Says district voting capitalizes on diversity
I believe Whatcom County’s current system of county-wide voting does not allow for adequate representation of the diverse needs and values of geographical areas and communities. County-wide voting results in a homogenous status quo in government and gives no voice to citizens’ needs unique to their location and community values. District-only voting allows these areas to have a representative, elected by residents of the district who best know their needs.
The district-only voting model also has decades, if not centuries, of demonstrated success. Our state and national governments use it as the most equitable representation for citizens of our great nation. Citizens of all states would be incensed at the results of nationwide voting. The East Coast would dictate law for the entire nation.
The thought of nationwide voting is ludicrous. County-wide voting should be no less so. The premise that each council member should represent all county residents I believe is misguided sentimentality because it is not possible to do so adequately. Currently, my county district has a representative that district residents did not elect, leaving our needs inadequately addressed or respected.
If you believe in fair representation of the diverse population and issues in our county, vote to approve Prop.1.
Leslie Honcoop
Lynden
This story was originally published October 21, 2015 at 6:27 AM with the headline "Says district voting capitalizes on diversity."