Hansell says Fagan should let the Legislature do its job
By Terry Murry on Friday, August 6th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
ATHENA – State Sen. Bill Hansell (R-Athena) is disturbed by Secretary of State Shemia Fagan’s announcement that she is establishing the People’s Commission on Legislative Redistricting. Hansell serves on the Senate Redistricting Committee, and he says he believes Fagan is attempting to undercut bipartisanship.
“I’m sure that, as a member of the majority party, she is going to be touting her process,” Hansell said.
Hansell said that may make Democrats less likely to compromise as legislative lines are drawn based on 2020 Census figures. Fagan already tried to take control of redistricting because the fact that the census figures won’t arrive until later this month due to COVID-19 meant that the Legislature would miss its redistricting deadline. The Oregon Supreme Court ruled against her, extending the deadline for the lawmakers to work on redistricting to Sept. 27.
“She’s in a default position because the state says should we not be able to put together a bipartisan effort, then she gets to do it, Hansell said.
Redistricting happens with every new census. This time around is particularly important to Oregon, because the state has gained an additional seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, and the lines of that new district must be drawn.
Fagan stated she is forming the commission so she can be prepared in case the lawmakers fail to agree by the deadline.
“I made a commitment to Oregonians to convene a people’s commission to advise me on redistricting and that is exactly what I am preparing to do,” she stated.
Applications for the commission are available on the secretary of state’s website as is more information on the requirements of those who are selected to serve.
