One ‘yes’ vote for districting Winfield

Winfield is a small village of about 10,000 residents. A quaint, happy community, one would think. However, Winfield is a study in contrasts and resulting conflicts. Since 1980, Winfield has more than doubled in population. The village now stretches over four miles in distance from end to end, sits within two different townships and four different school districts, and has different representatives at the county and state levels as well as Congress on account of this distance.

The growth of the hospital is seen both as an asset and a burden. This creates challenges in understanding distinct needs and perspectives. While I have reservations about the notion of dividing the village government into districts, the current structure of the village board is not working.

There were concerns about development interests from the newer parts of town controlling the agenda. A political organization of residents in the area near Roosevelt Road collaborated with others in the unincorporated areas south and west of the village to raise money and elect their slate of candidates.

The 2011 election brought two new trustees with opposing viewpoints and resulting conflict, but without full representation. Fredricksburg Farm, Winfield Square, and areas north of Geneva Road — the northern third of the village — are not represented at the table. The riverwalk and preservation of open space on the southern edge of town are priorities, rather than broader issues such as road repair, tax shortfalls, flooding and water rates.

Yes, there is more disagreement in districted communities, but remember that in those cases, the districting came after the disagreement. Districting shows a need for balanced representation, so that everyone’s needs and priorities are represented. That’s why I am supporting districting for Winfield, and encourage my neighbors to support balanced representation by voting “yes” on March 20.

Tom Blackburn

Winfield