Gov. Larry Hogan’s recently formed Redistricting Reform Commission will hold the first of five regional meetings this Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Sept. 15, in the Minnegan Room at Towson University’s Johnny Unitas Stadium.
Hogan created 11-member commission by executive order Aug. 6, and gave it only till Nov. 3 to submit its report to him and the legislature. His executive order made clear he wants an independent, nonpartisan commission to replace the current process controlled by the governor and General Assembly leaders.
Maryland’s redistricting process has produced some of the most gerrymandered congressional districts in the country, and more lawsuits about these districts than every state but Texas.
“For far too long, the political gamesmanship of gerrymandering has stifled real political debate and deprived citizens of meaningful choices,” Hogan said in the press release announcing the meetings. “Through the work of this commission, my administration’s goal is to put Maryland’s redistricting process on a new path toward transparency, fair representation, and election integrity.
“I encourage all Maryland citizens to attend a regional meeting and share their thoughts and concerns on legislative and congressional redistricting.”
Here is the schedule for five meetings over the next four weeks:
- TOWSON: Tuesday, Sept. 14, 6:30 Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Towson University’s Johnny Unitas Stadium in the Minnegan Room.
- HAGERSTOWN: Monday, Sept. 21, 1 p.m., Hagerstown Community College,
Career Programs Building, Room 213, 11400 Robinwood Dr., Hagerstown, MD 21742 - WALDORF: Tuesday, Sept. 29, 6:30 p.m., Charleston Senior Center, 45 St. Patricks Dr., Waldorf, MD 20603
- EASTON: Tuesday, Oct. 6, 1 p.m., Talbot County Community Center
10028 Ocean Gateway, Easton, MD 21601 - LAUREL: Tuesday, Oct. 13, 6:30 p.m. Location to be determined.
More information on redistricting reform activities, please visit the commission’s website at http://governor.maryland.gov/redistricting-reform.
https://marylandreporter.com/2013/10/17/voters-support-independent-redistricting-commission-poll-finds/,
https://marylandreporter.com/2015/08/27/redistricting-reform-commission-holds-first-meeting-with-just-10-weeks-to-act/,
https://marylandreporter.com/2015/08/16/fairness-is-the-place-to-start-on-redistricting-reform/,
Commentary: Redistricting map is a stain on the political process
If only Republicans supported independent commissions in the states where they got to draw boundaries, I might actually believe this was more than just a power grab.
Elbridge Gerry Birthday Party in Annapolis this summer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TMEDRsHeb0
O’Malley produced the classic O’Malleymander.
It is time some sanity was brought back to the congressional districts. O’Malley did a fantastic job of completely destroying any intelligent organization associated with the redistricting. Hopefully, the commission will rectify the situation.