Norman Ragsdale,
if the committee has its way, the face
of Dallas government is about to change.
More minorities would be elected to
council via a 10 for
one election plan, meaning 10
council members would come from 10
districts throughout the city for would
come from super districts and one
the mayor would be elected at large.
Council members would get paid a salary.
Right now they get next to nothing,
making the job basically a rich man's
post.
The mayor would also get a salary
and the mayor would serve for four years
instead of two.
I feel a little tired.
The committee's chairman is glad the work
is over. And although some minority
leaders oppose the 10 for one
election plan, the chairman says it's
the best thing to come out of the often
stormy review committee meetings.
This system gives a lot
of opportunity for racial representation.
It also provides
protection of communities of interest
that are so vital in any community
like Oakleaf High School
with city council can now approve
the review committee recommendations and
place them on an August 12th citywide
ballot. And so the umbrella committee
has finished its work not a moment too
soon, according to the chairman.
Ray Hutchison says he fears the public
was getting a little tired of hearing
about the review committee.
But he predicts in August, when a vote
will likely take place, voters will give
the group's work a thumbs up
at Dallas City Hall.
Woodard, Channel 5 News.