In Favor of Proposition 3

Dear Editor,
    Proposition 3, which creates 10 single-member districts and one at-large mayor, earned its place on the ballot with 33,000 valid signatures – the 8-2-1 politicians' plan, Prop. 4, was placed on the ballot by a City Council vote in a work session, not a full council meeting [“Nov. 6 Elections: The 'Chronicle' Endorsements,” News, Oct. 19]!
    Prop. 3 creates an Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission which will determine the boundaries of the 10 districts, including one for UT student representation, and, most importantly, does not allow politicians, their political employees/hacks, or family to serve on the commission! The hybrid plan, Prop. 4, has no citizens commission and leaves the determination of the districts to the same political hacks that presently manipulate the system.
    Prop. 3 intentionally chose 10 districts because this is the number that can produce at least one African-American opportunity district and at least one Latino district – this can pass Justice Department muster; the 8-2-1 plan will not. Plus, the three at-large seats of 8-2-1 will be owned by big money interests, effectively diluting the votes of the eight independent seats!
    Aren't you tired of your increasing property taxes going to developer boondoggles like Water Treatment Plant No. 4 and Formula One subsidies?
    Do your own research! Vote for yourself and your neighbors: Prop. 3 is endorsed by 25 independent organizations including Austin Neighborhoods Council, Democrats, Republicans, Green Party, NAACP, LULAC, UT Student Government, Austin’s Human Rights Commission, Austin Police Association, and individual Austinites from across the city.
    Make sure to do your homework: Read the reference materials provided by Austinites for Geographic Representation. Prop. 3 creates a City Council represented by citizens, for Austin, not the continuation of big money manipulation.