We are pleased to see the efforts of the Independent District Commission in drawing boundaries for districts under Portland’s new governmental structure, (“Portland’s first-ever City Council districts are coming. Check out 3 map options,” June 2).
The three maps offer very subtle differences, but two of them divide the downtown core into three separate districts. Given that the downtown core presents similar interests throughout its area, would it not be more effective to draw that area as one district with three representatives? If we create divided representation of the central core, downtown residents will have to express their concerns to nine different council members, rather than just the three they can vote for.
Since the downtown core is such a unique part of the city, it makes sense to have a district that with council representatives who directly represent the needs and views of the citizens in that unique area. This might require including residents in the South Waterfront and Central Eastside districts (which contain large apartment complexes) in order to achieve an equal population in each district.
Dennis Maxwell and Maryhelen Sherrett, Portland
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