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293 <br /> <br /> Ms. Cox said it appears that the benchmark for inclusion of minorities by the Justice <br />Department is fairly low. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano asked how Dr. Wilson's approach would be different than the study <br />provided to Council by Tom Vandever. <br /> <br /> Dr. Wilson said that he would use block level data rather than block group data which <br />might increase the numbers of minorities in certain districts. Dr. Wilson said that nothing <br />requires the maximizing of the African-American vote. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox asked if it Would be more fair to have 20% minority re_presentation in each <br />district rather than a majority district of minorities, noting that 20% minorities help elect all <br />Council Members in the City now. <br /> <br /> Dr. Wilson said he could do three variations on voting percentages based upon <br />population over 18 across race lines. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter said she would be interested in maintaining the urban and <br />African-American interest and influence in voting districts. <br /> <br /> Referring to Mr. Cox's question, Dr. Wilson said that data shows that where the <br />minority population drops to 20% you can almost invariably guarantee that the 20% <br />population is not dealt with fairly, and may be completed neglected. <br /> <br /> Ms. Daugherty said she would be interested in studying districts with 7, 9, and 11 <br />member boards even though she feels that 11 members is not very realistic. <br /> <br />Ms. Slaughter said she would prefer to stay within 7, 8 and 9 members. <br /> <br /> Dr. Wilson recommended that boards of 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 be included in the <br />study. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox said he would favor looking at the expanded number even though the playing <br />field is probably 7, 8 or 9. <br /> <br /> Dr. Wilson said that two principles would be: racial composition and rural/urban <br />composition, with consideration also given to industrial versus other populations. <br /> <br />Ms. Slaughter asked Dr. Wilson about the cost for the study and the timetable. <br /> <br /> Mr. Gouldman said that an contract including the scope of the study and cost will be <br />completed. <br /> Dr. Wilson said the study could be completed in 30 days. Dr. Wilson said registration <br />estimates would be used to determine racial composition and street boundaries would be <br />provided in the study for the districts as well as maps. <br /> <br /> Ms. Richards asked that each district include a breakdown of the number of City and <br />County residents in each district. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox asked if any analysis of recent voting trends would be used and whether there <br />would be any common ground between urban County and urban City voters, and Dr. Wilson <br />said a racial block voting analysis would be done inthe City and County. Dr. Wilson noted <br />that urban and rural African-American populations may be quite different in their interests. <br />Dr. Wilson said a different data analysis would be needed to determine commonality between <br />urban County and urban City voters, but he would think more about that issue to see what <br />other lines of analysis could be used. <br /> <br /> The meeting was adjourned. <br />re~ide~it <br /> <br /> <br />