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Gerrymandering like an elephant in the room needs to be removed from the Pennsylvania Legislature.
But, to do so will take the grit and might of Pennsylvania's citizens to get the job done.
House Bill 31 and Senate Bill 131 have been in each chamber's State Government committees and need cosponsors to bring them out for a vote. Ending Gerrymandering in PA is a multistep process requiring amendment to the PA Constitution that will provide by law for an Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission.
Such a commission through scrupulous structuring for balance, transparency and accountability is designed to take the rancorous partisanship of controlling powers out of the hands of the Legislature; regardless of which party is the majority.
The Cambria County Chapter of Fair Districts PA has reached out to Representatives Jim Rigby, 71st, Frank Burns, 72nd, Dallas Kephart, 73rd and Sen. Wayne Langerholc, 35th, several times asking them to sign on as cosponsors; thus far none have. They need to hear from you.
Here's how to proceed: sign the petition on the FDPA website. Call, email, write and/or visit your Legislator's office. Reinforce the need to end Legislators' ability to Gerrymander districts by cosponsoring HB31 and SB 131 and pushing to get the legislation to a timely vote.
While some legislators may benefit and rely on keeping the elephant in the room, it's up to citizens to set expectations for its removal. Legislators are sensitive to voters/constituents who elect them. Act now.
Etta Albright
Cresson