Yes on Prop. 11: Redistricting plan a step in the right direction

Reporter, The

October 5, 2008

Three years ago, The Reporter balked at a plan devised by politicians to allegedly reform redistricting procedures.

Proposition 77 would have created a panel of retired judges (picked from a pool of volunteers tapped by lawmakers) to make the decisions. The measure was roundly criticized for failing to create a panel that would reflect communities of interest, whether cultural, demographic or economic.

At the time, this newspaper argued that voters should reject the proposition and instead demand a measure that would create an independent, bipartisan, special commission that truly represents the diversity found in this state.

Voters did, and now it appears that, for once, some politicians have listened.

Proposition 11 will go a long way toward creating the redistricting reform this state so desperately needs.

It would end the deplorable practice now in place, which allows state legislators themselves to draw their political boundaries every 10 years, a clear conflict of interest.

The measure would put in place a 14-member independent commission that would take into consideration specific criteria designed to protect the best interests of the communities, rather than the interests of incumbent politicians.

The panel would include five Democrats, five Republicans and four others. Members would be subject to conflict-of-interest standards, as well as open hearings for public input.

It would put into place guidelines that would encourage districts to embrace entire communities, instead of splitting them along whichever line delivers the best demographics.

If only Proposition 11 stretched even further, to cover the congressional seats, too.

But at this time, a plan that will change how lines are drawn for state Senate, Assembly and the Board of Equalization is a step in the right direction.

It's not surprising that many Democrats are opposed to Proposition 11. Indeed, any politician in power would be. The current system practically guarantees incumbents will keep their seats, and that promotes the kind of partisan politics that leads to fiascoes such as this year's extremely late state budget.

Fortunately, it is not the politicians who will make the decision on this issue. It is in the hands of the voters.

And they should approve Proposition 11 on Nov. 4, so an independent panel can determine district boundaries and people can be better represented, starting in 2011, after the next census is complete.