This article demonstrates that Marshmallow Man's blueprint for the future of Howard County's elections continues to move inexporably forward. In this case, the county's Charter Review Commission is studying whether or not the County Council should expand to seven members, and whether the new members should be elected by district or by the county at-large.
For those of you who may remember, I proposed a seven-district county where each district elects a council member and board of education member, but on different schedules. I will try to not pat myself on the back too hard, but its a damn good idea and it ought to happen.
I support the seven-member council. As to how to elect them, by district makes the most sense. With a seven-member council, each council member would go from representing about 60,000 people to about 43,000. That shaves the size of districts by about 25%, which means a lot in terms of constituent support and responsiveness. It helps keep county government close to the people. And, as with the school board districts, it helps ensure geographic diversity on the council.
Yes, it costs a bit more to operate a seven-member council. But so what? Frankly I think the benefits are well worh the costs. But--- what do YOU think???
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