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| 08-19-2002 | Previous edition: 08-16-2002 |
        
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Printer-friendly version 2000 census creates new city districtsBy Yuri VictorCity Editor West Lafayette is redrawing the districts based on the 2000 census results. "It's a requirement," said Mayor Sonya Margerum. The project must be completed by Nov. 8. The plan was drawn by attorney Joanna Gramma and Tippecanoe County Area Plan Commission staff members. The plans will be similar to the existing plans, only with some minor adjustments. For example, the plans add the recently annexed areas on the north side of the city. "Each district has to be as nearly equal as possible. It also has to meet standards of being compacted and have a community of interests. And it can't cross state legislature lines," Margerum said. Margerum said Gramma's plan fits these requirements. Each council member will represent about 5,700 people and there is a 2.14 percent deviation between districts. There was some dissent among council members. Council member Barb Sparby, a republican who serves at large, suggested creating four districts instead of the five currently present and having three council members serve at-large. She said she is concerned about the high turnover in the student-populated areas. But Margerum said this would be difficult. "The requirement is five districts…even though there isn't a large voter turnout it's still important that the student population is represented." The city council will vote on the plan during the Sept. 2 meeting with a final vote in October. Printer-friendly version |
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