Resolution calling for gerrymandering reform adopted

UPPER PROVIDENCE » The Upper Providence Board of Supervisors Tuesday night unanimously adopted a resolution supporting Fair Districts PA’s drive for gerrymandering reform, making Upper Providence the 15th municipality in Montgomery County to pass a simi- lar support resolution.

Fair Districts PA is a nonpartisan volunteer group dedicated to reforming the current, gerrymandered election district maps in Pennsylvania.

“By passing a resolution of support, local governments are echoing the demands of thousands of Pennsylvania citizens who are insisting their legisla- tors put an end to partisan gerrymandering in Pennsylvania by passing Senate Bill 22 and House Bill 722,” said Kate Doyle, Fair Districts PA – Montgomery County lead.

The resolution asks, in part, “Whereas, the creation of a truly independent citizens redistricting commission devoid of political motivation or parti- sanship will: ensure a fair, transparent, and accurate legislative and congressional redistricting process that respects political subdivisions; prohibit districts from being drawn to favor or discriminate against a political party or candidate; require the use of impartial and sound methodology when setting district boundaries; require pub- lic input; and fully comply with the constitutional requirement that “no county, city, incorporated town, borough, township or ward” be divided “unless absolutely necessary.”

“Pennsylvania is one of the most gerrymandered states in the nation,” said Jamie Mogil, the state coordinator for resolutions, Fair Districts PA. “We are asking every governing body to consider a resolution calling on its representatives in Harrisburg to enact fair, independent, nonpartisan redistricting reform. This reform is not about Democrats or Republicans. It’s about restoring accountability in government and faith in our democratic processes.”