that section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was amended in 1982 and specifically A, addresses"vote dilution", which is further addressed by the US Department of Justice Civil Rights 1 , Division articles attached to her memo. She also noted that the most recent U.S. Supreme Court _ case in this area was handed down in 2001 in the case of Hunt v. Cromartie. She noted that this case addressed the Congressional District lines in North Carolina. The Court maintained the lines noting that they were drawn based on political calculations rather than racial calculations. She added that the article which she attached on this topic emphasizes the importance of opening the redistricting process to the community and the need to have public hearings on proposed plans. Council Member Pfeifer noted that our form of government permits anyone the right to complain I even though they may not of voted. She noted that she and the Council Attorney have had nine(9) neighborhood meetings to date with an additional one being scheduled in the near future on the topic of loitering and quality of life issues. She further noted that in the three(3) most challenging neighborhoods, no one attended the meetings. ival Dr. Varner stated that the Committee's proposed timetable for completing the redistricting map should be cognizant of individuals who may be considering whether to run in next year's city 1 elections. He noted that it becomes a fairness issue to have this task completed to allow such , individuals to weigh their intent to run or not based on the Councilmanic District lines. , a 14,'' Mr. Chavez noted that at an earlier meeting, Mr. Magliozzi indicated that we were dealing with a population of 109,000; whereas Council Member King noted that the population was 107,000. 1 , Council Member King noted that the 109,000 figure was in error. Council Member King suggested sitting down with the 'CVO= so that people would have background information about what is happening, once the map and statistical information is finalized. r " Glenda Rae Hernandez suggested that the affected neighborhood groups should have the ', opportunity to sit down with this Committee first, while inviting Mr. Ditz from the 'UV itmitt. Mr. Leone agreed with Ms. Hernandez's suggestion and further suggested that neighborhood churches and precinct people be brought into the discussion. l _ Mr. Adler suggested that we invite the affected neighborhood groups to the meeting, the neighborhood churches as well as an invitation to the public at large and also invite the news ti; media. In this way they could launch this topic to the residents of our community. • Council Member Pfeifer noted that 900 residents are in 1-9 who would be joining the 2nd Councilmanic District. She suggested PSA's on television on voting and redistricting. Council Member King added that the primary election in 2003 will be the first one with the new voting machines. I Mr. Chavez added that WSBT Channel 22 will begin having the evening news at 6 pm in Spanish 4 beginning Monday, April 15, 2002.