Elk Grove City Council approves new district maps

Decides not to put matter to voter referendum

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The Elk Grove City Council approved new district boundaries at last night's city council meeting as part of the decennial redistricting process following the 2010 Census. The council voted 4-0, Council Member Sophia Scherman was absent, to accept so-called Map 9.

In a presentation by City Clerk Jason Lindgren, the council was presented with two different map options based on input generated from several public workshops held this spring. The council was also informed they could approve the proposed boundaries or allow voters to decide which configuration they preferred.

Lindgren noted that having the voters approve maps would reduce the risk of legal challenges. "It closes those doors, " Lindgren said.

Under that scenario, if not maps were approved by voters, in the short-run the four council seats would become open seats. 

During council deliberations, Council Member Jim Cooper noted the extensive public outreach in the process and said he felt the public had ample opportunity to participate. "I don't see a need to have a vote," he said. 

Council Member Pat Hume also expressed confidence in the process. "I feel secure in the administrative process," he said.  

Agreeing with his fellow council members Gary Davis noted that all the maps submitted for consideration were generated by citizens. "The issue of taking this to the voters is less important," Davis said.  

As a result of the 2010's Measure K, the city will be reduced to four district from the current five with the fifth council member being a directly elected mayor. The new map will become effective for the 2012 general election.