State Sens. Antonio and Russo, Ohio Dems push for more public hearings on redistricting and gerrymandering and denounce the current GOP hearing process.....Clevelandurbannews.com, Ohio's Black digital news leader

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Today, Co-Chair of the Ohio Redistricting Commission, Senate Minority Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) and House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) released statements following the Ohio Redistricting Commission's (ORC) first public hearing on redistricting and gerrymandering that was held  this morning at Deer Creek State Park in Mt. Sterling, Ohio.

"I'm thankful to the Ohioans who came and testified in favor of fair maps today, but it's unfortunate that so few were able to make it given the time of day, location and short notice," said Sen Antonio, a Lakewood Democrat who's 23rd state legislative district includes 14 of Cleveland's 17 wards. "As co-chair, I will make every effort to ensure more Ohioans get the time and opportunity to share their thoughts on the maps and this process."

Antonio said that the hearings are meant to be a vital part of the process, which gives the people a chance to be heard, and that  "the fact it was announced barely 24 hours ago and placed at a remote location at 10 a.m. when a majority of Ohioans are working shows you what the Republican-controlled commission thinks of hearing from the people. "

Russo was just as upset and said the process is rigged at best.

I'm disappointed, and the people of Ohio should be too," said  state Sen. Russo. "Hundreds of citizens took advantage of this opportunity last time the commission introduced maps. Politicians continue to rig the process against citizens with no regard for fair play or the constitution." 

What is clear is that Democratic and Republican state legislative policymakers in Ohio are strongly divided on gerrymandering and redistricting as the 2024 presidential election nears and Ohio remains a pivotal state. 

The ORC has scheduled two more statewide meetings on what Democrats say are  flawed maps introduced by Republicans They are set for the following days:

• 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 25 at Punderson Manor in NE Ohio
• 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 26 in the Senate Finance Hearing Room at the Ohio Statehouse

Since the hearing on Monday, September 25 falls on Yom Kippur, a Jewish day of atonement, the ORC will seek to schedule an additional public hearing.

You can watch the hearings live on The Ohio Channel here.

 

Ohio Senate Contact:

Casey Rife, Minority Communications Director (614)-644-5533 

Ohio House of Representatives Contact:

David Meyers, Minority Communications Director (614)-728-5295

Clevelandurbannews.com and Kathywraycolemanonlinenewsblog.com, the most read Black digital newspaper and Black blog in Ohio and in the Midwest. Tel: (216) 659-0473. Email: editor@clevelandurbannews.com. We interviewed former president Barack Obama one-on-one when he was campaigning for president. As to the Obama interview, CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE AT CLEVELAND URBAN NEWS.COM, OHIO'S LEADER IN BLACK DIGITAL NEWS.