For the City of Henderson, changing to ward-based voting is a solution to a nonexistent problem. Enacting the change will create more problems than it will solve. District-based voting can create issues where it’s challenging to pass policies that only affect a single district, often because the council members must compete for funding versus working together. A “No” vote to keep our current system allows all registered voters to express their voices in each election cycle and retain accountability of our City Council Members to our city as a whole.
 

Henderson has a long history of being well managed under its current structure. It has both the lowest property tax rates in the state coupled with the highest bond rating, prominently displaying a management formula that is financially responsible on behalf of its citizens. Why put this at risk by shifting to potentially geographic bickering within City wards? Factor in the quality of life that Henderson residents enjoy, nationally recognized public safety services, and benefits such as extensive public parks and recreation – why would we choose to jeopardize all of this? Again, ward-based voting is attempting to solve a non-existent problem. The City of Henderson runs efficiently on behalf of its citizens, especially when compared to other jurisdictions. Simply because neighboring jurisdictions have ward-based voting does not make it the right process for Henderson. While Henderson is the second-largest city in Nevada, it is still not considered a big city on a national level. Allowing each citizen to vote for each council member engages Henderson’s entire population with an opportunity to be heard and will preserve our city’s identity as the wonderful community in which we all share.

As to improving diversity, while other cities have moved to ward-based voting, it is not universally successful in meeting the expected outcomes of increasing diversification and equitable representation. In 2001, California passed a law for the same reasons suggested by the proponents, and, since 2016, 79 California cities have held elections with district-based voting. The results have been mixed regarding whether more minorities were elected, and, in three cities, minority seats were lost in cities because of the change. Henderson’s citizens should have a right to vote for all council members for equal representation. Vote No on the City of Henderson’s Ward Balloting Question.

Aviva Gordon

Managing Member, Gordon Law, LLC