Single-Member Districts On Tap Tonight

The thankless souls comprising the Charter Revision Task Force are meeting tonight to discuss possible single-member district setups for future City Council elections. (Currently, it's an entirely at-large system critics says don't give sufficient voice or accountability to Austin's citizens.) As Kimberley Reeves' article for us a week or so back made clear, without enough community buy-in, it runs the very-real risk of running into the ground again.

The city must have the same worries, so they're encouraging peeps to show up tonight. Here's their presser:

Charter Revision Committee encourages public input

The public is encouraged to attend and provide feedback at the next Charter Revision Committee meeting at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, in the Boards and Commissions Room at Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second St.

The Charter Revision Committee is charged with reviewing and reporting on the advisability of a charter amendment proposing single-member districts or a combination of single-member and at-large seats for Council member elections. Currently, the City of Austin uses an at-large system.

“It’s very important that the Committee receive as much public input as possible as we move forward with making a recommendation to Council,” said Committee Chair Gus Garcia, a former Mayor. “We’re open to reviewing any suggestions you may have about the future of Austin’s framework for Council member elections.”

Garcia stressed that committee members seek public participation and input at all Charter meetings scheduled through January 2008.

The Charter Revision Committee was established by vote of the Austin City Council on April 5, 2007. Each Council member has appointed a representative of the community to serve on the committee.

Following completion of its review, if the Charter Revision Committee recommends any change to the current election system it will then be presented and considered by the City Council for a Charter Amendment ballot. An election could be conducted as early as May 2008.

Information regarding the Charter Revision Committee, its work and information presented at previous meetings can be accessed on the City of Austin Web site at www.cityofaustin.org/charter.

The Committee meets tonight at 5pm in Council chambers; more dates below the fold.

Upcoming Charter Revision Committee Meetings:

Thursday, Sept. 20, Council Chambers, 5pm.

Wednesday, Oct. 10, Council Chambers, 5pm.

Thursday, Oct. 25, Council Chambers, 5pm.

Thursday, Nov. 15, Council Chambers, 5pm.

Wednesday, Nov. 28, Council Chambers, 5pm.

Wednesday, Dec. 12, Council Chambers, 5pm.

Thursday, Dec. 20, Council Chambers, 5pm.

Wednesday, Jan. 9, Boards and Commissions Room, 4pm.

Wednesday, Jan. 23, Council Chambers, 5pm.