Talking new Congress districts in Elgin

A public hearing Monday in Elgin brought community members together to talk about the congressional redistricting process and hopes for the end result.

The hearing was one of 14 being held throughout the state as lawmakers are preparing to redraw the boundaries of congressional districts in light of updated population numbers from the 2010 Census.

Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie, chairwoman of the house redistricting committee, said the process is vital.

“It is one of the most important building blocks of our democracy,” Currie said.

Twelve people testified in the hearing with dozens more attending. A recurring theme of transparency played out in several people’s comments as they called for a minimum of two weeks of public review once a map is drawn as well as more public hearings.

“All Illinoisans deserve the opportunity to review and comment on the maps being reviewed by the General Assembly before they are voted on,” said Isabel Anadón, a policy analyst with Latino Policy Forum in Chicago.

After the hearing, Currie said the redistricting often comes down to the wire, leaving little time for an early release. But she said if it is feasible to present the maps early, the committee will do so.

Anadón, along with Jaime García — executive director of Centro de Información — also spoke of the future of Latino representation within the redistricting process.

Updated census population figures show the possibility of the first Latino majority district for the Elgin area. García said he wanted to make sure the district is not divided to the detriment of this increasingly influential population.

“We are more than 50 percent of the population now. We should be able to have the representation,” García said after testifying.

Several who spoke at the hearing criticized the gerrymandered districts that split communities and wind through large portions of the state. These residents called for more compact, logical districts.

Roger Bianco, a resident of Elk Grove Village, called for the elimination of the 8th District, which he said would incorporate a changing demographic and maintain the diversity of the current population.

Bob Peickert, chairman of the Democratic Party of DuPage County, called for redrawn boundaries to better reflect the growing dominance of his party in the county.

“Statistics point to a changing constituency and an obligation for the committee to make sure these residents are represented fairly,” Peickert said.

Tony Sanders, a representative of Elgin Area School District U-46, called for the committee to take into consideration school districts in changing the district boundaries.

The committee welcomes further input in the form of written testimony or sample maps for those unable to attend hearings. Residents can use map-drawing software in Springfield and Chicago locations. Email ilredistricting@gmail.com or visit ilhousedems.com/redistricting for more information.