By Hamilton Richardson
Elmore/Autauga News
Top Photo: Prattville City Attorney Andrew Odom addresses the Council Tuesday about redistricting.
At Tuesday’s Prattville City Council meeting, the contentious issue of redistricting, which had already been held more than once in previous meetings, was once again on the agenda and once again brought citizens to their feet to address the important topic.
When the redistricting ordinance came before city leaders at last month’s meeting, Councilman Marcus Jackson informed the council that he had reached out to a representative from the League of Municipalities and suggested that based on information he received, Prattville was a Class 5 Municipality.
Jackson said that because of that classification, the city did not have to adopt the redistricting map under discussion within the suggested six-month time frame, which had been another area of previous contention.
During that same meeting, Councilman John Chambers asked Andrew Odom, Prattville’s City Attorney, for his opinion and he said he needed time to look into the situation but he believed Prattville was a Class 6 Municipality.
Mayor Bill Gillespie agreed with Odom and said that the city is a Class 6 Municipality and that it was determined decades ago.
Because Odom was going to look into the question of what Class Prattville was, Jackson made a motion to hold the item until the September 6 meeting, which was approved by council members.
When Tuesday’s meeting started, Gillespie approached the council with comments on the issue.
Gillespie asked for a point of privilege and then asked Odom to stand and share his findings with the council.
“Redistricting is a critical process that nearly all levels of government must undertake at least every 10 years to ensure those vital constitutional rights are protected and the sacred principle of one person, one vote is followed,” Odom said.
The city attorney went on to say that he had a discussion with a representative of the League of Municipalities regarding the issue of Prattville’s class designation.
“Prattville is a Class 6 Municipality and not a Class 5 Municipality,” he explained.
Odom went through details within the Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended.
“It is my opinion that this is the appropriate statute for Prattville’s redistricting and under this statute, the major differences are the elimination of the six-month timeline previously discussed and there’s no presentation of a plan by the mayor for redistricting,” Odom said. “Therefore, the redistricting map is completely up to the council’s discretion. That being said, it is advisable that the council adopts some form of guidance and procedures as you continue to work towards considering a final map to ensure it satisfies federal law including the Voting Rights Act of 1965.”
Odom said he would give a proposal to the council in the near future, which will include the following priorities:
1. The map would have equal representation, one person, one vote
2. The map will comply with the Voting Rights Act of 1965
3. Where possible, existing district boundaries shall be maintained, traditional lines shall not be redrawn if their existing locations can be reasonably accommodated and equal representation can be achieved
4. As much as possible, districts should be compact and contiguous
5. The 2020 Census data should be the source for determining population and representation
6. District boundaries should include whole neighborhoods
7. Existing voting centers should be maintained for voter convenience and efficient election administration
8. District boundaries should be easily identifiable by physical features such as roadways, power lines, etc.
9. All citizens and interested groups shall be given an opportunity to use the official data and to present alternative district maps and all submitted plans shall be evaluated by the city council
“I’m confident that if you implement new guidelines along with public input, we can work towards a plan that follows the law and ensues equal access to the political process for all,” he added.
After Odom’s comments and the passing of the Consent Agenda, the redistricting ordinance was first on the night’s regular agenda.
A few moments earlier, the mayor had suggested that because of the information Odom presented, that the council postpone a decision on the ordinance.
“The mayor has suggested,” said Council President Lora Lee Boone, “that someone make a motion to postpone until February 21 (2023). Is there that motion or a similar motion?”
Jackson made a motion to postpone the decision indefinitely, which was seconded.
There was some discussion about choosing a date to readdress the issue instead of postponing it indefinitely however when it came to a vote, all councilmembers voted to push redistricting indefinitely.
