How we Got Here & Solving the Redistricting Puzzle: The Answer is “All of the Above”
Magnolia Neighbors and Supporters:
Sometimes “All of the Above” is the right answer.
All the pieces for the perfect redistricting map already exist – they are just in different parts of the official and discussion maps.
PLEASE chime in now - before Monday’s (10/31) Commission meeting - to support an actual redistricting map that keeps neighborhoods whole, while using the "best of" portions of maps that the Commissioners are currently discussing. It is critical that we help Commissioners put the pieces together by sending them the link right now.
To solve the puzzle of redistricting, a map developed by an expert that combines the “Best Of” the Nickels 10/25 Discussion Map, the Amended Draft Map 10/18 (aka Malaba Map), and the Current District Map will keep all neighborhoods whole, plus makes the fewest changes in current district lines.
- Incorporates the uncontroversial agreed upon changes to Districts 1 and 2
- Uses the Nickels map for Districts 3 and 7
- Makes adjustments to the Malaba October 18th map in Districts 4, 5 & 6 that are closer to current district lines
- Keeps more neighborhoods whole
Please make a public comment immediately preferably via this form or by email. When using the form, you can use the above paragraph for your comment, and paste this link into item 6.
A BRIEF RECAP OF WHY AND HOW WE GOT HERE
In 2013, voters amended Seattle’s City Charter to create Council Districts that give neighborhoods a better voice in city government by electing a local council member.
This is Seattle’s first redistricting process, and the City Charter enumerates these (and only these) priorities:
- Compact, contiguous, not gerrymandered districts
- Population of districts are within 1% of each other
- District boundaries shall follow:
- existing District boundaries
- waterways and geographical boundaries
- Seattle communities and neighborhoods
A great deal of the uproar has surrounded this process when one neighborhood or another is suddenly targeted for a harmful split. That isn’t what the voters approved. That isn’t what the Commission was provided as guidelines in their August 2 retreat.
Magnolia has spoken up. Since October 18th, over 80% of public comments have supported keeping Magnolia whole. We have close to 1100 signatures on our petition. Please send in another public comment ASAP, or an email before Monday.
- Ask your friends and family in other neighborhoods to support the "Best Of" Map.
- Click here to join the upcoming October 31 Commission meeting on Zoom. Please consider raising your hand to comment!
- Sign and share our petition - in addition to, not instead of Public Comments.
Stay tuned! We will keep you posted, let you know what happens and when to comment next.
Thank you for all your support!