2018-04-17 Regular - Laserfiche WebLink

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The following spoke on the matter: • Debbie McEwen, opined item is convoluted and ridiculous, planning for Ward specific elections should be done in time and plans set forward by the California Voters Right act and the Sunshine ordinance adopted by the City, and need to allow 2020 Census data to be performed first in order to obtain real numbers. • Miguel Hernandez, opined democracy and district elections in Santa Ana are under attack by Trumpism, issue on table has gone beyond the question of district elections, and Mayor's refusal to sign the resolution is a threat to democracy. • Dale Helvig, addressed City Council to express concern boundaries can be potentially drawn such that it can divide neighborhoods communities; supports redraw lines after 2020 census and not divide communities. • Timothy Rush, stated opposition to district voting because he does not want Santa Ana to turn into Chicago; Councilmembers should continue to represent the entire city, redrawing of boundaries should be done after next official census data received, and boundaries should be created in a manner that brings all stakeholders to the table. • Joese Hernandez, on behalf of OCCORD, opined City of Santa Ana is violating California Voter Rights act, need to create a better representation, fear mongering and misrepresentation should stop; expressed support for the rights of the Vietnamese community. • Peter A. Katz, thanked Mayor for savings the city $202,000 by not holding a Special Election; opined City is $17 million dollar deficit; study to determine hybrid system in place complies or does not comply with the California State Rights act should be released, and redrawing lines after the census makes more sense. • Thomas Gordon, opined Council lines were redrawn in 2012, 27% of the Asian community were excluded from voting from ward six, and neighborhoods are already divided. • Irma Macias, opined issues is not going anywhere, community is looking for change, and resources are needed in other areas of the community. Council discussion ensued. Mayor Pro Tem Martinez motion to elect Councilmember Benavides as Chair, Seconded by Councilmember Sarmiento approved by 6-0 vote. Acting Chair Benavides presided over the meeting. Councilmember Sarmiento, noted item originally started as a discussion on a possible transition from at large or by district election process, and putting it before the voters to decide. Opined Mayor thwarted the will of the council; council represents the voters and the residents, and not the first time the Mayor refused to perform his ministerial duties. Asked staff to provide recommendation CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 17 APRIL 17, 2018