Norfolk redistricting – another option

My latest op-ed appeared in The Virginian-Pilot Wednesday.

Although Norfolk has no races on the ballot until next May, when the two superwards are up for election, it is rushing towards adopting a plan. Councilwoman Theresa Whibley asked in the informal session on June 14 what the drop-dead date was and never really got a clear answer.

In this column I offer a solution: an independent redistricting commission, whose work will be used for mid-decade redistricting. Just as the state level redistricting is about protecting incumbents, so is Norfolk’s. Having politicians draw their own lines only benefits them, and not us.

Do I expect council to consider something like this?

Sure – about the same time pigs fly.