Editorial: A deal is within reach on redistricting reforms

April 19, 2008

The "L" word - legacy - appears to be on Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez's mind.

He's termed out, has a landmark global warming law to his name, but seems to want more. In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, Núñez says he wants to enact a set of constitutional amendments this year to lengthen term limits, revamp how voting districts are drawn and restrict fundraising while lawmakers are deliberating budget decisions.

Núñez and Assembly minority leader Mike Villines say they are working on such a package. Both acknowledge the challenge of agreeing on the finer details. But both seem sincere in achieving a breakthrough this session - or at least they say they are.

"There's an opportunity for reform, and both parties should come together and look at that," said Villines.

Proposition 93, a Núñez-led initiative to modify term limits, died at the ballot last year. This page opposed it because it wasn't coupled with a promised measure to reform redistricting. It also seemed to be a self-serving attempt by Núñez and Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata to maintain their grip on the reins of power.

The package Núñez is floating would avoid those shortcomings. It would only apply to future legislators and those in office as of 2009, allowing Assembly and Senate members to serve 12 years in a single chamber.

The package would also set up an independent - or relatively independent - panel to draw legislative districts (and possibly congressional districts) every 10 years.

That would be a vast improvement over the current rigged process that allows the political machines to carve up districts and create safe seats for Democrats or Republicans. An example of this is Assembly District 10, now held by Alan Nakanishi, a Republican from Lodi. The district splits Elk Grove in half, stretches down to Stockton, includes part of the city of Sacramento, and then goes out to El Dorado Hills and Amador County. It looks likes it was designed by a GOP operative armed with an Etch A Sketch.

Núñez and Villines are also discussing a proposal to ban fundraising while legislators are making key decisions on the budget. Given the likelihood that special interests would figure out a way to sidestep a blackout on influence peddling, it's doubtful that such a proposal would accomplish much. Full public financing of campaigns would be a better option. Alternately, legislators should require immediate electronic reporting of contributions larger than $500, so the public and media can immediately see who is trying to grease the wheels.

This is a delicate dance for Núñez. Part of his goal is to head off a proposed redistricting initiative supported by Schwarzenegger, AARP, the League of Women Voters and other groups. Núñez doesn't like the proposal. He thinks it is rigged to favor Republicans. Initiative supporters fear Núñez is trying to create an optical illusion to sidetrack their proposal.

They have a right to be skeptical, but they also must recognize reality: Redistricting reform has failed numerous times on the ballot, and it will never pass if one of the two parties attacks it with a high-priced campaign. Núñez has $5.1 million in his account. We'd rather see him spend it on making something happen, instead of fighting to maintain the status quo.