Letter to the editor

If this past election has taught us anything, it’s that each of our votes truly matters and must be counted. To make sure that a fair election process happens every time, we must have fair electoral maps and end the practice of gerrymandering. We all need to play an active role in how our political maps are drawn during the upcoming redistricting process.

Redistricting is the process of redrawing our districts to reflect the change in our population recorded by the Census, which occurs every 10 years. Gerrymandering happens when politicians manipulate this process in order to draw electoral maps that ensure their party wins more districts which are out of proportion to the actual percentage of the population. Gerrymandering changes the value and weight of every vote. It’s unfair and it’s cheating — no matter which party tries it.

Our political system is broken and politicians are making it worse by using gerrymandering to ensure they get re-elected. Gerrymandering contributes to hyper-partisanship in our politics and allows politicians to pander to special interests, but ignore the people they represent.

2021 is an important year because we the people can call and lobby our elected officials as they draw maps. We can demand and attend hearings. We can make it known that it’s time to end gerrymandering. I’m asking my neighbors to join me and push for fair maps.

— Valerie Dearmond

Each year a group of volunteers join forces to provide a memorable Christmas for many needy families in the St. Marys community. The Goodfellows are a collection of civic minded individuals whose single goal is to bring joy to those living in the St. Marys School district during the holiday season. The good citizens contribute canned goods, toys through the Toys for Tots program and send financial support to purchase the food items that go to the many needy in St. Marys. This year, over 300 families have indicated they could use a Goodfellows package. Goodfellow packages will be delivered on from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 24.

As always, the St. Marys community has responded to our Christmas Charity Appeal with remarkable generosity and we are confident that this year will be no exception. If you are interested in contributing to this most important civic charity, please send your tax-free contribution to: St. Marys Community Foundation, 146 E. Spring St., St. Marys, OH 45885.

Thank you and have a wonderful Christmas holiday.

— The Goodfellows Committee