The Twentynine Palms City Council will probably do something that it doesn’t really want to do tonight. Reporter David Haldane explains…
A Sacramento law firm may finally have its way with Twentynine Palms tonight.
That’s when the City Council is expected to vote on whether to switch from at-large to district-based elections.
It all started several months ago with a letter threatening the city with a lawsuit unless it made the switch. At-large elections, the lawyers
contended, discriminate against minorities in violation of the California Voting Rights Act.
During several public hearings on the matter, numerous residents – as well as virtually the entire council – expressed overwhelming opposition to the switch.
But they were also told by the city attorney that opposing it would cost millions and result in a loss. So tonight, they will likely bend to the demands of a law that none of them like. Even bending, however, will entail some costs; more than $40,000, according to a staff report.
Tonight’s meeting gets underway 6 p.m. at City Hall on Adobe Road.
