Two more public meetings set on Newnan redistricting
By JOHN A. WINTERSjohn@newnan.com
Newnan residents still have time to comment on proposed redistricting maps that will change how Newnan City Council members are elected and what district voters will be in.
Only one resident showed up at the first meeting at the Newnan Utilities Wahoo Creek facility on Monday. A second meeting was being held Tuesday night at the Central Educational Center.
There are three proposals. The “Butterfly Option” would keep the current makeup of four wards and two superwards, although the voting lines would change. That option is not considered viable because it would dilute minority voting. It is the only option where current council members would not run against each other.
Another option, known as 6D, would create six separate wards with one council member elected from each district. District 6 would be about 55 percent minority voting population, and District 5 would be about 48 percent minority voting population. The other four districts would be predominantly white.
Under that proposal, no sitting council member currently represents what would be District 1. Council members Bob Coggin and George Alexander would be in the same district — District 5.
The third option, known as 3D, would split the city into three larger districts. Voters would vote for two council members from their district. Under that scenario, District 3 would have a minority voting population of about 52 percent. The other two would be predominantly white.
Clayton Hicks would be the only sitting council member for the proposed District. 1. Coggins, Alexander and Cynthia Jenkins would all be in District 3.
Copies of the three maps currently are available in the lobby at City Hall on LaGrange Street. Anyone with questions can contact City Manager Cleatus Phillips at 770-254-2358 or cphillips@cityofnewnan.org .
“This is an excellent opportunity to come and discuss what may be changing in your voting districts. We would love to gather valuable input from the neighborhood residents and these meetings are a great way for citizens to express their thoughts to the City,” Phillips said.
