Hope not wasting everyone's time
Saturday, January 15, 2022 Good morning Commission: As I was getting ready this morning to watch this morning’s hearing at 9 a.m., I was reflecting on the last three expert testifiers from yesterday from the 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. session (Friday, 1/14/2022). One who even developed the software that the first expert, brought by the Republican House Caucus, used for his simulations. I have a disabling brain disorder but if allowed sufficient time I can reason pretty well. It came to be basically all of these testifiers were expressing similar sentiment as to how these maps weren’t gerrymandered and basically, I felt implying they were “perfect” as is. If that is to be 100% believed and accepted, why are we spending ANY time listening to “experts” - qualified as such by virtue of the lived experience of them actually living in these reported “communities of interest” they describe - whether by actual verbal testimony or those who submitted written testimony? It seems like a waste of time that will have no impact. I hope that this is not the case. It’s playing games with the constituents. I realize all suggestions won’t be able to be implemented. I felt the four state representatives from Alleghany County were exceptionally persuasive in their argument for revisions, as were those who spoke related to the Allentown area; Perry and Juniata Counties combined area; and the Cumberland County West Shore area. If these changes are implemented then accordingly other areas that may not have provided testimony will need to be adjusted as well. It is all tied together. I hope some of the testimony presented will be reflected in changes to the current map. Thank you, Theresa Myers Upper Mifflin Township Cumberland County