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Medford examines ward redistricting By JESSICA SMITH Medford residents are moving farther east, and city leaders may need to redraw political districts to reflect the shift. U.S. Census figures for 2000 show that population in Medford's two eastern wards is up 44 percent from 1990. Population in west Medford's two districts, meanwhile, grew about 26 percent in the same period. Mark Gallagher, a senior planner, said limitations on farm land have encouraged growth in the east. Most of the city's prime agricultural property sits in the west. "The statewide planning program says you don't grow on ag land, and that's what we've got on the west side," Gallagher said. "Over time, you are going to have to move (the council wards) farther east, because that's where we're headed." Growth west of Interstate 5 was generally confined to established neighborhoods in the 1990s, Gallagher said. New housing developments in the east, however, have continued to move residents closer to the foothills. Ward 1, in northeast Medford, saw a 44 percent population increase from 1990 to 2000, Census figures show. With 17,092 residents, Ward 1 is the city's largest political district. Ward 4, in southeast Medford, grew about 43 percent in the past decade. The 2000 Census reports there are 16,828 people living there. There are 33 percent more people in Ward 2, in southwest Medford, according to Census figures. Since 1990, the ward has grown to include 15,512 residents. And in Ward 3, in northwest Medford, the Census reports there are 13,803 residents, an 18 percent increase from the previous decade. Planners already have drafted proposals to create political districts of nearly equal size, as required by Medford's city charter, said department Director Rob Scott. Details on the plans won't be made public until a Sept. 13 study session with the Medford City Council, Scott said. A public hearing would likely be held on a redistricting plan before it would be implemented. Under the city charter, the size of each ward must fall within 10 percent of the average ward population, or about 15,808 residents in a four-ward system. That means ward sizes could range from 14,228 to 17,390 residents. Scott said planners also have drafted a redistricting plan in response to a Medford City Council member's suggestion to split the town into six political wards. The city is currently split into four wards - two in east Medford and two on the west side of town - with two council members elected in each ward. Councilman Bill Moore suggested dividing the city into six wards, giving each ward one seat on the council. Two additional council members would be elected at large to represent the whole city. Moore said he would like to put the suggestion - which would require an amendment to the city charter - before voters in a general election. The council, however, would decide whether to refer the issue to the public. Reach reporter Jessica Smith at 776-4481, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.