By Renee O’Quinn
The Baxley City Council held a public hearing at City Hall on the proposed changes for redistricting in the city on Thursday, August 11 at 6:00 p.m. Mayor Steve Rigdon opened the meeting and stated the hearing provides the opportunity for public comment on the proposed changes to the city voting districts. Rigdon further stated that the census dictates how the city has to redistrict those lines. City Attorney J. Alex Johnson read aloud the legalities of redistricting and explained the procedures that were applied with the proposed changes to the city districts. The following are some highlights of what Attorney Johnson read aloud during the public hearing: Federal and state laws require all cities, counties and states to adjust voting districts to comply with “one person - one vote or equal representation” mandates - that is, each congressman, state representative, county commissioner or city council member should represent approximately the same number of people.
Council holds hearing on redistricting
The city is required to redistrict, if necessary, based on the census numbers every ten years. The census numbers have to be used to determine whether the population of voting districts remains within the allowable ranges, and also to ensure that minority populations are fairly represented.
From the 2010 Census for Baxley, persons identifying themselves as black totaled about 35 percent of the population. That segment is therefore entitled to 35 percent representation on the council - that is two of the six council members.
The last time the city reapportioned voting districts was in 1993, based on the 1990 Census. The 2000 Census did not show a need for modification; so voting districts have remained unchanged since 1993. Initial information gleaned from the 2010 Census showed districts were out of line and would need to be adjusted.
The City was greatly aided this year by new technology available by the Office of Legislative Reapportionment in Atlanta.
The proposal presented closely follows the traditionally recognized districts, with blocks added or subtracted to reflect population changes.
With a total population of 4,400, the voting districts should ideally contain 733 people each.
Attorney Johnson stated he believes the mayor and council have worked diligently and impartially to create voting districts, which meet the requirements of applicable law and are fair to the citizens of Baxley.
Public comment
Winton Herrin came before the council stating that he is presently in District 3 and adding that he would like to stay in that district. Herrin further stated he is well pleased with the representation of his council member. He requested that the line be changed only 1-1/2 percent to add the small block on Joey Lane and Pendleton Street and put it back in District 3. According to the proposed redistricting map Joey Lane and Pendleton are used as the defining lines, and he further stated that Homesville Avenue and Poor Robin Extension Road are main thoroughfares and should be used as the defining lines. He thanked and expressed his appreciation to the council members.
Attorney Johnson then announced there would be a second reading with the changes based on the hearing at the next regular council meeting on August 30. He stated after the proposed redistricting map is approved it would then be sent to the U.S. Justice Department for review.
From the 2010 Census for Baxley, persons identifying themselves as black totaled about 35 percent of the population. That segment is therefore entitled to 35 percent representation on the council - that is two of the six council members.
The last time the city reapportioned voting districts was in 1993, based on the 1990 Census. The 2000 Census did not show a need for modification; so voting districts have remained unchanged since 1993. Initial information gleaned from the 2010 Census showed districts were out of line and would need to be adjusted.
The City was greatly aided this year by new technology available by the Office of Legislative Reapportionment in Atlanta.
The proposal presented closely follows the traditionally recognized districts, with blocks added or subtracted to reflect population changes.
With a total population of 4,400, the voting districts should ideally contain 733 people each.
Attorney Johnson stated he believes the mayor and council have worked diligently and impartially to create voting districts, which meet the requirements of applicable law and are fair to the citizens of Baxley.
Public comment
Winton Herrin came before the council stating that he is presently in District 3 and adding that he would like to stay in that district. Herrin further stated he is well pleased with the representation of his council member. He requested that the line be changed only 1-1/2 percent to add the small block on Joey Lane and Pendleton Street and put it back in District 3. According to the proposed redistricting map Joey Lane and Pendleton are used as the defining lines, and he further stated that Homesville Avenue and Poor Robin Extension Road are main thoroughfares and should be used as the defining lines. He thanked and expressed his appreciation to the council members.
Attorney Johnson then announced there would be a second reading with the changes based on the hearing at the next regular council meeting on August 30. He stated after the proposed redistricting map is approved it would then be sent to the U.S. Justice Department for review.
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