[uchetrip]

I postefd this as part of a larger thread under new forms of government, but unfortunitely, few made any comment at all, so this to me, is one of our biggest problems, which needs to be rectified. That of Redisrtricting:


CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING OR RE-APPOTIONMENT.

This, to me, is the most important ingredient to a Democratic form of Government. Without proper proportionment, you can throw out the one person/one vote rule, because it is non-existant. I have studied and been involved somewhat in this situation for a long time. Fair apportionment is extremely simple, and available in any stete. I know this for a fact, because::

In the sixties, I lived in Illinois, and attempted to start a new politifcal party A part of my interest was the reapportionment of the State of Illinois. The (infamous) Chicago had one District which consisted of three islands in the midst of the city with two of those islands separated by another district which was shaped like a dumbell, (two large areas on the ends, and a narrriw corridor connecting them.)
I spent the better part of three weeks, armed only with census figures, and topographical and Geo-physical maps, and SINGLE-HANDEDLY completely reapporioned the State--, (at least graphically). I succeeded to the degree that every district was designed within 2 percent of the average required population of each district
Of course it was never approved, but I was even on TV with the proposal and the completed map. I had expected the then Governor, WALKER to get behind it, but he never even responded, (I was to find out later that he was in the pocket of some very powerful local leaders who didn't like my ideas. in fact I even received three threats, to stop or else.)
I have related this only to show that it is reasonablly and simply possible. but WILL NOT BE FAIRLY DONE UNDER PRESENT CONDITIONS The leaders of those districts don't want the change. However, Under my plan, it could be accomplished by:

1. Either now, using approximate or intrim census figures, or shortly after the new census is completed. Two or more teams from each state, consisting of one person from each party (the only other condition would be their ability to perform simple mathematics) would start at either end of state and work towards each other.
2. They would be provided with appropriate maps showing current infrastructure, and geophsyical maps showing city and county limits, and geographic maps showing natuaral barriers. For instance, it wiuld make little sense the create a district on both sides of a river where there were no available bridges.
3. They would be provided with the latest census figures by city, county, and locality, but would be denied any reference to Race, Creed, Nationality, Social or economic status, political affiliation, or religius preference. In short, the only guidelines allowed would be raw population figures and the afore mentioned maps for guidance.
There are those who would disagree with the disallowance of the referenced information I would deny on the basis that that is "only right and proper". But on the contrary, that is precisely what is wrong with the present system, and why incumbents, are so ofter entrenched.
4. The teams would endevour to draw the proposed districts as compact as is possible, (for logictic reasons, if nothing else), and rather than result in the shape of one present Clifornia District which runs along the coast of very expensive dwellings and businesses and where, in the midst of the district, it narrows to LESS THAN A HUNDRED YARDS (with only enough room for the Coast highway, and the Cliftside businesses). ( do you suppose that could be the result of improper redistricting??
Further, they would draw them in accordance with appropriate city or county limits where possible, and within the percentage limits allowed for deviation from the population requirements. (For instance, One district might be one % above the limit, so the next should be below the limit to compensate). When the two or more teams come together, thay should be able to have a properly completed job.
5. Then the entire prposal would be put before the State assembly for approval, or even before the voters.