Making government more democratic should be a top priority for all
elected officials.
And State Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, has a unique opportunity
to do so, starting now.
Haridopolos has been named chairman of the Legislature's reapportionment
committee, which will guide state lawmakers as they redraw boundaries
at the county, state and federal levels after the 2010 Census.
It's a powerful position because of the huge pressure for legislators
to redraw district lines to politically reward themselves and their
friends while punishing opponents, known as gerrymandering.
Both parties historically have resorted to the practice when they're
in power, most recently using sophisticated computer models to create
oddly shaped districts that maximize their advantage in elections.
Just take a look at Florida House District 29, now held by Rep. Ralph
Poppell, R-Titusville. It cuts a narrow swath from North Brevard south
into large agricultural tracts in Indian River County.
Also consider that in 2006, gerrymandered districts allowed every member
of Brevard's legislative delegation except one to run unopposed for
reelection because the deck was so heavily stacked in their favor they
weren't challenged.
By ensuring there are few competitive races in any election year, gerrymandering
increases voter apathy and mistrust of government.
We believe it's the second most destructive practice in politics, only
topped by the huge infusions of special interest cash used to buy access
and favor, drowning out the voices of ordinary voters.
That's why Haridopolos — in line to be Senate president in 2011
when the redistricting process is finalized and, thus, hold even more
sway over the Legislature — should stand up for democracy by doing
this:
Making sure constitutional requirements for fair redistricting be upheld,
not ignored and bypassed.
The requirements are meant to ensure districts are compact and contiguous
and that communities of interest, such as cities, are maintained, not
split in ways that favor incumbents or one party.
The pressure will be immense this year for the GOP — which has
a lock on power in Tallahassee — to reinforce its dominance and
stifle political competition when it comes when redrawing districts.
That's because of the unprecedented numbers of new voters who registered
before the 2008 elections, fueled by a surge in minority voters —
reconfiguring the political landscape in Florida.
In Brevard County, 23,850 more people cast ballots in 2008 than in
2004. More than 10,000 new voters were Democrats, while fewer than 4,000
were Republicans. The rest were members of small parties or had no party
affiliation.
The public's growing interest in politics is gratifying, and it's incumbent
on both parties to win — and retain — voter loyalty based
on issues and candidates' records, not by manipulating demographics.
Haridopolos should use his power in the Senate to lead the state in
that direction.
But citizens who don't trust that will be the case — and we're
among them — have an option.
Common Cause of Florida and the Florida League of Women Voters want
to change the state Constitution to prohibit drawing districts to favor
an incumbent or party through two proposed amendments for the 2010 ballot,
one for congressional districts and one for legislative districts.
They're gathering petition signatures through fairdistrictsflorida.org.
We'd prefer to see democracy bolstered through the integrity of the
legislative process, rather than yet more constitutional amendments.
We'll be watching Haridopolos and other state lawmakers for evidence
they find political manipulation of elections through rigged districts
as reprehensible as voters do.
http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20081221/OPINION/81219025/1006/NEWS01
