The Dean on redistricting that might have been.

This week Bill Shipp writes about redistricting:

Congressional redistricting is crying for reform. At the behest of Washington Republicans, the Georgia legislature has decided to redo the state's congressional districts.

Our state's lawmakers have an opportunity to get it right this time. Instead of simply reversing the Democrats' gerrymandering by invoking GOP gerrymandering, why not try something new, at least for Georgia?

As 12 other states have done, the Georgia legislature could create a redistricting commission to remove some of the rank partisanship and politicking from the process.

Demographics indicate such a move offers no threat to growing GOP dominance. No matter how the state is sliced up, Republicans are sure to gain power - possibly as many as three or four additional congressional seats in addition to the seven they now hold.

So why not use this no-risk opportunity to let an impartial panel draw new districts in which maintaining the integrity of county lines and protecting common community interests become the most important ingredients?
Perhaps incumbency should also be a factor. But, mainly, creating citizen-friendly maps instead of placating political personalities should drive the process.

[Without question incumbency should be a factor. Like it or not, redistricting is a political undertaking, and if this factor is not allowed in the equation, needed redistricting reform is most unlikely never to occur.]

If this legislative session moved in such a direction, it might be remembered in the same way as past General Assemblies that accomplished such feats as adopting basic education standards, approving the first sales tax and creating HOPE scholarships. Admittedly, such a change in course for these newly empowered lawmakers is unlikely. They have already made lasting marks for limiting the right to redress grievances and trying to cloud sunshine in government.