The Baltimore County Republican Central Committee (BCRCC) is beating Governor O’Malley’s redistricting committee to the punch by hosting their own redistricting hearing this Thursday, at which they will discuss an alternative county redistricting map and invite citizen input to aide in the process. The governor’s redistricting hearing for Baltimore County is scheduled three weeks later, on August 27 at 2pm at Towson University.
Newly elected chairman Steve Kolbe created a redistricting subcommittee within the BCRCC as his first act after taking the helm on July 11. In the three weeks since his appointment, he has given direction to the committee on fundraising, party building, outreach and coalition building, and important initiatives. He set a personal fundraising goal of $5,000 within the first 60 days.
Mr. Kolbe was appointed by the committee to replace the resigning chairman, Tony Campbell. Mr. Kolbe seems to be making up for lost time, jumping in with both feet right into an issue that an optimistic Republican would view as one more about “damage control” than any opportunity for the party. For basic redistricting 101, with an explanation of gerrymandering, see here.
Chairman Kolbe assigned the 8-member committee with the task of developing an alternative map for the county’s legislative districts that would be fair and constitutional, rather than one that is gerrymandered for political party gain. He said, “We plan to provide a map which is free of partisan gerrymandering and 100% all about neighborhoods and communities, ensuring that people throughout Baltimore County have quality representation.
“In decades past, time and again, we found that communities were not put as a top priority, and that partisan politics were instead the top priority. The Maryland court system has even overturned redistricting maps which were put forth by the Democrats in prior decades.”
By addressing the redistricting issue on a county level, the process is brought closer to the people. Mr. Kolbe said, “We would like to produce a sensible, good government alternative to redistricting that puts communities first. We believe that the people of Baltimore County know their communities best and how their neighborhoods can best be represented; certainly better than a committee that’s appointed from Annapolis. The purpose is to get community and business groups, as well as individuals, together to provide feedback as we work to develop a distinctly local map for redistricting.”
Baltimore County may serve as a leader to other counties to do the same. Mr. Kolbe said, “I hope that if there are counties that are not taking up this type of initiative, our actions here in Baltimore County can provide them a model to help them do the same.”
Bringing government closer to the people is an emerging theme both in Baltimore County and the Maryland Republican Party this year.
The Baltimore County Council took the initiative in June to sign a statement of support for the petition against the controversial bill, SB167, known as the Dream Act. Although it is state legislation, the councilmen had enough concern about its impact on the county to encourage citizens to sign the petition to stop SB167, despite County Executive Kamenetz’ dismay.
Indeed, the process itself of petitioning to referendum is the citizens’ veto power over the legislature. The Republican led initiative was a historic success, submitting twice the required number of signatures to halt SB167 and put it on the ballot for the voters to decide.
The more radical our Democrat monopoly becomes in Maryland, the more likely we are to see an increasingly active citizenry, from both parties, participating in government.
Mr. Kolbe invites all Baltimore County citizens to attend the hearing, provide input, and express their concerns over the process. The hearing begins at 7pm at the Timonium Holiday Inn at 9615 Deereco Road. Anyone interested in speaking should sign up in advance here.
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