Judge O'Malley handed down her opinion saying she had no doubt that the city of Euclid's election system violated federal law by diluting the black vote. She based her decision on three factors: First, that there are enough registered minority voters in Euclid to form a single district or ward; Second, that blacks vote cohesively - that is, for the same candidate. And third, whites usually vote as a group to block black candidates.
O'Malley said the Justice Department satisfied its burden to show that these conditions reflected polarized voting patterns in a city that is nearly 30 percent black.
She came to her preliminary decision without talking patronage or politics, relying on more tangible evidence, like the fact that no African American has ever been elected to Council, and voting maps show the majority of council members all live in the same ward.
Those are the facts on which everyone agrees. But, the case itself has put the mayor and City Council at odds. Mayor Bill Cervenik says the city should have settled the case that he estimates has cost more than $600,000. But, City Council was reluctant to admit any wrongdoing in the city's voting process and wanted to retain the current system instead of redistributing council seats. Cervenik, who is running for reelection, says there are lessons to be learned from the case.
Bill Cervenik: I've learned a lot through this trial sitting their listening that the city of Euclid and other cities such as Euclid has to become much more aware of the diversity in their community. We're going need to work very hard to mend some of the hurt and the pain that was felt through this court.
Council President Ed Gudenas says the two sides may be on the same page now that they will have to create a redistricting plan with the Justice Department over the next few months.
But, Gudenas, who's running for the mayoral seat, says he's upset that City Council elections scheduled for this November will now be pushed back to at least March as a result of O'Malley's decision. He says the benefit of the timing will go to incumbents.
Ed Gudenas: Who can go door to door in January or February? Nobody. Who's going to up lawn signs in a snow drift? So, basically it'll be the names people have heard before generally are gonna get the votes.
Some prospective challengers are also disappointed by the change in Council elections.
Rose Allen is African American and was running for Euclid Council President until yesterday's decision. Allen says she hopes to stay involved in Euclid politics and even take a stab at the next Council elections whenever that may be. But, she said there's more than race at play in the city. It's favoritism.
Rose Allen: People have wanted to keep their close contacts as the council persons and no matter what else was fair certain people have said well I need to keep these people. I need these people. And that seems to play more of a role than trying to get more people of color involved.
For now, the judge has ruled the planned Council elections be postponed until both the city and Department of Justice can create new district plans. City and justice department attorneys are expected to have a timeline for that, and for Council elections, prepared for Judge O'Malley by later today. The mayoral election will go on as planned in November.
Tasha Flournoy, 90.3.