Taking the politics out of Indiana redistricting

Over the years, whichever party was not in power complained that the district lines were drawn to favor one party over another in elections.

A legislative study committee is recommending that a bipartisan independent commission be created to draw the district lines starting in 2021.

Both gubernatorial party candidates and local members of the Indiana General Assembly support the creation of an independent commission.

Democrat John Gregg said, during a recent interview with editors of the Community Newspaper Holdings Inc. newspapers, that he supports the creation of an independent commission.

Of the 100 seats in the Indiana House, only six or seven are in play and only four of the 50 seats in the Indiana Senate, he said.

“The extremes of both political parties control the process,” Gregg said.

He said the legislature will have to approve any changes in the process. With computers, he added, redistricting has become a science.

Republican Eric Holcomb also said he supports an independent bipartisan commission.

“We want to make sure we get it right,” he said. “I’m glad so much thought has gone into it. I would be proud to state it was done on our watch.”

Sen. Tim Lanane, D-Anderson, the Senate minority leader and a member of the study committee, said he’s pleased with the recommendation.

“This is the first time a study committee consisting of legislators and lay people clearly came out that we need redistricting reform,” Lanane said. “There are more details to be considered.

“The current way is not working,” he said. “The public doesn’t trust the process, which is not fair and consumed by politics.”

Lanane said the House and Senate Democrats and House Republicans are in favor of the reforms.

“The Senate Republican caucus is going to be isolated,” he said.

Rep. Terri Austin, D-Anderson, supports the concept but did raise some concerns.

“The questions that need to be answered are who makes the appointments, is it truly nonpartisan, is it bipartisan, is it evenly represented,” she said.

Austin said the questions include: does the General Assembly have any role at all in approving the suggested maps or will the Indiana Supreme Court.

“My guess is that it will be difficult to get passed by the legislature,” she said. “I’m surprised if they (Republicans) don’t support it because four to six years ago the Republicans advanced the legislation when the Democrats had the majority.”

Austin said it’s important the public have access to the prospective maps and software as a way to verify what the numbers actually are and that the districts are the best.

“I would rather see us focus on competitive districts as opposed to compact districts,” she said. “Compact doesn’t mean competitive. We have compact districts now where the political numbers are 70 percent in favor of one party, that doesn’t serve the people well.”

Rep. Melanie Wright, D-Yorktown, loves the idea of a bipartisan commission to determine district lines.

“I favor it, because there are very few competitive districts in the state. Mine is one of them,” she said. “When you’re in a competitive district, you have to get out and work the doors and talk to voters.”

Wright agreed that how appointments are made is a concern and there is a need to have several parties involved.

“Equal representation from both parties and nonpolitical people as well,” she said.

Wright said there is a slim chance of passage.

“Why would you rock the cart,” she said. “The sticky wicket is it OK to approve something that may affect you.”

Rep. Tony Cook, R-Cicero, said a bipartisan independent commission is needed.

“Being an old government teacher that used to teach about gerrymandering,” he said. “When the parties are in control and change the lines.”

Cook wants the district lines determined based on population numbers. He said House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, doesn’t want legislators involved and try to make it as neutral as possible.

“It should be an outside group or some people appointed from around the state,” he said. “Make it based on population changes and shifts.”

Cook believes the chances of passage are favorable.

Rep. Bob Cherry, R-Greenfield, said he voted for an independent commission in the past and will continue to support a legislative proposal in the future.

“Probably judges should be involved in it,” he said. “There should be equal representation on a Republican and Democrat basis.

“Divide the maps up, political makeup shouldn’t be a factor,” Cherry said. “Go by population, how it falls out, who cares.”

Cherry said a similar proposal has passed the House in the past.