Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
April 25, 2005
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814
Dear Governor Schwarzenegger:
The League of Women Voters of Los Altos-Mountain View Area agrees that the redistricting process in California needs reform. We urge that you work with the legislative leadership toward effective changes rather than seeking reform by means of a ballot initiative. There is no need to push for "mid-decade redistricting." Rather the process of moving toward change should be deliberative and should involve active public discussion over a considerable period of time. We feel that there should be noticed non-partisan public meetings in every county of the state at which local citizens, as well as public leaders, should address the problems with the current situation and process and consider the options.
In any case, a fair redistricting process would certainly involve an independent commission. Furthermore, the criteria for setting district lines would also need to be fair and impartial. We definitely believe that thoughtful criteria setting cannot be addressed effectively by means of a ballot initiative.
Thus, we do not consider the initiative process an effective way to reach a viable and long-lasting solution to this very serious concern. We do believe that the legislature has a role in debating the options. But at the same time, it is critical that public input be considered. Hopefully, there will be a considered resolution to this problem over the next several years, and we ask that you support a thoughtful, deliberative approach that truly involves a broad mix of the voters of our state.
Sincerely yours,
Jane H. Turnbull, President
cc: Senator Joseph Simitian
Senator Elaine Alquist
Senator Debra Bowen
Assemblywoman Sally Lieber
Assemblymember Ira Ruskin
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