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representative of their constituents. He opined that ward elections fostered more diverse <br />representation. <br /> <br />Hope Marston, PO Box 51434, Eugene, spoke against citywide elections. She raised concern <br />that wards and neighborhoods would have less representation and communication with their <br />councilors. <br /> <br />Linda Fuller, 2401 West 22nd Avenue, spoke against citywide elections. She cited past use of <br />that election style to silence minority viewpoints and stressed that ward elections fostered more <br />diverse representation. She stressed that citywide elections were a bad idea. <br /> <br />Greg McLauchlan, 2401 West 22nd Avenue, spoke against citywide elections. He said the <br />question of whether to use them was of fundamental importance and the credibility of the City was <br />at stake. He urged the council to move slowly and cautiously in making a decision. <br /> <br />Mr. McLauchlan commented that there was overwhelming evidence against citywide elections and <br />added that such elections eliminated a significant number of potential councilors who would not <br />be able to afford the campaign costs. <br /> <br />Rodric T. Raynor, 3796 Franklin Boulevard, urged the council to move the Eugene Police <br />Forensic Unit from out of the City Hall basement. He stressed the need for a safe work space for <br />the unit. <br /> <br />Bob O'Brien, 3525 Gilham Road, spoke against citywide elections. He noted that there was a <br />lack of public support for the idea and opined that the question was not worthy of going on the <br />ballot. <br /> <br />Bob Cassidy, 1401 East 27th Avenue, urged the council not to waste City money by putting the <br />question of citywide elections on the ballot since there was no public support for the idea. <br /> <br />Pat Hadly, 1595 Willagillespie Road, stated her desire to run for a council position. She said the <br />council would create a barrier to the people if citywide elections were enacted. <br /> <br />Councilor Fart shared the public's concern about citywide elections and noted that he had brought <br />the idea to the City Manager even before the Gang of Nine had started collecting signatures to <br />place the item on the ballot. <br /> <br />Councilor Kelly thanked those who testified. He shared the concern over citywide elections. <br /> <br />Addressing Mr. Raynor, Councilor Kelly said there were efforts underway to move the forensics <br />unit from out of the City Hall basement. <br /> <br />Councilor Rayor thanked those who testified. He said the current ward election system was <br />working fine and added that he would not support citywide elections. <br /> <br />Councilor Pap~ thanked those who testified. He reiterated Councilor Kelly's comments regarding <br />moving the forensics unit out from the basement of City Hall. <br /> <br /> MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 11, 2002 Page 2 <br /> Regular Session <br /> <br /> <br />