Cross the finish line on redistricting reform

In 2011, I ran from suburban Philadelphia to Pittsburgh pushing a laden jogging stroller Sisyphus-like up and over the Appalachian Mountains while yelling “Gerrymandering’s coming, gerrymandering’s coming!” in a Paul Revere-like manner.

I went on to Erie, over the mountains (again) to Scranton, and finally back home, thus completing a one-lap perimeter run around Pennsylvania ... and returning to what would become called the most gerrymandered congressional district in America.

Last time around, it was a statewide Republican gerrymander. This time, unless state lawmakers act within days, it will likely be a Democrat gerrymander, and Pennsylvania’s wheels of progress will lock up for yet another decade.

Half of my family tree branches out from Pittsburgh. I came of age elsewhere in America where Alcoa had a major presence, where Steelers fans became my friends and where to this day industries and jobs sprout.

I’ve been active in state politics, government and business for decades. I’ve been to the mountaintop (literally) but, instead of the promised land, I’ve seen too many communities and people in desperate need of fundamental change in Harrisburg.

I ask Greater Pittsburghers of all stripes to contact their legislators today and demand that they support independent redistricting bills before them. House Speaker Mike Turzai, RMarshall, in particular, needs your encouragement to get up the mountain.

Learn more and take action at fairdistrictspa.com. Experience the Run at pjmathison.com/pennultimaterun. PAUL J. MATHISON

Wayne, Pa. The writer is a cofounder of Fair Districts PA.