Considerations for Redistricting
My name is Ryan Cedzo. I am a recent college graduate from Gannon University in Erie County and for the past few years I have drawn and analyzed congressional maps for the state of Pennsylvania through Draw the Lines PA. This time has included drawing multiple state champion maps. I have spent countless hours understanding the different areas of the state as well as the metrics associated with creating a fair map. I think it is apparent that the people of Pennsylvania are both willing and capable of having a hand in the process of redistricting. At the very least, the LRC should take into account the values of a map that matter to Pennsylvanians. Each member of congress is meant to represent the people from the district from which they were elected. These people should be able to voice their opinions on the criteria that creates the very districts in which they reside. Additionally, the LRC should provide an account and explanation of the tradeoffs accompanied with the creation of the new congressional maps. The days of redistricting behind closed doors away from the eyes of the public need to be over. The people of Pennsylvania are not happy and in a government for the people by the people, this process should at the very least be public. Even more, it is crucial that the LRC listen to what the people of Pennsylvania think is important in a congressional map. This requires that the hearings on the preliminary maps should be well thought-out and organized to ensure that there is useful feedback for redistricting. The LRC should also examine and/or use citizen proposed maps and consider the reactions to the current maps of Pennsylvania. Finally, I want to make a statement as a young adult and recent college graduate. I have done a lot of research on the history of redistricting in Pennsylvania and I am not happy with the results. This being said, it may be that I am naïve 22 year-old, but I have a lot of hope for the near future of redistricting in Pennsylvania. There are a lot of people my age who share the same outlook and believe that now is the time for change. I hope that this written testimony holds some weight and that the LRC consider some of the recommendations to mold redistricting into a fairer process that truly works for the people of Pennsylvania.