Below is the original Op-Ed about redistricting reform in California written by my friend, Assembly Republican Leader, Mike Villines. This was published in the SJ Merc last Friday. As we move forward in rethinking our political environment, it is so important to remember what a democracy is all about. Our children, in their social studies classes, are being reminded of this everyday, so we cannot afford to disappoint them. There is no need for further political polarization, especially when it comes to making a difference in their future. Please take the time to read Mike's comments and give me your feedback-- it's so important.
The Time Is Now For Redistricting Reform
By Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines
As the legislative calendar comes to an end we must not lose sight of the tremendous opportunity before us. It’s time for Republicans and Democrats to rise to the occasion and come together to craft bipartisan redistricting reforms to restore the voice of the people to their government.
From the moment we began this year’s legislative session, Governor Schwarzenegger and the Republican and Democrat leaders in both houses of the Legislature have each publicly stated their desire to pass redistricting reforms this year. The time to act is now since the Legislature is set to adjourn next month.
Our need to restore a healthy democracy in California is without question. During the last two elections for the State Legislature, not one seat in either house changed hands between the parties. Current district lines look more like abstract art than neighboring communities with shared values. Communities are regularly sliced and diced to protect incumbent legislators. One state Senate district in Los Angeles, for example, includes small portions of 10 different Assembly districts lumped together just to keep one party in office.
This year, lawmakers from both parties have put forward several of their own redistricting reform plans. Throughout the process, we have welcomed the active participation of nonpartisan, good-government groups like California Common Cause, the League of Women Voters and the Voices of Reform Coalition, who have each played an important role in the process by including their ideas and input. Though we may take different approaches to reform, we are united in our desire to end the status quo.
As Assembly Republican Leader, I have introduced Assembly Constitutional Amendment 4. This reform measure is the only truly independent reform plan in the Legislature this session. ACA 4 would allow an independent citizens’ commission to draw district lines every ten years. The commission would be comprised of California voters, with no connections to politics or politicians, chosen through a series of random drawings. It would be tasked with drawing new lines that are compact, keep communities together, promote competitive elections and nest two Assembly seats in the boundaries of each Senate seat. This approach would remove politicians and their friends from the process, ending the gerrymandering we have today.
While we have made progress this year, the politicians and the special interests have begun to fight back. Some in Washington are seeking an exemption for Congressional lines and have even issued threats demanding that the status quo be preserved or face a multi-million dollar campaign to kill any sort of redistricting reform. This is exactly why we need reform in the first place. The people should decide who represents them, rather than the politicians picking the voters.
I was pleased to see the Assembly Elections Committee approve the Assembly Republican redistricting plan back in June and believe we must continue our work. Our progress on addressing this important issue must not stop there. We must work together, Republicans and Democrats, to craft a meaningful redistricting reform measure this year.
With only a few weeks left in the legislative year, I hope we will seize the moment and pass redistricting reform that takes the power to draw district lines out of the hands of politicians and gives it back to the people.
Assemblyman Mike Villines, of Fresno, is the Republican Leader in the California State Assembly.