From the inbox, an email from Commissioner Rodney Ellis:
Every decade, after each U.S. census, states, cities and counties engage in a process called redistricting, where they adjust the boundaries of their governing districts to reflect changes in population growth and other factors.
For the last six weeks, Harris County has held public meetings across the county to hear your thoughts.
Based on what we learned, and in compliance with the U.S. Constitution and the Voting Rights Act, we’re proposing new boundaries for county commissioner districts that are reflected in the map posted here. Our plan seeks to keep communities of interest together and brings together areas that have been split apart for years.
For too long this county has been intentionally divided by precinct boundaries that deny people the opportunity to elect representation that accurately reflects the views of the majority of our communities. The boundaries proposed cease that continued suppression, and allows the voices and views of the people to be reflected by those who represent them.
In Harris County, we’re committed to a fair and transparent process. That’s why we held public meetings across the county and why we are taking public comment now on the proposed maps.
You will hear some of my colleagues complain – and complain loudly. Sadly, they are more concerned about preserving their political power and getting headlines than they are about getting better representation for you.
You can provide YOUR feedback on the proposed maps in person or virtually. Public hearings on the adoption of a redistricting map in Harris County will be held on Tuesday, October 26 and Thursday, October 28. You MUST complete this form in order to testify.
- For questions or assistance with the Appearance Request Form, please contact CommissionersCourt@hctx.net or 713-274-1111.
- If you cannot attend, you can still let your voice be heard by submitting your written comments to CommissionersCourt@hctx.net.
Redistricting will impact the direction of this county for years to come. We will continue to fight for you to have the fair representation that everyone in Harris County deserves.
For more information on the Harris County redistricting process, you can visit the Harris County Attorney Office’s redistricting page.
See here for the background. You can expect the wailing and gnashing of teeth among Republicans who just want a nice, fair, inclusive, mapmaking process – you know, like the one we just had – to be turned up to eleven. I can only imagine the lawsuits they may file afterwards. The HCDP has put out its support of the Ellis map along with a tout sheet about what the new map will do, and undo. This is going to be messy but exciting.
18 days and counting………
In last Thursday’s public hearing, Matt Angle was directed to develop a “status quo” map in time for this week’s proceedings. I wouldn’t place any bets on the outcome until that approach becomes viewable and part of the discussion.
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