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Applicants Sought for Redistricting Commission
Deadline February 12, 2010
An initiative passed in 2008 that took the responsibility for drawing legislative district and Board of Equalization seat boundaries away from legislators and has given it to a citizen's commission. Under the new rules, politicians need not apply, but there is a need for intelligent fair-minded citizens who are willing to make a short-term commitment to public service.
Why is this important? Competitive and Responsive Government
Every ten years after the census, congressional seats are reapportioned to the states. At the same time all congressional and legislative districts are redrawn. In the past in California, Republicans and Democrats have worked together to draw safe -- non-competitive -- districts for themselves. That is the reason why legislators are often unresponsive to organized citizens advocating for key concerns while beholden to powerful special interests.
If fair and competitive districts are drawn, legislators will become more responsive to citizens' concerns. It will help level the playing field on some of the most important issues that Catholics and other people of faith care about, and make politicians more accountable to the voters.
The process of drawing the new lines will take 8 ½ months starting January 1, 2011, but the application process for the 14 commissioners ends February 12, 2010. Commissioners will hire staff, hold hearings, review data and staff recommendations, and make decisions on new district maps. They will be paid $300 for every day of work for the commission. Depending on one's regular job responsibilities and employer, it is possible for a person to continue to hold their current job while serving as a commissioner.
More information can be found on the job and the application process at http://www.wedrawthelines.ca.gov/faq.html.
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