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Monday, July 03, 2006

Ind. Law - Star editorial urges "obvious solution" for redistricting

An editorial in today's Indianapolis Star states: "Opening door to perpetual redistricting makes need for nonpartisan map-making all the more urgent." It concludes by urging the General Assembly to pass a bill to create a redistricting commission:

The obvious solution is to turn over political map-making to nonpartisan or bipartisan commissions that can draw competitive districts respecting traditional township, city and county lines.

Gov. Mitch Daniels supports such a solution. The Indiana House in the last session approved a bill to create a commission, but the legislation died in the Senate. House Republicans recently vowed to renew that effort next session. Voters should demand a similar pledge from every candidate, regardless of party affiliation.

I restated my thoughts about such an approach in this entry Saturday:
There are valid concerns about the redistricting bill. It is ambiguous. It may well be unconstitutional. It could be repealed next year, one General Assembly can not bind the next.

A redistricting commission is an excellent idea, but it has to be done right -- by constitutional amendment. Going the constitutional route would solve each of the above problems.

For "nuts and bolts," see "My take for Indiana" at the conclusion of this entry yestrday.

Posted by Marcia Oddi on July 3, 2006 07:58 AM
Posted to Indiana Law