Redistricting commission loses member, hires chief

Jim Sanders
Sacramento Bee
January 15, 2011

California's first-ever citizens redistricting commission lost a member Friday and gained an executive director.

Democrat Elaine Kuo resigned from the 14-member panel, saying time constraints make it impractical for her to continue. The commission is charged with drawing legislative, congressional and Board of Equalization districts.

During a public meeting Friday, the panel also hired an executive director, Daniel Claypool, from a pool of 29 applicants and four finalists. He previously worked for the Bureau of State Audits and was part of a team that helped lay the groundwork for creation of the commission. His salary will be about $128,000 per year.

The panel now must turn its attention to replacing Kuo, a Mountain View resident. The commission must consist of five Democrats, five Republicans, and four independent or minor-party voters.

Kuo is expected to be replaced within 30 days from a list of Democratic finalists for the post.