THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, September 13, 1994 TAG: 9409130333
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY KAREN WEINTRAUB, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Medium: 57 lines
Four months after receiving public endorsement of a proposed reorganization of city government, the City Council is turning to the public again for more comment.
The topic has already been the focus of extensive public debate and an election, but some council members believe there is still too much confusion among residents.
A plan to change the way Beach residents elect their council passed by a 51 percent majority in a nonbinding voter referendum in May.
Today, the City Council will hold a public hearing aimed at two groups: those who say they voted for the new council system because they misunderstood it; and those who voted against it for the same reason.
At issue is the way Virginia Beach residents are represented on the City Council.
Now, all residents vote for all 11 members of the council, although seven of the members are considered borough representatives and must live in the borough they represent. The mayor and the other three council members represent the city at large.
The system is the product of a political fusion between the old council of the small Virginia Beach resort town and the governing body of Princess Anne County, which merged with the city in 1963.
Critics contend the current system is confusing and does not allow proper representation for residents of the city's most-populous boroughs. Only one council member must live in Kempsville, which has nearly 150,000 residents - the same number as must live in Blackwater, which has fewer than 1,000 residents.
Under the plan recommended by voters, four council members would continue to be elected at-large, but the other seven members would be elected within equal-sized districts.
That plan was originally backed by the Council of Civic Organizations of Virginia Beach, but several members have since said it does not reflect their views.
Councilwoman Louisa Strayhorn said such confusion justifies further public hearings. ``If people are really saying, `I didn't understand (the referendum),' we really do need to hear them,'' she said.
Strayhorn said she will yield to public will on the issue, but other council members have said they will not budge in their position to keep the current system.
The final word on the reapportionment debate is still a long way off. Even if the council decides promptly, the state legislature and then the U.S. Justice Department must approve any change to the council's structure.
Today's public hearing will be held as part of the formal council session, which begins at 2 p.m. in council chambers. The second hearing is scheduled for Sept. 27 at 6 p.m., also in council chambers. by CNB