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Board advances hybrid at-large election model to tentative ballot
Summary
The Local Government Review Board voted to include a hybrid at-large election model on its tentative ballot report after discussing concerns about concentrated majority control and noting survey support for at-large representation.
The Local Government Review Board on May 7 voted to place a proposal for a hybrid at-large election model in its tentative report for potential placement on the ballot. The model discussed would have wards 1, 2 and 3 elect together while at-large seats 1, 5 and 6 would be elected together on an alternating two‑year cycle.
"The LGRB continued the discussion on the hybrid at-large election model, where wards 1, 2, and 3 elect together, and at-large seats 1, 5, and 6 are elected together, alternating every two years," the minutes state. Members said the hybrid approach could offer more opportunities for qualified candidates but raised concerns that it could allow a neighborhood majority to dominate representation. The minutes also note a survey indicating majority support for at-large representation, though the minutes do not include the survey data.
A motion to include the hybrid representation proposal in the tentative report passed unanimously among the recorded voters. The motion was made by Whiteman and seconded by Mayer; the recorded vote was yes from Sergent, Whiteman and Mayer. The board did not record further amendments or specify ballot language at this meeting.
The board’s action places the representation question into the public-engagement phase; staff and board members signaled that public input and scheduling will shape next steps before any final adoption or placement on a ballot.
