Comment on Local opinions divided on Prop 50 state political redistricting by Gomes

In California, Prop 50 gerrymanders the current nonpartisan maps and keeps the partisan map in place until the next Census in 2030. The Prop 50 map complies with federal requirements, but not with the strict fairness required of the Citizens Redistricting Committee. Prop 50 also calls on Congress to create “fair, independent, and nonpartisan redistricting commissions” in every state to avoid future partisan battles. Prop 50 alters the state constitution, and the Legislative Analyst’s Office estimates the cost to the state at $200,000. Local Political Leaders Uneasy Over Prop 50For Visalia City Council member Emmauel Soto, a Democrat, the change Prop 50 would bring makes sense in maintaining a balance of power at the federal level.