Having attended two meetings on Redistricting last week, I urge you to get involved in the process. The process to redistrict the 8 Wards in DC based on the 2010 Census is moving quite fast and the next two weeks may be most critical period.
After attending two meetings on Redistricting last week, I urge you to get involved. The process to equalize the 8 Wards in DC based on the 2010 Census is moving quite fast and the next two weeks may be most critical period.
The Council’s Redistricting Subcommittee is in the process of drawing up a map and expects to release it within the next few weeks. Hearings on this “draft” map will follow. The DC Council vote will be in June with a second vote before the Council recesses at the end of July.
The numbers for Ward 6: Our population is now 76,598 (or, was in 2010). Under redistricting, each ward should contain 75,215 plus or minus 5%; or a maximum of 78,976 or minimum of 71,455. Thus under redistricting, Ward 6 could add up to 1,383 or loose 5,143 people and still be “equalized.”.
How to get involved? Sign petitions, yes. But more importantly, email, phone, and visit DC Councilmembers. Tell them you want Ward 6 to remain whole. It is not just about one neighborhood or two, the main argument needs to be that Ward 6 is a diverse and effective collection of neighborhoods and should remain as is. Those who do not live in the Hill East or the Near Southeast below the Freeway–which have been publicly mentioned as possible additions to Ward 8–have to help those neighborhoods stay within Ward 6. [I have a “dog in this fight” as part of my single member district lies within the Near Southeast area.]
Arguments NOT to use: Don’t complain about losing a Zone 6 parking sticker. Don’t criticize any Councilmembers. Don’t make it personal. Don’t offer to give up your right to “one person, one vote”.
If you have limited time, focus on the 3 At Large Councilmembers (who will need your vote in their next election):
CM Phil Mendelson, 202-724-8064 email <pmendelson@dccouncil.us> CM Mendelson is a member of the Subcommittee
CM Michael A. Brown: 202-724-8105 email <mbrown@dccouncil.us> CM Brown is a co-chair of the Subcommittee.
CM Vincent Orange: 202-529-1962 (this is the only tel number I could readily find for this CM, recently elected) Email probably <vorange@dccouncil.us>
CM Mendelson spoke and answered questions at the Ward 6 Democrats meeting Thursday night. I sense he is focused on “the numbers” rather than keeping neighborhoods together.
The other member of the Subcommittee and a Co-chair:
CM Jack Evans (Ward 2) 202-724-8058 email <jackevans@dccouncil.us>
For a list of all CMs, go to <http://www.dccouncil.washington.dc.us/councildirectory>. ; For the DC Council subcommittee <http://www.dccouncil.washington.dc.us/redistricting2011info>;.