Minutes 09/27/1983 - Laserfiche WebLink

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188 TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 1983 study ways and System or some sentation from means of establishing a Single Member District kind of election system that will insure repre- each section of the city. Mr. Robert N. Crockett, residing at 1007 Mountain Road for many years, in the Chatham Heights area last "represented" on Council by former Mayor-Councilman Harry L. Boaz, stated that he has never known of any voter who wanted to vote but could not vote in the City, that for a city the size of Martinsville he favors the present at-large system, which has worked well for all citizens and should be retained, having fairly (through City Council) provided improvements throughout the City, and, furthermore, that he does not vote for a candidate because of where he resides but, rather, in his judgment for the best qualified candidates who represent all of the citizens. Councilman West, in a manner he described as being uncontentiously as possible, then offered his motion (which was duly seconded) that the Voters League request be denied. In so doing, Mr. West made the following points: 1. To "drag out" a decision on this matter would engender more ill feelings than otherwise might be engendered; 2. He is unalterably opposed to a "ward" system for Martinsville, being the compact city that it is; 3. Contention has developed as a result of the "ward" system having been adopted in several Virginia cities; 4. There is no impediment to any citizen to vote and/or to become a candidate for membership on City Council; 5. No distinction has ever been made (as to color or race or place of residency) in considering and acting upon requests for improvements; 6. The City's record in race relations has been free of judicial proceedings; 7. Local citizens and local government have complied with applicable laws; and 8. Local voters have demonstrated that they select and elect candidates irrespective of the candidates' places of residency, as attested to the election in past years of citizens from the Chatham Heights area, the South- side area, and, as in the case of former Mayor-Council- man William D. Hobson, from the black community, the record noting that Mr. Hobson was elected and reelected for three consecutive four-year terms, ending June 30, 1980, and that Mr. Hobson chose not to be a candidate for reelection for a new term beginning July 1, 1980.