Let Us Decide

A Return to the Ward System of Representation

Previously, I wrote a piece about the direct election of Clarksburg’s mayor and why we need term limits.

Today, I write about why our current at-large system for electing Council members should be replaced with a ward system, which we had decades ago. As before, these are my opinions, but backed by research and ‘soundness.’

First: What is a ward system? Simplified, it is a city divided into equally populated districts. Within each district, the population then elects one person as their representative to participate in government on their behalf. Clarksburg had such a system until the mid-1950’s, with nine wards. Here is a photograph of the Clarksburg Ward System in 1923.

I propose we adopt a 6-ward system, with the mayor elected at-large. This way, council size would not change.

Stepping back a few years: One might ask, “Why did Clarksburg go away from wards?” Based on my research, there was a small group of influential individuals in the early 1950’s who were concerned about ‘alleged’ corruption within a couple wards. They continued to pursue this corruption theory so hard, long, and often that finally, citizens voted to adopt an at-large system.

Here are some criticisms of wards: The emergence of powerful ward bosses, whose focus is building their own power structure. Possibly true, however, one way to control this would be to establish term limits. Another criticism is that a ward representative is only concerned about his/her ward. Again, it could happen, but under my proposed system, there would be six representatives and a mayor. To accomplish anything, compromise is paramount, and they must learn to work together.

Some advantages: There is a financial advantage for the candidate. The cost of campaigning is greatly reduced because you campaign only in your ward and not throughout the city. Also, with wards, the representative is more connected to his/her ward because they live among the people they represent and become directly accountable to their neighbors. Ask yourself, “When something goes wrong, or you have a concern in your neighborhood, don’t you want to be able to contact YOUR representative, someone who truly understands (first-hand) your concerns?”
Side Bar: Just a couple years ago, three councilmen lived within 100 yards of my home and the mayor lived just four blocks way – four of the seven members living in one neighborhood. – far from equitable representation.

Furthermore, with wards, you would certainly have a more diverse council with every socioeconomic neighborhood given equal representation. Lastly, although there have been mixed studies, consensus is that wards usually increase voter turnout, something we would (should) all agree, is desperately needed.

I have visited many of our neighborhoods and had casual conversations with numerous residents/friends. When I ask, “Who is your councilperson?” Their reaction is generally the same, “Blank stares.” I know. Many, if not all our seated councilpersons say, “I represent all the citizens.” Something I would expect them to say. Remember, with a ward system, your representative IS your neighbor. Someone who understands your concerns and problems because they also live them, right alongside you.

That said, I propose we establish a series of town meetings to discuss this issue - wards. The ‘objective’ meetings would be located within my six-ward proposal. Bring in local university expects to explain the advantages, disadvantages, and answer questions. Let the people speak. Yes, speaking in front of Council is one way for citizens to express their opinions. However, meetings within a proposed ward makes it personal. Then, if there is reasonable support, “Let Us Decide!” Place it on the ballot.

In my opinion, we need “A Return to the Ward System.” It would provide fair representation and diversification…politically and socio-economically.

In closing, I would like to thank David Houchin, Special Collections Librarian for the Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library, and the Harrison County Historical Society for their assistance with research.

We are moving in the right direction. We must continue. “Let Us Decide!”

Michael S. Lambiotte