Starr proposes new process for redistricting

State Sen. Bruce Starr (R-Hillsboro) believes he has found a way to remove political strategizing from Oregon’s redistricting process by appointing a commission of equally balanced Democratic and Republican voting members to redraw district lines.

“This plan takes the politics out of the redistricting process so neither party can play kingmaker with Oregon’s representatives,” said Starr. “Past redistricting plans have been used by political parties to create grossly gerrymandered districts that look more like Rorschach inkblots than legislative districts. Our state has a great legacy of fairness, and our redistricting process should eliminate any possibility for partisan games so that our elective districts are drawn with the best interests of voters at heart.”

If passed, Starr’s plan would seemingly take partisan strategy out of the process. Redistricting would be done by a commission consisting of two members from the majority, two from the minority, and a third non-voting chairman. that would have to be approved by a majority of commission members.

There was no immediate comment from the Senate Majority Office. The legislation will be introduced in the 2009 session. The next time Oregon redraws district lines will be 2011.