Oakdale council authorizes solicitation for demographer after letter alleging racially polarized voting; 3–1 vote

Oakdale City Council authorized staff to solicit bids from demographers to evaluate whether racially polarized voting exists in the city after staff reported receiving a letter from the law firm Shankman & Hughes alleging voting‑rights violations.

City staff described the requested work as fact‑finding to determine whether district elections would be required under state law. The consultant‑style engagement would have a demographer analyze voting patterns and, if needed, propose district maps; staff estimated the likely cost at roughly $40,000–$50,000. The scope is to solicit proposals; council will review submitted bids and then decide whether to retain a demographer.

The motion to solicit bids passed 3–1. The dissenting vote came from Council member Patassi, who said he viewed the demand as “legal extortion” and opposed initiating the process. Other council members said the solicitation is a prudent defensive step to avoid risk of litigation and higher legal bills. Staff emphasized that authorizing a solicitation is the first step and does not itself change the city’s election method.

What happens next: Staff will solicit proposals from qualified demographers and return a recommended contract to council for approval if a bid is selected. If an outside party pursues litigation before the city completes a study, the city may still be required to respond through the legal process.

Representative vote from the hearing (roll call): Mayor Prom Gilbert — yes; Council member Ketaring — yes; Council member Patassi — no; Mayor Barios — yes.