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Hi-- <br /> <br />I'm confused by the map graphics showing the possible ward redistricting options. <br /> <br />Do I read it correctly that Downtown Neighborhood Association is actually in two different wards <br />according to either scenario? <br /> <br />If that is correct, then DNA has serious concerns about those options. <br /> <br />This is a time when we seem to have a common goal in Eugene-- a rare event indeed!-- of building the <br />strongest, most vibrant downtown possible. We hear all sorts of wonderful ideas and visions for the <br />future of downtown. Great, except... <br /> <br /> How can we expect any of that to happen without unified leadership from a representative on <br />the City Council? Downtown Neighborhood, possibly more than any other neighborhood in Eugene, <br />needs to be entirely included in one ward, with one councilor as our advocate. I understand that the <br />councilor will need to represent other constituencies also; but with so much going on Downtown, we <br />need to have a single go-to person we can work with. Being in two wards will reduce, not enhance, our <br />effective representation. <br /> <br />Please let me know if I have misread the options-- I certainly hope so!. If I have not, then please advise <br />about the most helpful next step for DNA to take. <br /> <br />Sincerely, <br /> <br /> David <br /> <br />David Mandelblatt <br />Chairperson, Downtown Neighborhood Association <br /> <br />Response: <br />Hi Mr. Madelblatt, <br /> <br />Thanks so much for your feedback. <br /> <br />Currently the boundaries for the Downtown Neighborhood Association include three wards. Most of the <br />Association is in Ward 7, with some in Wards 1 and 3 as well. In scenario one, the Downtown <br />Neighborhood Association boundaries would still include three wards (1, 3, and 7), although it would be <br />split a little more evenly between the three. Scenario two is more similar to the current boundaries in <br />terms of the DNA - most would be in Ward 7 with smaller areas in Wards 1 and 3. (I have attached some <br />pictures from our interactive map) <br /> <br />We appreciate your comments and we will include them in the material that goes to Council this fall as <br />they consider the possible boundary changes. Neighborhood boundaries are an important consideration <br />in the redistricting process. Thank you again for your interest and advocacy for downtown and feel free <br />to contact me if you have further questions. An online survey is also available and we would love to get <br />feedback from DNA members. Its at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/wardscenarios. <br /> <br /> <br />