Dear Editor,
Please get serious. Despite having preached for decades about the importance of citizen involvement in government, the need for single-member districts in Austin, and the benefits of redistricting by an independent commission instead of elected officials, the
Chronicle surprised many of its readers by coming out against the city charter amendment (Proposition 3) that embodied all of these worthwhile objectives [“
Nov. 6 Elections: The 'Chronicle' Endorsements,” News, Oct. 19].
The election is over. The voters of Austin overwhelmingly approved Proposition 3. It is now the law. Rather than being disgruntled about the election outcome, the
Chronicle's editors should work for a smooth transition from Austin's current at-large election system to the 10-1 system.
The transition has started well. The city auditor has accepted his responsibilities seriously under Proposition 3. As Ms. Pagano's recent story in the
Chronicle [“
A 10-1 Sense of Humor? You'll Need It.,” News, Dec. 7] indicated, there is an excitement among Austinites about the change in the election system and citizen involvement that led to "a standing-room-only public meeting … to brainstorm how to attract [redistricting] commission applicants." Nevertheless, there may be many bumps in the road between now and the election of 10 council members from single-member districts in November, 2014.
The
Chronicle is important to Austin – so is the change to single-member districts.
The Austin Chronicle's editors should play an important and positive role in this critical transition process.