Board should back redistricting reform

The League of Women Voters of Lake County commends Lake County Chairman Aaron Lawlor and the county board for establishing last year the Lake County Commission on Government Reform and Accountability. The bipartisan commission was composed of highly qualified, independent leaders with wide ranging qualifications who represented the various interests of the county.

Skillfully leading the commission were Fred Foreman and Kathy Ryg, two public servants who have worked decades on behalf of Lake County residents.

The commission's assignment was to recommend improvements in Lake County governance. League members were impressed with the amount of research, expert speakers, and thorough discussions by commission members.

Recently, the commission submitted its report. The county board took the next step and formed the Lake County Government Reform Implementation Committee to review the report and submit conclusions for action.

The league was interested in the commission's advice regarding independent redistricting. The league has fought the current flawed system, which discourages competitive elections. The league thanks Chairman Lawlor for his vocal support for an independent mapping process and encourages the board to be a leader in adopting an independent redistricting approach.

There are eight principles developed by the Illinois Redistricting Collaborative (the League is a member). The commission agreed these principles should apply and recommended the county adopt them: comply with the U.S. Constitution; comply with federal and state Voting Rights Act; comprsie and uphold a nonpartisan process; maximize voter choice, electoral candidacy and competitiveness; recognize and preserve communities of interest; accurately include permanent residence of all Illinoisans; complete and uphold a transparent and accountable process; provide for open, full, and meaningful public participation.

The league urges the Lake County Board to adopt these principles and allow voters to select their elected representatives, not elected representatives choose their voters.

Mary Mathews, Executive Committee

League of Women Voters of Lake County