Belmont districts

Four districts permit the people who live within the districts to vote for candidates who understand their unique concerns. Indeed, the population within each of the proposed districts is equal, the racial makeup within them is equal to the population, and the socio-economic makeup within each district is equal. It ensures that each neighborhood will be heard.

An at-large mayor will be accountable to the entire city and will moderate the concerns of the four districts and maintain our identity as a unified community. Five districts and no at-large mayor would divide us into small enclaves whose representatives would only be incentivized to advocate for their district. We don’t need such division.

Furthermore, the current councilmembers have ensured that Belmont has a voice in the larger Peninsula community. We have all benefited from their efforts and an at-large mayor would continue to give Belmont a seat at the larger table.

The four district and at-large mayor plan complies with the law, provides each community with a voice, and keeps us from serving only our parochial interests. It is a plan to be proud of and the council should act on it without unnecessary delay.

Brian Matthews

Belmont