Letters to the Editor: Status of redistricting

Paper: Fresno Bee, The (CA)

Date: July 6, 2007

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'Status of redistricting'

[Bee Editorial Page Editor] Jim Boren's July 1 column is missing some important facts about the status of redistricting reform in California. The Assembly Elections Committee just passed two different redistricting reform measures -- mine, which turns redistricting over to the respected and independent Little Hoover Commission, and one by Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines, which relies on a citizens commission for redistricting.

The state Senate has advanced redistricting measures as well, including one from a Bee neighbor, Sen. Roy Ashburn of Bakersfield. Additionally, far from being the simple process Mr. Boren may wish it to be, redistricting involves complex considerations to protect minority voting rights and other constitutional and court-based challenges.

Nine times now voters have said "no" to various redistricting schemes put before them. I want voters to have a fair, legal and responsible plan they can say "yes" to. That's why I've authored one of the few pieces of legislation anyone can remember where a legislative leader has proposed giving up his own power. Keeping the redistricting discussion fact-based is an important step in making reform happen.

Fabián Núñez

Assembly Speaker

Sacramento

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Author: The Fresno Bee

Section: LOCAL NEWS

Page: B8