On The Contrary - Redistricting Public Hearings

On Saturday, May 7th, the NCGA will hold its Wilson Public Hearing forum on Redistricting at Wilson Community College. It begins at 9:30 am in Building E Room 101.



In reading a recent article from Indy Weekly, the discussion was thought provoking. For those of us who didn't know, the article introduces us to the Senate Redistricting Committee Chairman Bob Rucho, a Mecklenburg County Republican who is leading the effort to redraw electoral maps for state and congressional offices this year. Rucho is quick to tout the process of holding these public forums in cities across the State as being "more open and transparent than any time before" or so he says.

We really want you to link to the article and read it for yourself. In the meantime, what we found to be quite interesting was Rucho's comments in a recent meeting in Durham when he was asked for a draft copy of the redistricting map for that area.

His comment is astounding yet typical of how government does business. He replied "We are here to hear from you. We are not here to answer questions. We are not here drawing maps." Rucho informed the public. "What we are here for is to basically hear your thoughts and dreams about redistricting."

Well, I suppose if you're used to having your Elected Officers engage in community conversation this response may be a bit off kilter, but for those of us who live here in Wilson, NC, its business as usual.
You see in both governing bodies for the City and County, they have a standing rule which typically does not require an exchange of conversation when citizens come forth with issues and concerns to the regularly scheduled meetings. You ask a question - they'll get back to you in a few days or so. MAYBE. HOPEFULLY. Keep your fingers crossed.

So when we read that's pretty much what this upcoming forum is gonna be on Saturday when you come to Wilson, well we're asking what's the point? We already get a double-dose of that malarkey as is. If all you wanted was to hear our thoughts and dreams about redistricting without the conversation aspect of hearing back from you . . . why didn't you just set up a phone line for us to call and leave a message. Or perhaps make available an address where folks could email or tweet their viewpoints.

If you purposely set out on this mission knowing you were not going to exchange or engage in conversation with the public directly then you also knew you would be wasting taxpayers' dollars setting up these meeting at Community Colleges across this State. Inspite of all the budget cutting discussed where you come from in Raleigh. That's interesting.

Here's hoping y'all don't stay too long... It being Saturday and all since you really won't have too much to say anyway, right Mr. Rucho.