The Kutztown University department of political science and Vote Everywhere welcomed State Senator Judy Schwank and Dr. Frederick Walker, a representative of Fair Districts PA, in a forum held at the university on Feb. 23.
The lecture hall in Kutztown’s Academic Forum was filled, with some community members sitting on the floor, to listen to the presentation.
Dr. Steve B. Lem, chair of the political science department, welcomed the crowd and the presenters as Arthur Naylor, also a Fair Districts PA representative, passed around sign up sheets, that the more than 100 in attendance could sign.
“In most states, including Pennsylvania, the State Legislature has the primary responsibility of drawing district lines,” said Lem. “In essence this allows the representatives to pick who their voters are rather than empowering voters to pick their representatives. As a result, both congressional and state elections tend to be uncompetitive.”
Schwank’s presentation was titled “Legislating in a Polarized Environment.” The talk centered on representatives dividing themselves among parties.
“There are a lot of pitfalls in terms of getting a bill through,” said Schwank.
Schwank’s talk emphasized the challenge of getting legislation passed, because all decisions are virtually made by the majority party, as to what is on the calendar and how long things will “sit” on the calendar.
“I consider myself lucky to be in the Senate, because there’s only 50 of us,” said Schwank. “My contention is that over in the House where there are so many members, there are 203 of them, that it’s very difficult to get some consensus there. There is much more division, but in the Senate, at least you can talk to people and you can find individuals to support you on your legislation.”
In order to be more successful, Schwank often finds herself collaborating with members of the majority party, to have them consider co-sponsoring her bill. What is important is to choose an individual who holds interest in the bill, but also whose name holds enough weight to further the bill.
“People will make votes now because they know that, either they already won their election, or they feel pretty safe in their districts, and that’s where the redistricting part comes in,” said Schwank.
She explained that legislators often feel that they are in a district that is drawn for them and that often leads decision makers to vote in favor of personal gains or the agenda of the majority party, rather than to fairly represent their district.
“They can do that with impunity because they don’t have to fear a huge backlash.”
For the majority of the forum, Walker presented “Redistricting: The Real Voter Fraud.” Walker, a representative of Fair Districts PA, stressed that the organization is a nonpartisan movement.
“I am not advocating something that I believe is good for Democrats or Republicans,” said Walker. “I believe it is good for good government. And to prove that, I have a red tie and blue shoes on.”
According to Walker, reapportionment is the increasing of a state’s Congressional delegation. Redistricting is the re-drawing of those political boundaries that can create voting districts that heavily favor one political party over another. Redistricting can be triggered by reapportionment or geographic shifts.
Walker’s presentation focused on redistricting and how legislators can now choose their voters rather than voters choosing their legislators.
“Every vote should count, that’s just a fundamental principle,” said Walker. “I hate to tell you that an awful lot of votes simply do not count in Pennsylvania. Sure you vote but the election is already predetermined.”
Walker quoted the PA Constitution which states, “Unless absolutely necessary no county, city, incorporated town, borough, township or ward shall be divided in forming either a senatorial or representative district.”
According to Walker, Gerrymandering is almost as old as the country. It dates back to a signer of the Constitution in 1812 named Eldridge Gerry. Gerry created a Massachusetts district with a shape that “looked like a salamander” therefore the act was developed into “Gerrymandering.”
Walker’s presentation stressed the need for the return of balance to the legislature. He informed the crowd of a piece of legislature that has been introduced by State Senator Lisa Boscola, a Northampton County Democrat. The bill, sponsored by Schwank, would create an independent commission on redistricting, with 11 members.
The maps made by this commission would require no legislative approval, but could be challenged in court.
The lowering population in Pennsylvania caused the state to lose a congressional district after the 2010 census. According to Walker, it is likely that the state will lose another district after the next census in 2020.
In the interest of remaining nonpartisan, Walker shared that both major political parties have developed plans in anticipation for the outcome of the next census. “Red Map 2010” was lead by the Republicans and the Democrats have developed “Advantage 2020.”
Though the legislation will be no simple task, both Walker and Schwank have confidence in the movement.
“I am astounded. This many people understand what redistricting is all about,” said Schwank. “I am truly amazed. Obviously there is a great interest and understanding in how this process affects us.”
Those interested can read more at FairDistrictsPA.com.
