HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Resolution 06-065RESOLUTION N0.06-065
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA
SUPPORTING STATE LEGISLATION TO CREATE AN INDEPENDENT
REDISTRICTING PROCESS
WHEREAS, the current redistricting process creates a conflict of interest as state
legislators are effectively choosing their own constituents; and
WHEREAS, the redistricting process should be conducted in an open manner
with real opportunities for public dialogue and feedback, not behind closed doors; and
WHEREAS, Public input and involvement in the redistricting process will
empower our communities from the start by allowing communities to elect
representatives who represent their interests on issues that aze important to their lives;
and
WHEREAS, the boundaries of congressional and legislative districts are
currently drawn by legislative incumbents, often sacrificing the integrity of
neighborhoods and cities; and
WHEREAS, important principles such as the protections of the Federal Voting
Rights Act of 1965 and respect for neighborhoods and cities should be clearly listed for a
Commission to abide by; and
WHEREAS, voters are more likely to participate when they feel that their vote
will count and that they have a reasonable chance of electing candidates who represent
their interests; and
WHEREAS, Elected officials are more responsive to constituents when elections
are competitive, thus increasing accountability and serving the best interests of the voters
of California
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SARATOGA:
1. The state of Califomia should establish an independent commission, representative of
California's diversity, partisan balance, and geography, for all future redistricting.
2. This Commission should be comprised of 11 members, with a balance of Democrats,
Republicans and Independents in the state. The vote to pass any plan should require
representation from all three.
3. District boundaries should be drawn by the Commission according to clearly
described criteria, including respect for:
• The U.S. Constitution's requirement of one person, one vote;
• The Voting Rights Act (VRA);
• Contiguity requirements (to draw districts as one connected area where possible);
• Communities of interest;
• City and county boundaries; and
• Compactness.
4. The Commission should not draw maps based on the addresses of any individual,
including an incumbent officeholder.
5. The Commission should conduct a transparent redistricting process with full
opportunities for public participation. All redistricting plan information should be
available in a timely fashion, free of charge, via a public website and other means.
6. Members of the Commission must be prohibited from all off-the-record
communications with anyone (including lobbyists, political party officials, elected
officeholders and candidates), except staff and legal counsel.
7. Redistricting should occur once every 10 years following the decennial U.S. Census
and Congressional Reapportionment.
The above and foregoing resolution was passed and adopted by the City Council of the
City of Saratoga at a regular meeting held on the 2"d day of August, 2006, by the
following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Kathleen King, Nick Streit, Ann Waltonsmith, Vice
Mayor Aileen Kao, Mayor Norman Kline
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None