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Columbus City Council Mapping

Feedback on Columbus City Council Maps

This survey has been prepared so that Represent Columbus can gain feedback from persons interested in the next step toward a city council in Columbus that is represented by council members who are elected by district -- which is the norm in large cities across America.
1.I have reviewed the draft maps prepared by Represent Columbus, at www.RepresentColumb.us 
2.The city of Columbus is now divided into 18 territories represented by Neighborhood Area Commissions. Please answer where you live as defined below:
3.I am currently serving as a commissioner on my Neighborhood Area Commission
4.In general, I believe that the choice marked below provides the best representation for my neighborhood:
5.When I look at the 7 district format, I live in District:
6.When I look at the 12 District format, I live in District:
7.The Voting Rights Act requires consideration that "communities of interest" not be split, when drawing electoral districts.  The VRA does not describe what a "community of interest" is, but leaves that to localities to define.  How would you describe one or more different "communities of interest" that you believe should be kept intact in your district and in Columbus as a whole?
8.Do you believe including a map of council districts should be a part of a vote on whether to amend the charter to move toward council districts?
9.What steps should Represent Columbus take to help build knowledge about, and voter support in favor of, city council districts in Columbus?
10.How important of a consideration for you are the following arguments in favor of council districts:
Not important
Somewhat important
Of Average Importance
Pretty Important
Highly Important
Not Applicable/I don't Care
Our At Large form of government may be unlawful and subject to an expensive and divisive lawsuit under the Voting Rights Act.
We should change to promote equality, because our at large system is an outmoded and potentially discriminatory system: The NAACP Legal Defense Fund and the Department of Justice have successfully sued hundreds of cities to change, because at large forms of government have an unlawful voter dilution effect on minority populations who may not be able to elect candidates of their choice because their votes are subsumed by majority votes.
Having council members elected by district makes them more accountable to local citizens.
My neighborhood would have a council member who knows us and our issues and can represent us.
Having council members elected by district helps them know how to improve our neighborhood.
Having council members elected by district will help me to have a relationship with my council member.
Having council members elected by district reduces the cost of running for election and allows more people to run and compete for the position.
11.Columbus has 7 council members.  Which of the following are the current 7 members of Columbus City Council?(Required.)
12.The City Council currently has a budget of $3.8 million for 40 people/7 council members (an average of roughly $94,000 per employee, all costs included).  The average city council in America in a top 50 city has 13 members.  To what extent would the costs associated with enlarging council matter to you?
No problem
Acceptable
Borderline acceptable
Problemmatic
Current 7 members ($0 additional dollars)
11 member council ( 4 new members = $376,100 additional - a 10% increase in council's budget)
13 member council (6 new members = $564,150 additional - 15% increase in council's budget)
15 member council (8 new members = $752,200 additional - 20% increase in council's budget)
17 member council (10 new members = $940,250 - a 25% increase in council's budget)
13.I am active in a civic or business association in the city of Columbus
14.I would be interested in helping Represent Columbus move council district initiative forward
15.I am interested, and here is my contact information: