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Norfolk, Virginia is a city of almost 250,000. It has five wards...and two 'superwards'. The accompanying map illustrates this; the two superward councillors take in half the city each. So in a way, they have two 'at large' representatives at Council. More or less.
I've heard some talk in the Hamilton 'ward reform boundary' preliminary discussions (most as comments on articles) about the notion of 'at large' councillors. That they'd somehow provide much more equitable representation. (I've also heard references to a 'Board of Control', something Hamilton used to have...but these days, no municipality in Canada has.)
Last week, Norfolk voters went to the polls to elect the two superward councillors. This article in today's Virginia-Pilot illustrates one of the problems with an 'at large' setup, or at least one where it's partially this way. Specifically, the fact that someone can win the overall election, but fair poorly in some of the districts. Meaning that residents in those areas don't get who they voted for as their councillor...even though their choice got the most votes in that ward. (In a way, this is nothing new; Mayor Bratina 'lost' in various wards, even though he captured the popular vote.)
I offer this up as something to consider if and when the subject of 'at large' councillors arises during the review process.
M Adrian Brassington
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I'm always interested in feedback, differing opinions, even contrarian blasts...as long as they're delivered with decorum...with panache and flair always helping.