10-26-2010 Bruce Conque KPEL Interview

The ballot on November 2nd will include an amendment to the Lafayette
City-Parish Consolidated Government Home Rule Charter that is critical
to redistricting of the City-Parish Council next year. Federal, state
and local laws mandate a redistricting of governing bodies based on the
most recent federal census. In the case of Lafayette, that has to occur
in 2011.

Unless the Charter is amended, that will virtually be impossible in
time for Council elections in October 22, 2011. The Charter states that
redistricting shall occur "...at least six (6) months prior to the next
election for Council members following publication of the census."
Given the fact that the 2010 Census numbers will not be published until
late March, 2011 and the Charter mandates that redistricting cannot
occur after April 22, 2011, there would only be about a month in which
to accomplish a redraw of Council districts. The time required for the
ordinance process to make the changes would prohibit such action.

The Charter amendment would remove this calendar constraint and allow
adequate time in which to redistrict prior to election qualifying in
July. The Board of Directors for the Lafayette Chamber has unanimously
endorsed the amendment and urges a "yes" vote on the proposition.

Chamber President & CEO, Rob Guidry notes that the local proposed
Charter amendment will be on the same ballot as ten proposed changes to
the Louisiana Constitution. Although the Chamber Board has not taken a
position on the Constitutional changes, he urges vo

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Commerce
• Premiere_Elements_7
• of
• Greater
• Chamber
• Lafayette