Wichita councilman's idea could shuffle makeup at City Hall

A Wichita city councilman has a new idea for City Hall that would add a new full-time vice mayor to the council, but subtract one city district.

"Just like in any good business, you should look at all of the options," said Councilman Pete Meitzner

Meitzner's proposal is just in the discussion phase. Still, the idea is already getting support and causing some concern.

"There have been a few ideas that have been discussed," Meitzner said.

Meitzner is talking about redistricting. It happens every ten years after the census comes out, but this year he's pitching an idea that could shake up the make-up of Wichita's City Council.

"If you are in business and just do the status quo, you tend to fall behind," Meitzner said."So it is refreshing for me to look at something with new eyes."

Right now, there are six districts in Wichita, each one has an elected council member plus the mayor makes up the seven member council. Each district represents about 70,000 constituents.

Meitzner's idea would reduce the number of districts to five, and create a full-time vice mayor position. It would keep the number on the council the same at seven,  but each district would grown to about 82,000 constituents.

While no one has decided which district would go away, the likely choice might be district four. It's represented by Council member Michael O'Donnell, who's running for State Senate. His council seat could be vacant come November

"Something like that would not step on any current toes," Meitzner said.

Meitzner's not sure yet how everyone on the city council feels about his plan, so a possible vote on it is still weeks away, at the earliest.

"If it were to be district 4, I'm sure that would stink for South Wichita," said District 4 Advisory Board member Matt Goolsby. "But I think what ever district gets dissolved will feel it."

Goolsby feels the move would dilute his representation.

"The first concern that comes to my mind is I will have a busier council member, a very busy vice mayor and a very even more busy mayor that won't get to hear or meet with my neighborhood and my concerns," Goolsby said

Meizner expects some concern, but says the idea is worth the dialogue as the City of Wichita looks ahead to the future.

Whether or not Meitzner's idea is voted on, the Wichita City Council has to come up with a redistricting plan by the end of the year.