The Debate Continues

 

Responding to the 90% of NC residents who support background checks for all gun purchases we hear:

 

"It just doesn't seem to make a lot of sense."

 

Maybe this will help: 

 

When the system works properly, background checks keep guns out of the hands of those who should not have them. The National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) has blocked more than two million illegal transactions over the past two decades.

Makes perfect sense to me.  

Your Town, Your Vote, Your Elected Representation

One of the perks of being Mayor is this:  I have more opportunities than I probably deserve to talk to people.  Lots of people.  About all manner of things.  I am also privileged in that people talk to me.  To the best of my ability, I listen.  Regardless of the issue, regardless of my opinion, I listen.  I listen to comments on traffic and inadequate parking, the joys of volunteering, historic preservation and praise for our professional staff.  It is a privilege to hear from our community.  And when the message conveyed is a fixable problem, I want to fix it. 

This week's problem:  voter confusion and Morrisville's resident district requirement.  The process is confusing, the district maps more so.

Here's why:

1. Two representatives are elected At-Large.
2. Our mayor is elected At-Large.  So far so good.
3. The other 4 elected officials are chosen under authority of NCGS 160A- 101(6)c,:  “The city shall be divided into single-member electoral districts; council members shall be apportioned to the districts so that each member represents the same number of persons as nearly as possible, except for members apportioned to the city at large; and candidates shall reside in and represent the districts according to the apportionment plan adopted, but all candidates shall be nominated and elected by all the qualified voters of the city”. 

Wait.  What?  Is it any wonder that Morrisville is the only municipality in county that takes election cues from NCGS 160A- 101(6)c? 

There is a better way:

All candidates shall be nominated and elected by all the qualified voters.  

Aka At-Large.  Simple.  Clear.  Decreases voter confusion.  It makes sense that an overwhelming majority - 9 of 12 Wake County Towns - elect their policy makers via this method.

Using the authority of NCGS 160A- 101(6)c was a good idea when our historic Shiloh Community became a part of Morrisville.  Single-member districts at that time assured representation from our Shiloh community.  The districts also assured representation would not be clustered in any single area.  Alas, that's no longer possible.  It's not even possible to draw sensible districts.  Instead, and in order to meet the requirements of post-census redistricting, we came up with: 

Click to Enlarge

On April 23rd, the Morrisville Town Council will hold a public hearing on changing our electoral process for the better.  The meeting begins promptly at 6:30 PM.  Overflow parking, if needed, is available across Town Hall Dr at the Indian Creek park.  Can't make the meeting?  We still want to hear from you.  Email your elected officials at TownCouncil@TownofMorrisville.org .