Vote no on

ward system

Wed, Oct 28, 2009    to del.icio.us

The intent of the ward system is a good one — equal representation in all areas of a city. Ward systems are particularly affective in large cities where there are diverse neighborhoods.

However, in cities the size of Grand Haven, ward systems aren't necessary for good government.

Therefore, we urge a no vote on the ward system proposal on the city of Grand Haven's ballot on Tuesday.

The current at-large system has worked well throughout the years and now is not the time to change the city's voting system.

Former Grand Haven Mayor Gail Ringelberg put it best when she wrote in a letter to the editor that, when she served as mayor and on the City Council, "no area was excluded from representation."

Ringelberg is also right in saying that a ward system has the potential to spur competition among wards.

For some, there has been the perception that the east side of the city hasn't had as much clout in city government as the west side.

We would argue that that hasn't been the case. Former council members Charlie Nelson and Geri McCaleb have been strong voices for the east side. There have been others who made sure that eastside residents were being well-represented.

It is our belief that because at-large candidates are elected by the entire city voting population, they have a responsibility to represent all views. If a council member fails to live up to those expectations, then he or she should be voted off the council.

The fact is that all of the key issues in the city — such as development, deer culling and infrastructure improvements — affect everyone in the city. Those matters are best decided by an at-large council.

We're also troubled that a ward system has the potential of not always allowing the best candidates to be elected for office.

For example, if two very strong candidates came from one precinct, then only one of them could be elected.

We do think it is a good idea for city residents to decide the ward system issue once and for all, since it has been discussed for years in Grand Haven.

We just don't think it is the right move.