For as long as I can remember, the Florida legislative branch has drawn congressional district lines in a manner to favor the party in power without due regard for the population centers and the common interests of the various constituencies. To wit: Florida's 11th Congressional District includes part of St. Petersburg; a good deal of Tampa; the western shore of Tampa Bay; the eastern half of Palmetto; and downtown Bradenton. More than half the district sits within Tampa Bay, itself and partly in the Gulf. How ridiculous it that?
FairDistricts Florida undertook a successful grassroots campaign, circulating petitions to get Amendments 5 and 6 on the November ballot to do away with gerrymandering, the process described above. On Tuesday, April 13th, legislative leaders submitted their own plan for redistricting, the provisions of which totally circumvent the protections of Amendments 5 and 6. I am not a Tea partier, but we must take our government back from those who would maintain power simply due to the fact they were elected in the first place. True representative government depends on the voice of the people. If we are not listened to, then we have little rights in determining where we go from here.
Everyone is encouraged to contact their state senator and representative, requesting they oppose SJR 2288.
Published: April 18, 2010
Bradenton Herald
Sarasota Herald Tribune
No comments:
Post a Comment