Sept. 17, 2001--
Utah's Democrats are hoping they can still salvage a shaky political foothold, statewide.
A final decision on a Republican- driven redistricting plan is due next week.
But the maps that are on the table now deal a crushing blow to Democrats in the state House, Senate, and in Congress.
Government Specialist Richard Piatt has an update.
Both Republicans and Democrats are saying they plan to meet this week to discuss the current redistricting maps.
The maps are not final yet.
Today, Democrats outlined their concerns about the redistricting plans that are on the table now.
The new maps split neighborhoods, eliminate some current State House and Senate Seats, and make all Congressional districts a combination of urban and rural.
They suggest that if people are upset at the new maps, they need to let state leaders know it.
Rep. Ralph Becker/House Minority Leader: IT IS ONLY THROUGH A LOUD VOICE FROM PEOPLE THAT THEY WOULD LIKE THINGS DIFFERENTLY THAN WHAT THEY'VE SEEN SO FAR THAT THERE WILL BE CHANGES.
Meghan Holbrook/Utah Democratic Party Chair: DOES IT MAKE ANY SENASE FOR REPRESENTATIVE RALPH BECKER TO REPRESENT SUMMIT COUNTY WHEN HE LIVES IN MEMORY GROVE AND THE CAPITOL HILL AREA? IT MAKES NO SENSE.
House co-Chair of the Redistricting committee Gerry Adair says he is willing to meet to talk about adjusting the maps---if Democrats are willing to compromise, too.
If there are going to be any changes, they're working against a deadline. Next week, a special session is scheduled to take a final vote on the matter.
The issue is complicated, if you want to give your input it is something you have to study first.
If you'd like to take a look at the maps, you can go to Plans Adopted By The Redistricting Committee. For more information, go to the Utah State Legislature web site, click on 2001 Redistricting.
