Welcome to our weekly column in which a topic of interest, piece of news, relevant opinion, or general request for feedback is presented. We’ll offer the topic du jour and accompanying question, and you have the opportunity to respond with your thoughts.
Simply fill out the form below. A collection of each week’s responses will appear in the following week’s column.
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This week’s Feedback Friday topic is:
Maryland’s Congressional Redistricting Finalizes…Or Does It
This week, a special Maryland General Assembly session was held to vote for the decennial (every 10 years) congressional redistricting maps. The Democratic majority in the Senate approved a map drawn by the Legislative Redistricting Advisory Committee versus the map submitted by the Governor-appointed Maryland Citizens Redistricting Commission, a bipartisan committee made of three Republicans, three Democrats, and three unaffiliated voters.
The map approved by Senate received a letter grade of “F” by the Princeton Gerrymandering Project, which evaluates political gerrymandering in all 50 states. “We bridge the gap between mathematics and the law to achieve fair representation through redistricting reform,” states the Princeton University project’s website. Conversely, the independently drawn map submitted by Governor Hogan received a letter grade “A.” On Wednesday, Hogan quickly vetoed the Senate’s map, in a move that is mostly symbolic, as the Senate holds a 32-15 veto-proof majority. The House of Delegates also quickly voted to override Hogan’s veto. Legal appeals are likely to occur before the map becomes law.
Our questions to you:
Have you compared the maps and, if so, which would do you prefer?
Do you think Governor Hogan’s attempt to submit a “fair and more contiguous” map is genuinely bipartisan in nature?
Do you think the Democrats of Maryland’s General Assembly are acting in the best interests of their constituents?
Please share your thoughts by filling out this form.
We asked you about Supreme Court & Abortion Law and you responded. Here is a sampling of reader responses. To read more, click here.
Life begins at moment of conception based on the writings of many religions. While women feel that they should have a right to their own bodies, once another human being is sharing that temple, it is the responsibility of the barer of new life to protect it, not destroy it for selfish reasons, medical reasons notwithstanding. It is my opinion that the judicial system on this matter should take their proper order and let them decide. Abortion as of this date is not a "law" and my personal morals should not be construed to mean that the decisions by the courts should go to my preference. Society and its morals are what are at play here.
Nancy Rivera, Annapolis
After 50 years of precedence, it is unthinkable that they would resort to overturning or weakening the law. It is totally political and I have no confidence in their decisions in the future. Over 60 percent of the American public does not support this action. Religious beliefs and politics should not be part of the Supreme Court. If they don't want to abort a child they can choose not to, however do not submit me to their beliefs. I fear for my three granddaughters.
Barbara Cook, Easton
