
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, February 1, 1991                   TAG: 9102010755
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

GAIN ACCOUNTABILITY WITH WARD SYSTEM

ACCOUNTABILITY to the voter is the best protection against deceit by politicians. Election of City Council members or any other office by an at-large system does not protect voters from "vote trading" or other practices of the politician bent on being less than straight with constituents.

In fact, the at-large system enables neglect and disregard of voter interest in one areas and re-election by voters of another area. The at-large system is just plain unfair, and the election of any officeholder by this means is not in the best interest of the people.

The intent here is not to single out or criticize any elected official, but to stress the need for change in the current system. A partial remedy is futile when an equal or greater part of the problem continues. A ward system for the election of City Council members is the best means to effect fair, equal and accountable representation for all residents. STEPHEN J. JONES ROANOKE

by CNB