30,000 signatures for 10-1 council plan

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The push for single-member districts for the Austin City Council is gaining momentum with the help of thousands of signatures.

On Monday afternoon, Austinites for Geographic Representation said they've garnered 30,000 petition signatures in support of the 10-1 plan.

The 10-1 plan would create 10 geographical council districts with a mayor elected from the city at large.

The other proposed plan, "8-2-1" would create eight districts with a mayor and two other council members elected at-large.

Presently, the Austin council is comprised of six members and the mayor -- all are elected citywide.

Supporters say the 10-1 will better represent the city and remove special interest money from the campaigns.

"10-1 is the proposal that's broad based, diverse, with grassroots support, something the 8-2-1 plan has failed to reach. Where's the 8-2-1 petition?" said Bill Aleshire.

The League of Women Voters of the Austin Area, former state Sen. Gonzalo Barrientos and the local NAACP leader Norman Linder all support the 10-1 plan.