The Region : L.A. Files Response to Redistricting Suit

Its 1982 plan redrawing City Council districts fairly upheld the voting rights of all citizens, Los Angeles contended in its first formal response to a U.S. Justice Department lawsuit accusing the city of “official discrimination” against Latinos. In the answer filed in federal court, Los Angeles said the criteria used to draw the boundary lines were valid and that minority groups were allowed to comment in public hearings before the plan was announced. The Justice Department suit, filed in November, contends that the redistricting plan diluted the political strength of Latino voters and violated their constitutional rights. The suit seeks to compel the council to produce a new reapportionment plan and to submit all plans for the next 10 years to the Justice Department or federal court for approval.