A hearing over a new law that restructures Greensboro's city government begins Thursday in federal court. The city wants the federal judge to stop the law from moving forward.
The city of Greensboro and six citizens recently filed suit against the county Board of Elections, arguing that the new redistricting law is a violation of the North Carolina and U.S. Constitutions.
The city is asking the court to maintain the current council structure and district lines for the 2015 election, which would take place in November.
Critics of the bill say the it is discriminatory. At a public meeting a few weeks ago, Ben Andrews of Greensboro said it would take away the voice of residents.
“What it doesn't contain is a referendum. A referendum is the one voice, the one vote that the people have that counts,” says Andrews.
But supporters say it's going to be a more fair representation across the board. At the same meeting, former Guilford county Commissioner “Melvin” Skip Alston said the lawsuit is a waste of taxpayer money. He said he's fought redistricting in the past and lost.
“Because it was ruled that the lines were fair and the General Assembly had the authority to redistrict the Commission, school board, and yes the City Council, because we are creatures of the state,” says Alston.
The bill was originally sponsored by Republican State Sen. Trudy Wade.
It reduces the power of the mayor, redistricts the council lines, and makes Greensboro the only municipality in the state that requires approval from the legislature to change its structure.
Judge Catherine Eagles will hear the case in the U.S. District Court Middle District in Greensboro.
*Follow Keri Brown on Twitter @kerib_news.
300x250 Ad
300x250 Ad