Council decides on map just in the nick of time

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - The West Lafayette City Council has finally reached a decision for district maps.

The new district map keeps everyone in the same neighborhood in the same district. But it puts Vicki Burch, currently in District 4, into Ann Hunt's District 3. Burch was the only council member to vote against it.

There was a special meeting Thursday night for a required second reading to finalize the council districts. The decision was between two maps. The one that was chosen was drawn up by Councilman Eddie VanBogaert. The other, favored by Burch and the Tippecanoe County Area Planning staff, kept each council person in his or her current district and kept the population of each district a little more equal.
    
At its meeting last week, on the first reading, the council chose VanBogaert's map by a four to two vote. Thursday night's vote was six to one, making the selection official.
    
Both Democrats and Republicans voted for the new map, but Burch said it was partisan move.

"I feel very disappointed that the council did not go with one of the two proposals submitted by the Area Plan Commission which is non-partisan," Burch said.

"Councilors and all elected officials serve for one reason and that's to serve the community. I think the districting that's been decided tonight, enhances that opportunity," said Mayor John Dennis.

The new districts, based on new census data, must be turned in by the end of the month. The new district map will go into effect for the 2015 election.

Hunt told News 18 that she does not plan to run for re-election.