City auditor invites public input for citizens redistricting panel and how best to identify applicant qualifications
City Auditor Ken Mory today announced a public forum will be held to encourage participation in the Citizens Independent Redistricting Commission (CIRC) and secure a large and diverse pool of qualified applicants.
Once formed the 14-member CIRC will hire consultants, conduct public hearings, and draw 10 council districts the City Council will have no choice but to accept, subject to federal approval under the Voting Rights Act.
Peck Young is the volunteer political consultant who provided strategy for Austinites for Geographic Representation (AGR), which got Proposition 3 on the ballot through a petition drive and won voter approval.
Young said he was encouraged by the auditor’s quick action to seek public participation.
“My reaction it that’s a very good first step,” Young told The Austin Bulldog. “AGR members will be encouraged to participate. I think that’s an excellent approach on Mory’s part.”
Elections scheduled for November 2014 will be held under the new system with 10 council members elected from geographic districts and only the mayor elected at large.
The forum starts 7pm Tuesday December 4 in One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Road, Room 325. (To see a map, click here.)
Overview of the process
Proposition 3 approved by voters November 6 requires the city auditor to establish an Applicant Review Panel of three independent auditors who will screen applications from volunteers who wish to serve on the CIRC.
The auditor’s forum will include breakout sessions “to determine how best to identify applicant qualifications including relevant analytical skills, the ability to be impartial, and an appreciation for the City of Austin’s diverse demographics and geography,” the press release states.
These qualifications are specified in Proposition 3: Ordinance No. 20120802-015 approved by voters. Screening to determine whether applicants meet these requirements will be the responsibility of the Applicant Review Panel.
Applicants must meet numerous other requirements to prevent conflicts of interest. These are listed in Sections 3(D)(1) and 3(I)(3) of the Ordinance.
In addition, Section 3(D)(4) makes any member of the CIRC ineligible to hold elective public office for the City of Austin for 10 years from the date of appointment. Commission members will also be ineligible for three years to hold appointive public office for the city, to serve as paid staff or paid consultant to the city or City Council or any council member, or to receive a non-competitively bid contract from the city.
The Applicant Review Panel is required to produce a pool of 60 qualified people. The mayor and City Council members are entitled to strike one person each from the pool, in writing, without stating a reason.
The city auditor will then conduct a public drawing to pick the first eight people to serve on the CIRC and those eight will pick the remaining six members to balance the commission by race, ethnicity, gender, and geography.
Can’t make the December 4 meeting? Your input may be submitted in writing via e-mail to [email protected]. You can also mail or hand deliver your comments to Office of the City Auditor, 302 W. 2nd St., Suite 2130, Austin TX 78701.
Additional information about the redistricting process can be found on the Office of the City Auditor’s website at http://austintexas.gov/page/10-1-citizens-redistricting-process.
This report was made possible by contributions toThe Austin Bulldog, which operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to provide investigative reporting in the public interest. You can help to sustainThe Austin Bulldog’s coverage by making atax-deductible contribution.
Related Bulldog coverage: This is The Austin Bulldog’s 41st article covering issues and activities pertaining to proposed changes to the Austin City Charter.
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Prop 3 Fundraising Outpaces Prop 4: Financial support for 10-1 far outstrip dollars donated for 8-2-1 hybrid, September 29, 2012
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Poll Triggers Backlash from 10-1 Proponents: Proposition 3 advocates saying Prop 4 playing dirty with a misleading poll, Prop 4 denies the charge, October 17, 2012
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Redistricting Need Not Be a Quintessentially Political Process: Independent redistricting commissions for U.S. states and cities, September 24, 2012
Barrientos Lampoons Prop 4 With a Fable: Other proponents of alternative plans for geographic representation push their points, September 14, 2012
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No-Change Option Surfaces in Ballot Debate: Former Council Member Bob Binder opposes both options on the ballot for geographic representation, September 11, 2012
The Election Wars Have Begun: Interest in how council members elected running high, as face-off debates abound, September 9, 2012
8-2-1 Near Certain to Go on Ballot: City Council Votes on Second Reading to Put Competition Election Plan on Ballot, July 31, 2012
Hard Fought, Heartfelt Charter Decision: Charter Revision Committee Votes 8-7 to Back 10-1 Plan for Council Elections, February 3, 2012
New Restrictions Proposed for Lobbyist Fundraising: Lobbyists Can Only Give Candidates $25 But Can Collect Unlimited Contributions For Them, January 22, 2012
Committee Debates How to Elect Council: Charter Revision Committee Divided Over Pure Districts vs. Hybrid System, January 9, 2012
Thirteen Charter Changes and Counting: Charter Revision Committee’s Next Job: Tackle Plan for Geographic Representation, December 14, 2011
Council Confirms November 2012 Election Date for Charter Amendments: Resolution Ensures Citizens Initiative Won’t Force May 2012 Charter Election, November 3, 2011
Coalition Launching Petition Drive to Get on the Ballot for May 2012 Election, October 18, 2011
Broad Community Interest Focusing on How Mayor and Council Members Elected, October 4, 2011
Coalition Nearing Petition Launch for Grass-roots Council District Plan, August 24, 2011
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Petition Launch Imminent to Force Election for Geographic Representation in City Elections, March 7, 2011
