L.A. Rebuts U.S. Claim of ‘Official’ Bias

In its first formal response to a Justice Department lawsuit accusing Los Angeles of “official discrimination” against Latinos, the city argued Thursday that its 1982 plan redrawing City Council district borders had fairly upheld the voting rights of all citizens.

A city response filed in U.S. District Court said the criteria used to draw the boundary lines were valid and that minority groups were allowed comment during public hearings which preceded the announcement of the plan.

“Hispanics in Los Angeles have an equal opportunity as compared to other members of the electorate to participate in the political process and to elect representatives of their choice,” the response stated.

“Representatives of their choice are not necessarily Hispanic. Los Angeles’ citizens do not choose their representatives solely on the basis of race.”

The Justice Department suit, filed last November, contended that the redistricting plan approved by the City Council in September, 1982, diluted the political strength of Latino voters and violated rights assured them under the U.S. Constitution.

The suit asked the court to order the council to produce a new reapportionment plan and to submit all redistricting plans for the next 10 years to either the Justice Department or the federal court for approval.

The city’s response asked that the redistricting plan be declared consistent with the Constitution, and that attorney’s fees be awarded to the city.

The city has two options: It can take the case to court, or enter into a settlement with the federal government, an option that has not formally been ruled out by city officials. Deputy City Atty. William Waterhouse, one of those representing the city, declined Thursday to say whether city officials are pursuing a settlement.