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13 should avoid similar problems as we model after the Arlington program. He noted that the issue of eminent domain became a distraction last year . On motion by Ms. Hamilton, seconded by Mr. Norris, the City’s Legislative Program, as amended, was approved by the following vote. Ayes: Dr. Brown, Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Norris, Mr. Taliaferro. Noes: None. REPORT : SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION TASK FORCE REPORT Ms. Sheri Iachetta, Voter Registrar, said that Council appointed a Task Force to study different options for School Board elections. She said the Task Force reported its th recommendations to Council on August 7: 1) keep the current method until after the November 2007 elections; 2) charge to a residential district model where members would be elected from districts, but would be elected by all voters, which would require a Charter change; and 3) change to a method of four ward members and three at large, which would require a Charter change. She noted that options two and three would require pre-clearance from the Justice Department. Ms. Iachetta also asked Council to have staff look at realigning the wards as certain precincts are in danger of being overloaded. She noted that new legislation is likely that will require a certain number of voting machines per registered voter in a district, a move that could make it impossible to continue to use Tonsler Park. Mr. Lynch asked what the goals are for changing boundaries, and Ms. Iachetta said it would equalize numbers and would also expand the boundaries for facilities that could be used. Dr. Brown expressed concern about being asked to do this tonight. Ms. Hamilton asked how much lead time is needed if boundaries are change, and Ms. Iachetta said it takes 60 days for Justice Department clearance and it would also need to be included in the City’s legislative packet. Dr. Brown asked if pre-clearance from the Justice Department would be needed if Council approves option #1. Ms. Iachetta said no Charter change would be needed, but pre-clearance would be needed of precinct boundaries are changed. She suggested that this be done in time for the 2008 election if Council wants to pursue it. Mr. Norris said he has been agnostic on the idea of wards versus keeping it as it is. He said he feels that Charlottesville is too small to carve up. He said the problem he sees is that we do not have supports in place to educate the public on candidates. He said he wants every member of the School Board to be accountable to every child, and said he favors keeping the current system until the November 2007 election. Mr. Lynch agreed with Mr. Norris. He said there is value in diversity of many types on the School Board, including cultural, philosophical, capabilities, and professional. He said geographic diversity is one thing we may want, but it would not be in his top three or four. He said at large comes down to candidate recruitment, but geographic diversity should not be the overriding concern. He said if we look at the challenges facing the schools, he does not think any of them would be addressed by neighborhood or ward based elections. He said he thinks ward politics bring out the worst in both parties. He said he would hope to give the League of Women Voters more support in their education efforts, or otherwise build on the efforts of community groups. Mr. Taliaferro said he supports comments made by Mr. Norris and Mr. Lynch. He said he does not think we need ward elections because of our size. He said his experience over the years is that there are horror stories from ward based politics and that does not work for the best interest of the community as people trade for things they want. Ms. Hamilton said she is not seeing the level of passion about the issue that she expected. She said the current system does not appear to be broken, and diversity was