Statement of Jacqueline Jacobberger, President, League of Women Voters of California

June 28, 2005

The League of Women Voters of California applauds Senator Lowenthal, Senate President pro Tem Perata, and their colleagues for announcing their redistricting reform proposal today. The concept of radical change in the way redistricting is done in California has been floated since early winter. Unfortunately, it seems that the bills proposed in the Legislature to make that change have been trapped in a logjam. It has seemed time for someone to break things up and start a good proposal floating down river.

Today's announcement and the hearing on SCA 3 tomorrow finally indicate a willingness to consider real reform. We appreciate the opportunity to let the legislative process work as it should, with careful examination of provisions and their implications, and the opportunity to make improvements.

For months now, League members have been urging the legislature and Governor Schwarzenegger to work together to craft a measure that will truly serve the people of California. The redistricting process should include maximum opportunity for public input and public scrutiny. It should apply standards that promote fair and effective representation. And it should be conducted by an independent commission, not the legislature.

California's redistricting process forces legislators into a system in which they have an inherent conflict of interest, drawing the very lines that determine their electoral future. It is a frustration to the voters that incumbent protection and party benefit are the common results of such a system.

At tomorrow's hearing we intend to examine closely the makeup and operation of the commission: Will the commission have true independence and authority? Are the criteria for commission members appropriate? Is there sufficient funding? Would a supermajority vote requirement strike a better balance between partisan interests while avoiding collusion to protect incumbents? We want to hear whether the provisions for noticed, open meetings and the availability of records and data by the public are adequate. And we believe the standards for the drawing of district boundaries need serious thought: How are communities of interest defined, and are they sufficiently protected and preserved? Do the standards prevent preferential treatment of any political party? Do they deter incumbent protection?

Two months ago we stood with Senator Lowenthal and challenged the legislature and the governor to have "political gumption" when it comes to reforming redistricting. We thank the legislators who are here today for stepping up and offering their ideas, and we trust the governor is listening. It's for the good of our state and can make California the leader for redistricting reform around the country.