Hybrid Electoral System for the City of Austin (6/20/12)

THE REAL ESTATE COUNCIL OF AUSTIN, INC.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS RESOLUTION
IN SUPPORT OF CHANGES TO THE CITY OF AUSTIN CHARTER TO IMPROVE
VOTER PARTICIPATION INCLUDING A HYBRID ELECTORAL SYSTEM

WHEREAS, the Real Estate Council of Austin, Inc. (RECA) strongly believes in changes to the City of Austin electoral system that will empower and engage citizens through increased voter participation; and

WHEREAS, the Austin City Council commissioned a Charter Revision Committee in August 2011 to consider a new electoral system in the City of Austin and other changes to the electoral process; and

WHEREAS, RECA supported the 2002 failed charter amendment proposing an 8-2-1 hybrid electoral system consisting of eight single-member districts, two at-large Council seats, and an at-large Mayor as a proponent of good government and meaningful electoral reform; and

WHEREAS, an 8-2-1 hybrid electoral system provides for more accountability, less expensive campaigns, greater diversity, and a fair balance between city-wide representation and district representation.

WHEREAS, that RECA endorses a November 2012 charter amendment proposing an 8-2-1 hybrid electoral system for voter consideration.

WHEREAS, that RECA additionally supports the following changes to the City of Austin charter to promote increased voter turnout and a more efficient and representative electoral system:

•    Move City of Austin municipal elections from May to November of even-numbered years beginning in 2014 and every four years thereafter.

•    Limit Council Members to three terms in an individual office, whether a single-member district seat or an at-large seat.

•    Require that single-member districts proposed be compact, consist of contiguous territory, and to the extent practicable, of equal population.

•    Require that a map of the single-member districts be drawn before placing the item on the ballot.

Adopted on this 20th day of June 2012 by The Real Estate Council of Austin, Inc.

Scott Flack
President, Board of Directors
The Real Estate Council of Austin, Inc.