Florida: Fort Myers decides on redistricting plan
The Fort Myers News-Press reports: Fort Myers City Council will decide today which of two redistricting plans is most likely to pass muster with a federal court judge and civil rights advocates.
The council will review two plans that have been drafted by a redistricting consulting firm. All five council members, along with Mayor Jim Humphrey, suggested that three of six wards have minority majorities — or at least a 53 percent African-American majority.
A sixth ward was created after voters passed a referendum earlier this year to change to a city manager form of government. The mayor becomes the seventh voting member of the council.
If the council approves either redistricting plan — 4A1 or 4B1 — a minority majority will exist in wards 1, 2 and 3.
Still, the final redistricting draft must be approved by U.S. District Judge John Steele. And it is likely to face scrutiny from lawyers of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. --
Fort Myers council to choose redistricting plan