Dear Editor,
I would like to respond to previous letters in support of Issue 1, an Amendment to the Ohio Constitution to create an appointed redistricting commission.
I appreciate the frustration of those concerned with corruption in the current system, as well as a reluctance to trust legislators with this important task.
However, I would caution against claims that this new amendment would end gerrymandering.
On the contrary, it seems to enshrine gerrymandering in a new form that grants authority to a commission of unelected administrators with no accountability to voters.
My second concern is in regard to the goal of any constitutional amendment. Issue 1 requires the repeal of a prior constitutional amendment, which was ratified in 2018 by 74.89% of Ohio voters.
So, I ask, what is the ultimate goal of this change? Is the goal of this year’s Issue 1 to preserve constitutional representation for the citizens, or is it to eventually dilute problematic viewpoints?
Ohio voters often reflect distinct ideological differences between rural and urban settings.
By removing guidelines designed to protect the unique voices of rural Ohio, Knox County residents could find themselves redistricted to a Congressional Representative whose majority constituency and/or campaign financing is beholden to the policy preferences of urban voters or outside interests.
In sum, I encourage all Knox County voters to seek further clarification on these and other concerns about this amendment.
I agree that a “citizen-led commission” sounds great on the surface, but isn’t that what PR campaigns are paid to do?
Issue 1 would not only have a significant negative effect on Knox County’s representation in Ohio, but also provide little to no opportunity for accountability to voters statewide.
Is our current system perfect? Do our elected officials always reflect the will of their constituents?
No.
However, I believe we can do better than surrendering our constitutional authority to administrators that will be selected, rather than elected by voters to whom they are accountable.
Diana Wetzel
Liberty Township