[LWVNM Action] LTE - Let the CRC do it's job. - also an attachment

[Richard Mason]

*Published in the ABQ Journal Letters to the Editor – Monday, June 28, 2021*



In response to the June 13 Journal editorial criticizing the lack of
diversity on the Citizen Redistricting Committee (CRC), the League of Women
Voters of New Mexico shares those concerns.


However, the League wishes to allow the CRC to fulfill its statutory
functions, after which we will evaluate the results. The League was very
involved in the process leading to the creation of the CRC. We knew from
the beginning that it would be a compromise. What I believe many don’t
understand is that the three excellent New Mexico State Ethics Commission
appointees are the swing votes on the Committee. Former New Mexico Supreme
Court Chief Justice Edward Chavez oversaw the redrawing of the 2011 New
Mexico state House seats. He was involved in the drafting of the
legislation which created the CRC as well. Member Robert Rhatigan is the
New Mexico state demographer who oversaw the 2021 census effort in New
Mexico and is an unaffiliated voter. Member Joaquin Sanchez is a teacher
and an unaffiliated voter as well.



So even if the Republican and Democratic appointees pursue their partisan
goals, I doubt they will vote as a bloc - meaning they will have to win at
least one vote from the Ethics Commission appointees. So let the CRC do its
work and then we can evaluate the results. If you know anything about the
League you know we will be the first to criticize any unfair results.



Finally, problems with this process emphasizes the need for a New Mexico
constitutional amendment to create a truly independent redistricting
commission. In the future the League will be pursuing that end along with
other good government groups.



Richard Mason
Chair of the Action Committee
League of Women Voters of New Mexico
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