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Folks, if you’ve not already seen this around the newspapers, here it is: the new (and under construction) hearing schedule for the Independent Redistricting Commission.
Regarding whether the commission is on schedule, behind schedule or ahead of schedule, we are certain of one thing: If you use Redistrict Arizona as your platform to speak with the commission –regardless of your agenda– we believe you will have better luck getting your point across.
We also want to take this opportunity to share our thoughts on the current debates around recent commission decisions on mapping consultants. The following is taken from our newsletter, which you can sign up for here.
—————-Our Opinion on the Hullabaloo——-
So, you’ve certainly seen all of the controversy over mapping consultants, commissioner disclosures and all the rest.
Yes, we at the ACDC have an opinion on that: we have seen this before. It’s good old fashioned posturing.
Ten years ago, the Democrats were upset that the IRC chose NDC, a mapping firm with ties to Republican candidates. This year, Republicans are upset at the choice of Strategic Telemetry, a firm with ties to the Democratic party.
Both parties are trying to “play to the refs.” They are trying to influence public opinion in their direction because they feel any little thing could lose them “the advantage.”
Our suggestion: get in the game and get constructive. We believe that the best way to draw maps that are respectful of voters is for you, yes you, to submit serious maps.
Amid calls that the Commission step up its meeting schedule, they are putting together a state-wide tour of public meetings. We will post on our blog once we get the final list, too. Please attend or watch on line.
Further, regardless of your political opinion, use Redistrict Arizona. Please pull together community leaders and make your arguments constructively through the maps that you submit.
After all, once you get away from the prepared talking points and the blog-driven “news”, what you have are real communities and real people who are sick and tired of political games.
They are the local business owners, the city leaders, the teachers and the families who want politicians to produce solutions, not theater. Hey, 33% of them don’t even belong to the two major parties.
When you ask them what they want to see in districts, we think they will say one thing: Choice.
Redistrict Arizona allows you to build, share and submit your suggestions in ways you never could before. You have instant feedback on issues such as equal population, the Voting Rights Act and competition.
Hullabaloo only goes so far. Constructive suggestions get the job done.
