The Rev Dr. Rick SchlosserAn important message from Libby “The Church Lady” Sholes about Prop 50:
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I was a member of the small committee assembled by California Common Cause to create the Citizens Commission on Redistricting. The committee was diverse ideologically, and yet we came together to create the Commission in full agreement with one another. The Commission has now worked twice to eliminate partisanship in redistricting and has restored legitimacy to the process.
When the plan went to the 2008 ballot, we had the backing of then-governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican. That led several of us from civic organizations to stand with him at press conferences. We became sort of a middle-aged “backup singers” group to his star power. It was rather silly, but it emphasized the diversity of support for the Commission. We were all gratified when the measure won, the Commission created.
Credit: California Faculty Association
Democracy as a process does not exist within just one’s own state. Texas was ordered to redistrict mid-decade to obtain more Republican votes that would consolidate Donald Trump’s power. California is now looking to suspend the Commission because of this unprecedented effort to impact national representation. Gerrymandering hurts voters. Politicians pick their voters when voters should pick their politicians. If Texas was doing this to only its own legislature, it would not be our business. Altering Congress wantonly, to hold power illegitimately, most certainly is our concern. California must act.
Proposition 50 lets us have a voice to suspend the Commission’s districting until 2030 when, with the new census, their work will resume. If Texas, the first to illegitimately redraw lines, had not done that, California would not need to respond, but now we need to fight back.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s devotion to the Commission is real. He is speaking from his heart in wishing to save it. However, fair representation in Congress is in everyone’s compelling interest. It transcends organizations and rules in the pursuit of actual democratic justice. Proposition 50 has been crafted with care. I and my organization support it, even mourning the necessity, and urge everyone to do the same.
Sorry, Arnold. This time I can’t sing in your band. It was groovy in 2008. Not now.
Elizabeth Sholes
Public Policy Advocate