The April 22, 2006 primary election was the first round of a referendum on Jay Batt's four years as Councilman of District A. Batt received only 42% of the vote, which, for an incumbent, is an indication of widespread disapproval of his performance in office.

During his first term, Jay Batt consistently showed a total disregard for the zoning regulations and land-use plans of this city. He consistently showed a callous indifference to the concerns of his constituency outside of his home base in Lakeview. He consistently represented the interests of businesses and developers, many of whom are his friends and not his constituents, over the interests of the residents that he was elected to serve.

In the May 20 runoff, we have an opportunity to choose a better Councilperson, one who will actually do the job for which she's elected, which is, first and foremost, to represent the interests of the residents of District A.