The Independent Redistricting Committee is working hard to hear input from all parts of Arizona. There are standards that they are trying to meet to balance and equalize Congressional and Arizona legislative sistricts in population, communities of interest, compactness, contiguousness, natural boundaries, and political competitiveness. The state has the opportunity every 10 years to do redistricting based on the updated census every 10 years. Unfortunately, it is an opportunity for a lot of gerrymandering by opposing political parties. This year is no different and the political differences are more heated.
Arizona does have provisions for a volunteer Independent Redistricting Committee made up of two Republicans, two Democrats and led by one Independent. The draft maps that this year's IRC has proposed do not seem to be very independent. They have proposed congressional district changes that put all the Indigenous tribes into one district that is heavily Republican, not balanced. They have divided up Flagstaff, Sedona and Verde Valley rather than keeping them together as a community of interest, and they are not politically competitive districts.
The Coconino Board of Supervisors has submitted draft maps that are much fairer, more politically competitive and honor the other criteria for fair maps. Flagstaff and Sedona are supportive of these proposed maps. Navajo County and Nation have also submitted fairer draft maps. We, as citizens, all have the right to submit input by Dec. 4. Please go to ircadmin@axdoa.gov to submit online comments and opinions before Dec 4. The new districts will determine politics in Arizona for the next 10 years. We want them to be fair representation!
It’s frustrating to watch lawmakers in Congress repeatedly fail to pass legislation that would truly help people, even on such a clearly bipartisan issue as improving prescription access and l… Read moreLetter to the Editor: A push to reform PBM practices
When Ann Heitland retired in 2015, she had intended to focus on writing historical fiction or a memoir. But then Hillary Clinton lost the 2016 election, and everything changed. Her focus immed… Read moreLetter to the Editor: A sendoff for Heitland, Orcutt
Dear Editor: Truth be told, I love hanging out with people who are different from me. Different skin colors, backgrounds, opinions and world views. Why? Because you challenge and stretch me. Y… Read moreLetter to the Editor: What the world needs now ...