Al Melvin: Removal of Mathis not about political power

by David Safier

In an online article in the Explorer about the latest Republican redistricting power grab, Al Melvin asserts butter does not melt in his mouth.

Melvin said the vote to remove Mathis was not about political power, but about doing what’s right as the process to redraw the state’s legislative and congressional districts moves forward.

Since Melvin's comment is not in quotes, I don't know if he actually used the words "doing what's right," but the line is certainly accurate when it comes to Cap'n Al. He's all about doing what's right — far, far right.

However, according to Melvin, the partisanship is all on Mathis' side.

“She was blatantly partisan,” he said. “She was supposed to be Independent, but she was anything but Independent.”

LD-26 Democratic chair Brian Clymer sees things differently (and correctly):

Brian Clymer, chairman of the Legislative District 26 Democratic Committee, called Tuesday’s vote to remove Mathis “a partisan power grab.”

Clymer criticized Melvin for voting to remove Mathis, and Brewer for ordering Bennett to call the special session.

“It deprives Mathis her right to due process,” he said. “It denies Arizona voters the opportunity to have their state legislative and congressional district lines drawn without interference from incumbent politicians.”