A little gerrymandering

Brooksville, Fla. - Calls for parity took center-stage in the county redistricting debate.

As Hernando County Planning Director presented what was thought to be the final redistricting map for approval, county commissioners changed direction. Commissioners previously ignored NAACP redistricting maps when they asked county staff to make changes to accommodate a candidate.    Facing challenges of community polarization head-on, one commissioner took a stand to label the revised maps gerrymandering.

Public debate was opened after Ron Pianta, county planning director, presented "Revised Plan B map to Hernando County Commissioners.

June Ester, former county commissioner, requested the commissioners return to their original "Plan B" map.  She said candidates who want to run for commission races have the ability to move after elected, citing Rose Rocco's successful lawsuit.  Ester gave examples of local politicians who had moved to comply with residency rules.

"I moved when I ran for commissioner," Ester said.  "So did Ginny Brown-Waite when she ran."

Local candidate Jason Sager took a defensive stance, explaining to commissioners he was the only person cut out of his district with the original "Plan B" map.  He explained the "Revised Plan B" maps were necessary because Pianta didn't know he was running in district 3 commissioner race.

"There seems to be some misconception with the public and NAACP that commissioners made changes just to accommodate me," Sager said.

Officials from the NAACP opposed the "Modified Plan B" saying it was not compact or contiguous.  Their secretary, Suzanne Touchton asked commissioners why the NAACP was not being included for state review.  Commissioner David Russell told her not to assume their map wouldn't be considered by commissioners.

"Just let me say there's a little gerrymandering going on with these maps," Russell said, as he referred to "Revised Plan B" map.

Russell said the NAACP map appeared to be autonomous and free from any perception of gerrymandering.  He told citizens the NAACP map created more parity between districts.  "We need to take a look at the NAACP and state guidelines," Russell said.

Russell said the county had two maps to consider based on population totals per district.  "We need to create a little more parity between districts," He said.

Discussion between commissioners centered on the time frame left in the redistricting process if they requested more changes.  They were concerned about Hernando County School Board member's ability to review mapping if commissioners decision was delayed until next week.  Ron Pianta said school board members had agreed to vote on final maps submitted by commissioners to keep districts the same.

Russell made a motion to bring back amendment of amended "Plan B" map  and NAACP map for final consideration at their meeting next week.  Commissioners were in agreement to have the item placed first on their agenda so planning staff would be able to transmit the document to the school board for their evening meeting.