Council Opts for Redistricting Option That Keeps Kos in Ward 4

After plenty of discussion on which redistricting map should adopt: one that was drawn “blindly” without regards to anyone’s residency (Map A) or one that would effectively , council members voted 5-1 to select the second option.

An ad-hoc committee to discuss the issue recommended “Map B” on July 9. Redistricting of wards was necessary after the results of the 2010 U.S. Census showed a significant imbalance in Avon Lake's four council wards.

Council, after learning that the blindly drawn map would have resulted in Kos’ Redwood Boulevard address being shifted to Ward 3, realized that if Kos won re-election in November, he would, by city charter rules become ineligible for the seat in July 2012.

Candidates are required to run in the district they are residing in at the time of election.

Had that happened, council would have had to appoint a representative from the newly drawn ward and that didn’t sit well with several council members, including Zilka, Martin O’Donnell and Dan Bucci.

“I’m going to recommend Map B because we know a situation exist where a quarter of the population could end up with someone appointed by council,” Bucci said July 9. “That’s the only situation that exists today.”

O’Donnell said it was important to look a situation where there was representation by voting as opposed to council appointing a council member.

Zilka, who stressed council was being transparent with the meeting, took a cautious approach to the situation.

We have to be careful here, we are making an assumption that (Kos) will be recommended,” Zilka said. “Some people may be uncomfortable with that assumption.”

Former Ward 4 Councilman Michael Stanek forwarded a letter to council saying  he found it distasteful that council was creating a second option under the assumption that Kos was going to win.

Stanek said the initial plan, where a ward was redrawn blindly without consideration, was the proper approach. He noted a neighbor of his in Ward 4 was considering a run, but she would find herself in the same situation as Kos if the second option were selected.

Councilwoman Jennifer Fenderbosch cast the lone “no” vote at the July 11 meeting and said in talking with Ward 2 residents she’s had an overwhelming number of people saying they supported a blind redistricting.

Any attempt to alter or change that would be a manipulation,” Fenderbosch said, adding she would not support the recommended plan that was altered.

Councilman Dan Bucci did not attend Monday’s meeting. The balance of council supported Map B.  (See photos for both maps.)

Council will consider placing one of several charter change options on the ballot in 2012 that would prevent this situation from occurring again.