LETTER OF THE WEEK

In the interest of positive dialogue, conceptually Ron Davis’ idea of

four district representatives and three at-large in Huntington Beach for

the election of City Council is a good idea (“Surf City council race

needs another starting gate,” Aug. 10). However, I have some questions as

to how this would actually work. The transition seems to be filled with

uncertainties.

For instance, does a candidate have to declare before a campaign if a

candidate is running for an at-large or for a district position? What if

a district person won more votes than an at-large person, or vice versa?

What if no one from a district decided to run? Would the next highest

elected person take the position?

Would there be a hierarchy of positions filled with only those who

spent the time, effort and money to run? Or would it be open for

appointments.

Is it fair for one to win with 5,000 votes in a district and to have

an at-large candidate lose with 10,000 votes?

Perhaps a two-step plan may be considered, in which the first time

this is enacted there would be two district positions and five at large.

The following election, there could be four district positions and three

at large. Or perhaps there needs to be a requirement that one be a

district council member before one can be an at-large council member.

How would we handle those in office completing an elected term when

districts are enacted, as terms are staggered? What about the mayoral

position? Would it now be selected only from the at-large council members

or from the district positions also? Or would it be better to have the

mayor elected again?

Ron, please respond with more input regarding the details of such a

plan.

DIANE A. LENNING

Huntington Beach

* EDITOR’S NOTE: Diane Lenning is a candidate for Huntington Beach

City Council.