Gerrymandering -the new "G" word

Brooksville, Fla. – Commissioners avoid using the “G” word as they approve new redistricting maps for the county.

Ron Pianta, Hernando County Planning Director presented two redistricting maps for county commissioner’s final consideration.  Only districts 4 and 5 were adjusted according to county officials.  To comply with state redistricting guidelines, the final map approval would have to be completed by year-end.

The maps presented for consideration included the NAACP map which was revised to include Spring Lake Highway for delineation purposes only.  The “Rev, Amended, Modified, Scenario B” map presented by the county included previous candidate demands with slight variation to the south to justify district 5 population.

Commissioners opened debate for public comment without mentioning gerrymandering, like in their previous discussions on redistricting. 

County commission candidate Jason Sager said the NAACP was a local special interest organization.

“This map is not what the county is looking for,” Sager said.  “It was done for a very small group of people.”

Paul Douglas, president of NAACP/Chapter 5092, said their maps were a coordinated effort with the county and state officials, culminating a year’s worth of work.  He said the NAACP map was drawn within one percent for each of the five districts and only varied by 34 voters.  “We thought our map was a little fairer,” Douglas said.

Commissioner David Russell said both maps accommodate candidates and incumbents.  “Both achieve to a high degree in parity and numbers,” Russell said.

Commissioner Jeff Stabins asked Sager and Douglas to return to podium.  Stabins then asked them to flip a coin to make a decision on the maps.

“Both maps are legit.” Stabins said. “Flip a coin,” 

Douglas and Sager refused Stabins request, as the discussion turned to the county attorney.

“Both maps are reasonably equal,” Garth Coller said.  “One map is more equal than the other, but both are defensible.

As commissioners discussed the merits of mapping, Commissioner Wayne Dukes made a motion for “Rev, Amended, Modified, Scenario B” map which was seconded by Commissioner John Druzbick.

“I’m leaving it up to Commissioner Dukes and Commissioner Adkins to make the map decision,” Druzbick said.

Immediately following the approval of “Rev, Amended, Modified, Scenario B” map, discussion took place outside the commission chambers.

Walter Dry, one of the founders of Hernando County Human Rights Coalition , took exception to Sager’s comments depicting the NAACP as a small, special interest group.

“Mr. Sager is not using the technology available to find out how the NAACP functions within our system,” Dry said.  “Please, Mr. Sager, Google the NAACP.”

Douglas said the local NAACP/Chapter 5092 will immediately contact the Florida Legislature to notify the Senate and House their organization is in opposition with the approved county redistricting plan.

“The commissioners never once mentioned gerrymandering,” Douglas said. “Commissioners appeased Sager’s demands by making only minor modifications to the southern portion of district 5 to satisfy population requirements.”

Douglas said the local NAACP will act immediately to present their protests to the state legislature to comply with the year-end deadline.

“There are already 37 protests at the state level now,” Douglas said.  "Our NAACP chapter will be number 38."

Douglas said this has become a civil rights issue under the rules of Pre-Clearance. Under the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Pre-Clearance defines the rules to make elections fair and free from any activity to deny the right of any citizen.