Word: pr
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Dates: during 1960-1969
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Complaints about the count probably only reflect a deeper discontent with the PR system itself, which has never been universally popular in Cambridge. On four occasions, anti-PR groups have put on the ballot referendums on whether to retain the system. Each time, however, voters approved of PR; the last time, in 1965, by a 2500-vote margin...
...they don't. They're always asking me" replies PR veteran Martin, who then returns to his tally sheet, as if preparing his bets for the eighth race...
Much of the grousing about the count itself is probably unfair. In fact, today's counts are, by general sentiment, models of efficiency compared to those done in the first years after Cambridge adopted the PR system in 1941. In one election then, it took nearly a month to get the results...
...discontent remains, though, particularly among some of the socalled "independents." They feel the system unduly aids the other of the City's two political factions-the Cambridge Civic Association, the local "good government" group. "The only minority PR protects is the CCA," said one veteran of an anti-PR campaign, arguing that the CCA's loose system of endorsement gives them an edge on the independents, who are not even that well organized...
...complaint that PR doesn't really help minority groups seems to be not quite true. Under PR. Cambridge's blacks, for example, have gained seats on the council and school committee which they probably would not have gained under any other electoral system, save a ward system gerrymandered in their favor. At the same time, other minorities such as Jews and even Yankees have gained seats though it would be difficult to say if they would have got more or less under another system...