Hearing today in federal court on Norfolk's at-large mayoral system

Posted to: News Norfolk
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By Cindy Clayton
The Virginian-Pilot
© September 17, 2008

A hearing is scheduled for today in federal court about the legality of Norfolk’s system of electing an at-large mayor, the Associated Press is reporting.

The NAACP wants a federal judge to force the city to seek permission to use the system of electing a mayor as an at-large member of City Council. The city previously used at-large council elections, but did away with them in 1991 after the federal courts ruled that the practice was discriminatory.

In 2002, residents approved the practice of an at-large mayoral election in a referendum.

Today’s hearing will be held at U.S. District Court in Norfolk, 600 Granby St., the news agency reported.

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huh?

Submitted by ghentite on Wed, 09/17/2008 at 10:38 am.

So the NAACP is asking the courts to turn over an elections law approved by the people of Norfolk through a referendum? I don't see where they have a leg to stand on.

What a Shame

Submitted by robertm21057 on Wed, 09/17/2008 at 9:57 am.

You must sue the city to get them to do the right thing! This has proven to be the case over and over with the city of Norfolk. Sooner or later the people will realize that you must elect new people every election to gain their respect to do otherwise will only foster their thought that they are better than everyone else.