Reform would restore community voices

I thank The Dispatch for calling for “real reform” in the local election process (“Voting-rights lawyers target city council”). The editorial explained something that has long struck me about local elections: Communities should be able to pick their own representatives.

Given the size of Columbus, many communities have been robbed of their voice, as their representatives of choice have no financial means to reach the citywide electorate. The financial means to support a citywide campaign has been available to those inside the political cliques.

Real reform with district elections would restore those community voices. I have little faith in the efficacy of the proposed Council of Area Commissions. As a resident in a neighborhood with a strong area commission, I have seen no evidence that it has been successful in advocating for the community’s concerns. What it has delivered is paternalistic, condescending policy wonks from the city who regularly “explain” why the citizenry is “wrong.”

I also appreciate the succinct characterization of the current system as a “scheme” with a “monopoly of entrenched Democrats.” Candidly, I had not expected an influential, powerful publication to take a position that challenges the city council. I hope to see more of this in the future. Columbus