Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) 5716 passed in the State Legislature yesterday (March 12) that would allow citizens to elect City Councils by district.

“Sponsor Bob McCaslin of Spokane Valley says it would spread out a city’s elected representatives to bring geographic diversity. He says it would prevent everyone on a city council from coming from the same apartment complex,” quoting the AP from The Olympian.

“The election could be initiated either by resolution of the council or by a petition signed by 10 percent or more of the voters. Compiled By Brad Shannon And Adam Wilson,” of The Olympian.

UPDATE: March 16:
The Washington State Legislature website says the bill passed the Senate by a vote of 45-4 and next goes to the House, where the first reading occurred on March 13.
CLICK HERE for the actual Bill.

UPDATE: March 19:
Mike McCline, a staffer in Sen. McCaslin’s office verified the Bill would only apply to creating wards within the existing limits of the municipality. Neither City Council legislation or voter petitions could create wards that extend beyond the municipality, nor could voters from outside the existing municipality be included.

YELM, BALD HILLS, LAWRENCE LAKE, LACAMAS, FOUR CORNERS, SMITH PRAIRIE AND VICINITY – WHAT SAY YOU?

TIME FOR A CHANGE?

STAY TUNED!