JAMESTOWN – The Jamestown City Council Monday night acted on several resolutions, including one that calls for the establishment of a reapportionment commission.
Ten years ago, the reapportionment process became embroiled in partisan politics after a plan that was barely approved by the commission was challenged by the city republican party. It was then defeated in a public referendum, and a second commission was created the following year to finalize city lines.
Councilman Tony Dolce, who was part of that process ten years ago, said he’s hoping the process will be less political this time around.
“As you know reapportionment is what it is. It is a political process and the party in power obviously has the votes and they will do what they feel is best. I cautiously look forward to working on it and hopefully it works out.” explained Dolce. “I haven’t seen any of the data yet. Now that this has been passed the city clerk will send us out the maps, the numbers and how far we’re off and what has to be done. And that will give us a better indication of whether this will be a major overhaul or just some tweaking of some street lines.”
The city reapportionment commission will be comprised of an attorney recommended by the Jamestown Bar Association, a citizen recommended by each of the three political parties receiving the largest votes in the last gubernatorial election, two councilpersons designated by the council president, the city attorney, the city clerk and three citizens nominated by the mayor. Officials say the first meeting is tentatively set for the end of April.
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