THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, May 4, 1996 TAG: 9605040007
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
SERIES: Decision '96
LENGTH: Short : 49 lines
As if the jam-packed Virginia Beach School Board ballot wasn't confusing enough - there's also a curiously worded question on the ballot.
The voters of Virginia Beach will decide whether to keep their present at-large method of electing local officials or switch to a ward system.
A ``yes'' vote maintains the at-large system. A ``no'' vote switches the city to a ward system.
Under the present method, City Council and School Board are comprised of at-large and borough representatives. While the borough representatives must live in the areas they represent, everyone in the city gets to vote for every representative.
Under a ward system a voter would vote for all at-large candidates and then for a representative from his own borough only.
We support the present at-large system. One need look no further than Norfolk to see the divisiveness created by a ward system. Often these divisions come along racial and economic lines - pitting city residents against each other.
While the supporters of a ward system make a case that it brings representation on city council and school board closer to the grassroots, we feel any benefits would be outweighed by the warring factions which inevitably emerge in ward systems.
Representatives elected by voters from the whole city have a reason to keep the best interest of the whole city foremost in mind. Ward politicians have no such impetus. On the contrary, they often prosper by pursuing the selfish interests of one small corner of the city at the expense of the common good. Instead of consensus and cooperation, the politics of every-man-for-himself can take over. It's not a pretty sight.
Furthermore, under the present system voters cast ballots for mayor and every member of council - the folks with the power to raise taxes. The prospect of having taxes increased by council members who are not accountable to the city as a whole is distasteful.
We urge voters to vote YES on the ballot question. Yes is a vote to maintain the present system of at-large elections.
KEYWORDS: WARD SYSTEM VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL ELECTION
ENDORSEMENT by CNB