Posted by AzBlueMeanie:
On Monday, the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission (AIRC) voted to approve the Congressional Districts "Draft Map" (.pdf) on a vote of 3-1-1 (abstention). This is the Congressional Districts "Draft Map" which will be subject to a 30 day public comment period with public hearings beginning on October 11.
The Congressional Districts "Draft Map" as currently configured preserves two Voting Rights Act Hispanic majority-minority districts that tend to vote Democratic, allegedly creates three competitive districts — one in Tucson (currently represented by Rep. Gabrielle Giffords), the new District 9 in the Phoenix Metropolitan area, and the "super-congressional" District 1, which comes up short of being a "coalition" Voting Rights Act district for the Tribal Nations (they are not a majority but will enjoy greater influence) – and creates four "safe" Republican districts.
Personally, I would like to see all of Cochise County remain in a Southern Arizona district, and the Town of Marana up to the Pima County line remain in a Southern Arizona district. These are sparsely populated areas that would require only minor adjustments elsewhere.
The only reason for the current configuration is that the Chair, Colleen Mathis, bought into the fantastical notion that somehow three border districts will increase the number of representatives addressing border issues. The actual intent of this "three border districts" strategem pushed by Tea-Publicans was to divide and to dilute the influence of Southern Arizona voters by adding more conservative populations from Pinal and Maricopa County to their districts. They are not fooling anyone but the Chair, apparently.
This is Arizona. All nine congressional districts, regardless of whether they touch upon the border, will address border issues. Demagoging on border issues and illegal immigration is how politicians run for office in Arizona. That's how Tea-Publican candidates run for office anywhere in the country.
The AIRC also began deliberations on the State Legislative Districts "draft map." There were two versions under discussion on Monday: The "What If" Legislative 9 Minority District option 1 version 8a (.pdf) and the "What If" Legislative 9 Minority District option 2 version 8a (.pdf).
WARNING: The State Legislative Districts map will be revised before the next public hearing on Wednesday. If past practice holds true, that revised map will not be posted online prior to the meeting and handouts of the revised map will not be available to the public at the public hearing on Wednesday. The new map will be presented on a video screen at the public hearing on Wednesday and discussed by the Commissioners. After the events of this past week, there is always a chance that the Chair, Colleen Mathis, will move for adoption of her new State Legislative Districts map — but hopefully not before taking public comment.
If you want to be heard on the new Legislative Districts map to be presented on Wednesday, you had better clear your calendar and plan to attend the public hearing in Tempe. There are now three public hearings scheduled for the remainder of this week. Do not assume that the AIRC will not vote on a State Legislative Districts "Draft Map" until Friday. Your testimony is needed now.
October 5, 2011
Fiesta Resort – Galleria Ballroom
2100 S. Priest Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85282
2:00PM
October 6, 2011
Fiesta Resort – Galleria Ballroom
2100 S. Priest Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85282
9:30AM
October 7, 2011
Fiesta Resort – Galleria Ballroom
2100 S. Priest Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85282
9:30AM
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