GRACE KNIGHT CONFERENCE ROOM
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Summary:
After confirming a quorum, the meeting was called to order at approximately 5:33 p.m. by Chair Wootten. A motion was made by Member Peterkin/Glaeser to approve the agenda. Motion passed unanimously. A motion was made to approve the minutes after correcting the tense of oppose to opposed on page 2/paragraph 3/line 2. Motion passed unanimously.
Citizen comments were received. Commissioner Newport addressed single member districts and campaign financing. He expressed mixed feelings regarding single member districts and posed the question - "what is the problem that we are trying to fix"? He also commented on the composition of previous (as well as current) County Commissions.
The topic of County Commission salaries controlled locally was discussed. George Nickerson opinion was requested. In commenting on this topic, Mr. Nickerson explained the action Volusia County had implemented and its results. Volusia County does restrict salaries and the resulting affects include fewer candidates running for elected office. Mr. Nickerson stated that once a restriction has been instituted, as a practical matter, it is unlikely to be reversed.
A member asked Commissioner Newport about the number of hours he works per week. Commissioner Newport explained that he normally works approximately 50 hours.
Various members indicated their support for the current salary structure for County Commissioners.
The topic of single member districts was introduced. There was discussion regarding the need for single member districts. Some reasons included to control campaign costs and adequate representation. Professor Ken Wald addressed campaign costs for at-large elections as compared with single member district elections; and did indicate that the money expended for single member district elections may be less than at-large elections. There was discussion about the costs of Commissioners Newport and Hutchinson campaigns.
Dr. Scher explained his experience as an expert witness regarding single member districts. He explain that it was important to define your goals (i.e. what are you trying to achieve).
It was suggested by Member Martin that Mr. Nickerson draft language which proposes a mixed election system. The number of commissioners would not be defined and there should be a population "trigger". There was consensus for Mr. Nickerson to complete this as an assignment.
There was also a suggestion made by Member Glaeser to provide for non partisan elections and to propose district primaries with at-large elections. There was interest in this concept also.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:05 p.m.