Dear editor,

At its next five meetings, the Selma City Council will receive public commments related to the proposed redistricting plans. Citizens who wish to comment about any or all of the plans are welcome to appear before the council at these meetings. The proposed plans are posted on large maps in the back of the City Council Chamber for the public to view.

If citizens have suggestions about the proposed plans or wish to present an alternate plan, the council will be pleased to receive your comments. The primary requirement for the redistricting plan is that each ward, with a plus or minus deviation of more than 5 percent, must have an equal number of residents. After the public comment period ends, the council will hold public hearings related to the plans.

Once the council adopts a plan, it must be submitted to the Justice Department for approval. Upon approval, the plan will be in effect for the August 2012 city election.

Ceccil Williamson

City Council president