Opinion ID: 2233517
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: One Person, One Vote Requirement

Text: [4] The legislature has recognized the town has an interest in county zoning ordinances and has granted it veto power in sec. 59.97(5) (e)6, Stats., over applicable zoning amendments. In this case, the parties have conceded that the action of the town board does not affect land outside its boundaries. The three town board members in this case are elected on a town-wide basis pursuant to sec. 60.19, Stats. 1981-82. [7] Each resident of the town has an equal vote in selecting the town board members. The inhabitants of the town are most directly affected by the county zoning ordinance and they are equally represented in the town board's decision to veto the county amendment to the zoning ordinance. Even though inhabitants throughout the county are affected by the town board's decision, the direct and immediate effect of the ordinance is on the town's residents, and it is reasonable that their votes through their town board representatives weigh more heavily than those of other county inhabitants.