It's Time to Get Involved in Redistricting … But Why the Auditor? - Commentary

The Legislature is back in session, but big changes are ahead.

During 2010, my office will carry out the important new job of creating a commission that will have a major role in the state's future.

Once every 10 years - after the national census - all states engage in redistricting- drawing the maps that define districts for members of the Legislature and Board of Equalization - so that each district represents an equal share of the population.

Until now, this process was overseen by the Legislature and the governor.

But voters changed that in 2008, when they approved the Voters FIRST Act, creating California's first Citizens RedistrictingCommission. This is an exciting opportunity for California voters to become involved in redistricting .

And you can apply right now at wedrawthelines. ca. gov.

The Voters FIRST Act also specifically placed the job of seeking citizen applications for this new commission in the hands of the California state auditor.

Some have asked why a fairly obscure, nonelected state official would be charged with such an important new job. While I did not seek this new responsibility, I think the reasons they chose this office are clear.

First of all, because I am a nonelected state official, I have not, and in fact am prohibited from, engaging in the kinds of political activities that elected officials do every day:fundraising; meeting with lobbyists; becoming active in parties or partisan politics; or engaging in statewide or local campaigns.

Voters wanted someone without any ties to politics per se, beholden to no one, and not looking past the commission's role to their own next election.

At the same time, I believe that they also did not want a complete outsider. They wanted someone who understood how government works, and someone they could count on to do this job right. My office, the California State Auditor's Office, works with local government and state agencies every day, as well as with the state Legislature. We understand how the system works, and how critical the process of drawing fair and legal districts is to the state and its future.

I believe the public also wanted to make sure that whoever took on the job would be trustworthy, independent, and objective in carrying out the duties to create the new commission.

Again, that description perfectly fits the California State Auditor's Office. Dedicated to conducting our work in a nonpartisan manner, free from outside influence, including that of elected officials or the subjects of our audits, objectivity and fairness are the hallmarks of our office.

Our auditors base their findings, conclusions, and recommendations upon reliable evidence and never allow preconceived notions or personal opinions to influence their work. We strictly adhere to the standards of the auditing profession and exercise the highest ethical standards - and that is what we will do in establishing this new commission.

My Web site contains three key words:commitment, integrity and leadership. That is what we stand for and that is how I will approach this new opportunity. But I need your help. Please apply at wedrawthelines. ca. gov. The state auditor was selected by a committee and appointed by the California governor. But she does not report to, or can be removed by, the governor.