Letter to the Florida Supreme Court - Reject Redistricting Map

Letter

Your Honors:

I am writing to express my deep concerns about the redistricting map known as CP-1. It is my humble hope that during your deliberations you will take into consideration the economic and psychological damage its implementation could have on congressional District 24.

Five years ago, the district, which was then District 17, received the unfortunate distinction of being the nation's "most suffering" congressional district in the 2010 Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. Following a meeting with representatives from the two organizations that was attended by many constituents, I formed a task force to determine and, more important, address, the underlying causes that contributed to the "most suffering" rating. One factor was the lack of an adequate health care facility, which was quickly addressed. In addition, the County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution to also address the district's well-being and to pursue ways to "encourage new, vibrant and effective public-private partnerships."

In 2012, District 17 became District 24 and was redrawn to include: PortMiami, the Brickell financial district and the Jackson Health System complex, and other much-needed economic drivers. The state legislators who drew the map rightly aimed to open doors of opportunity for an underserved community.

In addition to providing jobs, these economic catalysts are excellent sources of apprenticeships that help build a pipeline of highly skilled employees who in turn can positively impact the district both as consumers and future homeowners. Having these economic drivers in the district, which is no longer the nation's "most suffering," also is a powerful inducement for other businesses to move in and offer job opportunities and consumer resources. They give the district's residents hope and goals to which they can aspire.

The CP-1 map threatens to undo all of that and plunge District 24 back into an economic apartheid. It strips the district of PortMiami, Bayside Marketplace, the downtown financial district, AmericanAirlines Arena, Watson Island, Jungle Island/Parrot Island, and Bayfront Park.

It is an egregious attempt, given that there are no voters to win or lose as these businesses are all located on nonresidential land. The businesses are neither Republican nor Democrat; black nor white. They are only land mass. And that land mass has been intentionally shaved from the edges of the district, which contained the only wealth it had.

This begs the question: Why take away from the people who already have so little? It is disheartening to know that this map was created by a coalition of groups that are normally allies. We assume that Democrats will always protect the poor and lift the downtrodden. In this case, they have failed miserably in that mission.

If CP-1 is adopted, District 24 could once again become the nation's "most suffering." Instead of working with our corporate neighbors to create jobs, attract new business and continue to strengthen the district's financial health and vitality, we will have to deal with the inevitable consequences of problems that overwhelm communities in which there is little hope of escaping poverty.

One of the most sacred tenets of redistricting is to create a climate of inclusion. Isolating poor people in one district is as much a violation of the spirit of the Voting Rights Act as intentionally separating voters by races or political party.

The CP-1 map created by the Fair Districts Coalition is anything but fair. I hope that you agree.

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