Welcome J & K

The City Council voted this week to add two new Council Districts to their elite group of 14. We will now have 16 people representing a population of 2.1 million, give or take.

I had to miss the actual debate this week as I was traveling on business in Chicago. As a local government junkie, I love visiting other cities and particularly, our nearest city in size.

Their population is closer to 2.6 million and they are the third largest city in the U.S. while Houston is the 4th.

However, they take their local government much more seriously than we do. Here we are debating whether taking our Council from 14 to 16 is a good idea. They have 50 “Alderman” who represent tight-knit communities. Their City Council operates with 19 standing committees and many special task-forces and study groups. Essentially, their Council chamber looks more like a legislative body.

Mayor Parker thinks it is tough to manage 14. Imagine Rahm Emanuel’s new job as Mayor of Chicago with his 50 Alderman.

And yet, the neighborhoods love it. People actually know their Alderman. They can reach out and touch them because they represent fewer people. Powerful Alderman get the services they need to keep their neighborhoods and wards in tip top condition. If an Alderman cannot accomplish this task, they will be defeated.

While I was in town, local discussions were focused on budget cuts and the big snows they had the season that had paralyzed the city. Of course, there was also much talk about Emanuel as the new Mayor and the changes he might bring after 20 years of Daly rule.

So, for everyone who is worried about the addition of these two new Council districts, take a deep breath and know that it could be much more complicated. These new districts should serve to keep all Houstonians closer to their Council Members.

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