Here is the press release alluded to in today's Amarillo Globe-Republican opinion piece
"At-large system works for city" (though, interestingly, not reported on by the paper). Since the way in which the Globe-Republican read the release is only one of several ways it can be read-- and since this issue is too important to rely on the reading comprehension skills of Dave Henry and John Kanelis-- we'll post it here and let you deconstruct it yourself. For now.
April 23, 2007I know how I read that, and I'll so have more on the subject later.
Press Release
The Plaintiffs in the federal litigation pending against the City of Amarillo, are very pleased with the slate of candidates seeking election to the city commission on May 12th. Our minority communities need leaders to fight for their interests.
We do not wish for the ongoing federal lawsuit to become a distraction to the excellent leadership this community would certainly gain from the successful election of any one of these qualified civic leaders. To the best of our information on their views, these candidates have been consistent on the need for diversity on our City’s representative body. Furthermore, our optimism is bolstered by our belief that the electorate of the City of Amarillo also desires diversity.
The decennial census is crucial in any determination of whether a district could be drawn within a four-member commission to address the constitutional concerns of voter dilution. Therefore, we will be discussing with our attorneys whether or not it makes sense to abate the pending litigation and await the results of the 2010 census, which is just around the corner.
We will be watching with keen interest the outcome of the May 12th elections. It has always been our hope and desire to work together as a community and achieve diverse representation for our City. But whatever the outcome, we will not rest until the dialogue of inclusion becomes a reality and not just an illusion.
spacedark
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