Huntington Wards: December 11, 2009
Should Huntington town council members be elected by district, or at large? This is how the question will be put to Huntington voters:
“Shall a ward system be established for the election of councilmen/councilwomen in the Town of Huntington?” Voters will give their answer on Tuesday, Dec. 22, if they can break away from last minute holiday shopping to do so.
If they answer affirmatively in this oddly scheduled election, the town will draw lines for four council districts. The town supervisor would continue to be elected at large.
A group known as Concerned Citizens of Huntington successfully petitioned for the referendum. Opposing the change is a group of former elected officials, including two ex-supervisors. They argue that creation of districts will raise costs, and increase horse-trading.
Despite the awkward timing, voters need to turn out to decide this important issue. Similar reforms in Hempstead, North Hempstead and Brookhaven demonstrate that the establishment of council districts brings representation closer to the people, and greater attention to their neighborhoods.
We hope Huntington voters will turn out to approve the use of council districts or wards, giving themselves a gift of better representation.
You can see the editorial at the News12 web site here: http://www.cablevisioneditorials.com/content/LI/2009/LI_2009-12-11.html
