Redrawing lines a try for fairness

Last year's special census in Benton was a wise move, paying dividends through 2011.

The cost was recouped the first year in additional state turnback, meaning Benton will enjoy hundreds of thousands of dollars in more revenue each year through the 2010 federal census. (Results are released the next year.)

Population growth potentially could strain city services, unless additional revenue is generated to pay for serving more people.

Benton grew by more than 6,000 people in six years, and undoubtedly continues to grow, along with the rest of Saline County. (Sometimes it's hard to believe the federally protected Flatside Wilderness - a true jewel - could be part of this rapidly growing county.)

One byproduct of the special census was discovering Ward 5 had swelled to some 3,000 residents larger than any other ward. The ward includes the Heritage Farms and Hurricane Lake Estates subdivisions, as well as other popular neighborhoods.

The U.S. Supreme Court has held that population between wards can't vary by a large amount, to ensure the "one-man, one-vote" doctrine allows fair representation. The theory is that residents of smaller wards and districts would have more influence than peers in larger wards and districts.

Equalizing the population isn't easy.

To avoid confusing voters, it's desirable to make as few changes as possible while ensuring that equal representation. It's good to follow physical boundaries, such as streets and rivers.

Metroplan developed several maps to help Benton.

County and city officials were quite happy with the latest map. It would require fewer voters to change districts and follows clearly defined boundaries.

Redistricting requires City Council approval, but Mayor Rick Holland feels confident that the latest plan will be OK'd. Aldermen gaining and losing residents in their respective wards were part of the process, and the city is eager to ensure fair representation.

Had the special census not been conducted, the city would have been unable to prove the growing difference between wards. It has served as one more benefit to Benton.