Page 9 - Florida Sentinel 8-25-15 Edition

Local
Legislators End Special Session Without New Redistricting Map
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Last Friday, a Special Legislative Session ended without the adoption of a new redistricting map. This was the third time legislators had attempted to redraw Congressional Districts in Florida. This court-ordered special session is the third time elected officials have at- tempted to accomplish this task.
If Legislators don’t agree on and adopt a new map by the Tuesday, August 25th deadline, the Supreme Court, who ordered them into the Special Session, may be re- quired to redraw the map.
When contacted by the Sentinel, State Senator Arthenia Joyner, State Representative Janet Cruz, and State Represen- tative Ed Narain shared their comments.
Senator Joyner said, “The inability of the legisla- ture to agree on Congres- sional maps aligned with the
ARTHENIA JOYNER State Senator
Supreme Court’s recommen- dations was a colossal fail- ure. Thankfully, it now falls to the Court to correct that failure by drawing new maps.
“It appears that Wash- ington has come to Tallahas- see. If this legislative dysfunction has shown us anything, it is the critical need for a truly independent, non-partisan, and fully transparent redistricting commission, one which is thoroughly insulated from political influence or domi- nation.
JANET CRUZ State Representative
“Throughout this process, eight Congressional districts have been found unconstitu- tional, and the Republican- led Senate stipulated to and agreed that several of the Senate districts violated the Fair Districts provisions within the state constitution.
“When egos continue to prevail over the oath each of us took to uphold the consti- tution, it’s time to question the master we’re serving. Given the outcome we’ve seen over this reapportion- ment process, the answer,
ED NARAIN State Representative
sadly, has not always been the people.”
State Representative Janet Cruz said, “It is no surprise that Republicans in both chambers in Tallahas- see failed to deliver to the Court a map that would pass Constitutional requirements. The playing of small political games gets the people of Florida nowhere, and it is in- creasingly apparent that this Legislature as currently con- structed is inept at complet- ing the basic functions of government.
“They had three chances to get it right and could not do so. It is embarrassing that those who were elected to do the people’s business cannot seem to fulfill their obliga- tions.”
Representative Ed Narain said, “Unfortunately another session has ended with more costly Republican infighting. The citizens of Florida deserve better than to have Washington style gridlock in such important matters (budget, healthcare, redistricting).
“For the second time this year, the legislature has left without completing the job it was sent to do. It’s a waste of time and money that further proves the old adage that ul- timate power ultimately cor- rupts. It's time for an independent commission to draw the maps.
“I am confident the Supreme Court will complete the job and protect the voting rights of minorities statewide.”
Tampa Heights Organization Needs Support In Stopping Expressway Tolls
Although residents of Tampa Heights and other communities went before the Metropolitan Planning Or- ganization (MPO) to say no to the plans to create toll road- ways along I-275, the plan passed anyway.
The Tampa Heights Civic Association’s Director, Lena Young-Green, wants resi- dents to know the fight isn’t over, and they are all looking for support to stop the plan.
The Florida Department of Transportation’s Tampa Bay Express Plan (TBX) is calling for new tolled highway express lanes.
The lanes would run 87 miles along Interstates 275, 4 and 75 and would cost up to $2-per-mile to use.
Tampa Heights residents are asking the city’s CRA to remain firmly against TBX, and they are still working to- wards stopped the plan even though the MPO did not vote the way they wanted.
“We went before the MPO in large numbers, and they knew we didn’t want this,” said Ms. Young-Green.
to force them to address our concerns. The concessions that the MPO voted for did not do what we wanted. We still feel this project will de- stroy the communities it is set to pass through in the name of development, redevelop- ment and expansion proj- ects.”
Ms. Young-Green said she moved into the Tampa Heights community because that’s where she wanted to raise her children. She felt the environment was perfect and they would be exposed to African American culture and ideals.
As it stands now, the MPO has approved the $3 billion plan despite more than 100 people objecting to it.
“The way to change this is
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