1. Is History Repeating Itself?
Two men argue merits of Council
Districts
1986

2. Debbie Klosowski – Outlook Reporter
• “A proposed charter amendment to allow
citywide council races will either broaden
voters’ influence on elected officials or
decrease accountability, according to two
speakers at the Gresham Area Chamber of
Commerce forum Monday.”

3. Is History Repeating Itself?

4. McIntire vs. Deyo
• Don McIntire, owner of McIntire’s Athletic
Club, and Gresham councilor Larry Deyo
debated the merits of the proposal.
• McIntire, who is in favor of the change, lost a
council race in 1984. Deyo lost a council race
in 1980 under the old city wide system but
won under the revised district system in 1982

5. McIntire
• Gresham voters replaced the citywide system
with a district system in 1980. Voters will have a
chance to return to the old system when they
vote on the amendment on May 20
• Districting is valid in a large city like Chicago,
which has a variety of ethnic, cultural, and
economic interests, McIntire said. But a town the
size of Gresham doesn’t need districts because it
is homogenous with “pockets of poverty and
wealth “spread throughout the area.”

6. Deyo
• Deyo, though, said districts are necessary to
represent the different interests in the city.
• Neighborhoods have different priorities, such
as the need for streets, sewers and parks, he
said.
• It’s important to have a councilor who will
speak to the council about those issues.”

7. McIntire
• McIntire also said the district system permits
residents to vote for only on one of the six
people who make the rules that affect lives
and businesses.
• In addition, the system discourages qualified
people from running.
• “There’s a possibility that some districts might
not have anyone that is qualified.”

8. Deyo
• It’s common to only vote for one person and to
try to select the best.
• Deyo said. For example, people don’t vote for all
members of Congress.
• Councilors elected on a citywide basis could be
less accountable to voters.
• People now call one councilor who must answer
questions. But a citywide election might result in
councilors passing off responsibilities

9. McIntire
• McIntire acknowledged that districts give
people who are not well known a better
chance of winning.
• But that is not a reason for sticking with the
system he added.
• “We should not predicate government on
what is easiest for citizens.”

10. McIntire
• Voters do not get a true insight into people
just because they go door to door.
• Guys that are out working for a living and
enjoying the work of a small business” don’t
have time to campaign that way.
• People can judge candidates by their
involvement in civic affairs and community
services and the development of enterprise.

11. McIntire
• The motivation for installing districts in 1980
also was based on a fear that business would
dominate the council.
• But there is no one on the current City Council
“who signs a paycheck.”
• He also noted that “a class of wealthy business
people that had paid their dues” was
responsible for creating a country with the
greatest society of free people in the world.

12. Deyo
• It isn’t important whether a businessman sits on the
council.
• What’s important is if the council understands business
concepts and works with the business community.
• Districts also reduce the cost of campaigning
• A citywide race in 1980 could cost well over $2000
compared to less than $1,000 for a district race.
• Campaign costs also would increase after Gresham’s
population reaches an expected 60,000 after annexation is
done.
• A change in the charter doesn’t guarantee anything.
• “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.”

13. Now for the rest of the story!