New map makes some improvements to Congressional districts, but long-term reform demanded
COLUMBUS- Today, Ohio House Assistant Minority Leader Matthew A. Szollosi (D- Toledo) released the following statement on the compromise to reunite the primaries and end the redistricting standoff. The compromised redistricting plan makes some improvements to congressional districts, takes the first steps towards necessary long-term reform and saves taxpayers from footing a more than $15 million bill for two primaries.
"This fight has been about giving Ohioans a voice in the redistricting process and force a meaningful debate," Rep Szollosi said. "We have seen this year just how badly this process is in need of change and are pleased that part of the agreement will include the first steps towards a meaningful bi-partisan reform."
The compromise will include a bi-partisan redistricting reform taskforce made up of two members of each legislative caucus. The eight member task force will review the most recent redistricting process and create a proposal for redistricting reform for the legislature to consider in 2012. The taskforce will hold a minimum of three public hearings, one of which must be held after the proposal is drafted to ensure meaningful review.
"Creating two primaries was fiscally irresponsible and would have cost the state millions in precious funds at a time when funding to education, police and fire, and local government is being slashed. By reuniting the primaries Democrats have prevented voter confusion, likely legal chaos and saved the state more than $15 million in taxpayer dollars," said Rep. Szollosi.
Reuniting the primaries into a single primary will save the taxpayers of Ohio more than $15 million in wasteful spending at a time when the most recent budget slashed funding to education, police and fire, and local governments.
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