Wednesday, August 8, 2001
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Wednesday, August 8, 2001 |
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Let the sunshine in on redistricting sessions I am appalled by the lack of fair and open discussion, review and debate on the redistricting issue supposedly being considered in the Special Session of the Georgia General Assembly. Redistricting is certainly a legislative process. So, like any other legislative process, it should be treated like any other legislation, open for public inspection as it's written, discussed and voted on by the legislature. Why is redistricting being handled differently? On Aug. 2, 2001, with little fanfare and absolutely no action, the second day of the General Assembly Special Session charged with redrawing the lines for the state legislative seats was officially completed in less than 30 minutes! Thirty minutes! Why so short a time? What was publicly accomplished? What was the cost to the public? However, I am aware that elsewhere during the day, numerous meetings and caucuses were being privately conducted by you to attempt to decide upon redistricting lines. Gov. Barnes and Lt. Gov. Taylor, it is obvious and apparent that you have crafted a plan of complete "blackout" of public discussion regarding this redistricting issue. This repudiates our legislative system of government and is therefore not in the best interests of Georgia's citizens. Why not debate the redistricting issue in open session? I request you immediately provide full notice and admittance of interested citizens and the media to all redistricting meetings, so all may know what is being discussed and written. As a citizen of Georgia and of the United States, it is my right to have access to this information. I am asking you to provide it, starting now. I look forward to a positive response. Charles Steiner, Jr. Alpharetta
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