Today, in accordance with the Montana Constitution, the four leaders of the two houses of the legislature announced their appointments for the Redistricting Commission that will determined the political landscape of Montana following the 2010 census. Senate Majority Leader Jim Peterson started the ball rolling by announcing Linda Vaughey as his choice. Linda is a former Commissioner of Political Practices, and has held a number of appointed positions over the years. Democrat House Majority Leader Margaret Campbell, in what was no surprise, appointed Joe Lamson who was instrumental in drawing the districts the last go-around. Senator Carol Williams appointed Pat Smith, a Missoula attorney and previous member of the Redistricting Board. The final appointment by Rep. Scott Sales was to Jon Bennion, a Helena attorney and historian.
These four people are charged with selecting a fifth member of the Commission; if they cannot agree, the decision falls to the Supreme Court.
In the past, the details of this body’s make-up and actions ended up well below the radar screens of most Montanans, and certainly not on the front pages of the local papers. It is because of this secrecy that Montanans are not equally represented in our state legislature. Many of our legislative districts are well over the 1% population deviation, and many others well under – meaning some Montanans have a greater voice in their governance than others.
For all of you who supported the TEA Parties and believe that your government isn’t paying attention to you, this is really where you need to focus your efforts for the next twenty days. If you think Montana’s current Supreme Court reflects your political views, you probably don’t have to worry; however if you think perhaps the majority of the Court is a little too liberal for your tastes, you probably want to get involved in making sure this process isn’t conducted in the deep, dark recesses of Democratic Party Headquarters.
This isn’t some esoteric, inside baseball kind of thing. This is where the long-term implications of governance starts. We saw thousands of Montanans – all over the state – braving the nasty spring weather to draw attention to their dissatisfaction with “politics as usual”. Coming together, waving signs is all well and good. But by themselves, such demonstrations have little to no lasting impact. If you really want change, you have to get involved, stay involved, learn the processes, watch, and DO SOMETHING!
You can start by contacting each member of the Redistricting Commission and letting them know that you want this process to be fair, unbiased, non-partisan, and transparent. Let them know that you will be watching and you expect them to live up to the Constitutional responsibilities they have assumed.
Vigilance is key.
Bless your heart Auntie Lib. This is a great post. My favorite was Cory Swanson – I wanted some young blood on the redistricting commission – but alas, he wasn’t selected.
Now we’ll see if the two Republicans and two Democrats can find an intelligent Independent to be Chairman. Because, like you, I sure as heck don’t want the State Supreme Court to step in. What’s that old saying, “they know how to screw up a one car funeral!”
I would have been completely happy with either Cory or Jon. From this side of 55, both of them qualify as young ‘uns, and they are both very qualified. I think we won this round. Linda is a dynamite lady and can more than hold her own against Joe Lamson. It helps that we are wise to his “secret” tricks. I intend to do frequent posts to update the goings on of the Commission. A little Helena sunshine, so to speak.
I have a bunion on my foot, but it sure ain’t no historian. Isn’t this bunion a lobbyist for the chamber of commerce? If there was any doubt the chamber is as far right as Rush, there isn’t anymore. Maybe a doctor can remove the bunion.
JIm ~
Have you ever owned and run a business? I sort of doubt it or you would understand that the Chamber of Commerce provides a very valuable service to the thousands of small and medium sized businesses around the state who don’t have the time and wherewithall to spend 90 days in Helena monitoring every single bill that is introduced in the legislature. Or the money to hire their own team of lobbyists.
As to your assertion that the C of C is “as far right as Rush”, I would submit that the business lobby is only as far right as they have to be to counter balance the far left unions and anti-business groups. That’s how the system works.
To the basket case,
I do actually own a business and I don’t trust the chamber to represent my views. The only views I see them representing in helena is big corporations who’s headquarters I can guarantee you aren’t in Montana.
Examples:
Opposing the renewable energy standard in 2005 – benefit PPL
Opposing the clean and green energy bill in 2007 – benefit PPL
Opposing higher teacher pay with oil and gas revenue – benefit Exxon and Conoco.
Opposing collecting taxes on out-of-state corporations who owe Montana money.
Not supporting education funding so my property taxes go up.
Not supporting worker training so potential employees are trained.
So, the chamber might not be anti-business. They just are big corporate business like PPL, Conoco, and Exxon. NO THANKS.