News in brief

The Compton Bulletin
February 3, 2010

Lack of minority interest in redistricting group raises concerns An important effort to redraw legislative districts in California and shake up the political landscape seems to be missing one important element - minorities. State officials are weeks away from beginning to select members of a 14-person commission that voters decided should reshape the state's Senate, Assembly and Board of Equalization districts.

So far, fewer than a quarter of the applications they've received are from minority candidates in a state where non-Hispanic whites make up less than half the population.

The county is encouraging people of color to apply for a seat on the commission.

The application, due by Friday, Feb. 12, can be found at www.wedrawthelines. ca. gov.

The county is encouraging residents to apply for a seat on the new Citizens Redistricting Commission by Feb.12. "Given that Los Angeles County represents at least one out of every four Californians, and that our cultural and community diversity is unique to any jurisdiction in the state, it is imperative that our county has an ample pool of qualified candidates to increase its prospects of representation," said Supervisor Gloria Molina, chair of the board of supervisors. Qualified candidates must be a registered voter for at least the last five years with the same party (or non-party) affiliation and must have voted in at least two of the last three statewide general elections.

Applicants are also asked to possess analytical skills, be impartial and appreciate diversity.

Commissioners will be selected by Dec. 31, after which time they will hold meetings around the state.