Math could solve the problem No hope for Republicans

I agree with letter writer David Griggs that, regrettably, political power currently drives Maryland’s — and most other — redistricting (“Gerrymandered districts embarrass the state,” Nov.

25). I am surprised that so little attention has been given to mathematically-based methods that could assist in a more nonpartisan approach. Using multiple factors to be weighed in deciding on district bounds along with current geographic and demographic data, topographical methods that are computer-implemented could be utilized to produce reasonably compact districts. A start has been made at Brown University and elsewhere. While weighing the factors to inform the process would produce much political debate and compromise, and current distrust by many of science would need to be addressed, the effort could produce a more truly representative Congress. This is a worthy goal if we wish to preserve our democracy.

— Roberta Evans Sabin, Pasadena

The writer is professor emerita of computer science at Loyola University Maryland.

Thanks to the proposed redrawn district lines, there’s a good chance Republicans in Maryland have absolutely no hope of representation in Washington. Lines were redrawn under O’Malley that took away the Roscoe Bartlett area and aligned it with the city and west Baltimore. Now they want to chop up the 1st District. I’d bet a month’s salary that if that area had a Democrat rep, the lines would stay put. Hey Annapolis: Maryland DOES have Republicans, and we deserve to be heard, too. SHAME ON YOU!

— Diane Pazourek, Sparks