Published: 1 years 127 days ago

Sacramento Bee:  A lot of attention is going to the citizens commission that will draw California's new legislative and congressional districts this year. But a redistricting closer to home could use a makeover as well.

On Tuesday, the Sacramento City Council is to start talking about its process to draw eight new districts that will be used for elections for the next decade.

While residents and interest groups will get their say in public hearings and by submitting suggestions online, council members themselves will decide the final district lines.

In the long term, Mayor Kevin Johnson supports letting Sacramento voters decide on a charter change to create an independent redistricting commission. This year, he wants a small group of independent experts to give a plan to the council – one that might carry more weight than those from interest groups because of their knowledge and their political neutrality.

"Redistricting is one of the most important decisions we make as a council," Johnson said in a statement. "I'm excited to review ideas put forth by different groups this year. I'd especially love to see a group of citizens with redistricting expertise and true independence come together and submit a proposal."

http://www.sacbee.com/2011/01/16/3325277/redistricting-review-panel-could.html#ixzz1BEHkuIyo
 

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