Harrisburg, November 23, 2011 – Wrapping up the last of two public hearings on the Legislative Reapportionment Commission’s preliminary plan, testimony given to the commission today was overwhelmingly critical of the plan approved 3-2 along party lines.[audio:https://senatorcosta.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/reapportionment-last-hearing-costa-wrap.mp3|titles=reapportionment-last-hearing-costa-wrap]
Senator Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) who is a member of the commission and voted against the preliminary plan issued the following statement:
“I am very proud of the people who traveled on a day where travel is not always convenient as folks prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday. They feel strongly, and I respect their efforts to be heard. The plan was, among other things, described today as ‘a failure in the name of political expediency’ and ‘an abomination’ — assessments with which, in some cases, I have to agree. I can only hope the pleas of those who testified do not fall on deaf ears. I certainly heard the frustration coming through loud and clear.
“Once criticized as ‘the consummate insiders’ game’ redistricting must be pursued in a fair and balanced way, particularly at a time when the public is growing more cynical and distrustful of their public officials.
“As witnessed by repeated testimony at two public hearings held at the Capitol, there are deep concerns about the partisan nature of the preliminary redistricting plan before the commission right now. The ease in which constituents can access their elected leaders has clearly taken a backseat to party interests.
“We will continue to lay out our exceptions to the plan and hope for a more fair, equitable and balanced product as a result.”
The window for public comment expires on November 30, 2011.
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