Cook Says Redistricting Process Must Be Fair, Accountable and Transparent
HARRISBURG – A fair, accountable and transparent government is non-negotiable, and the same concept holds true for “The People’s” redistricting process, said Rep. Bud Cook (R-Washington/Fayette).
“We the People’ must demand answers and provide input on the proposed maps within the next 30 days to correct this attempted theft of the Commonwealth’s freedom,” said Cook. “For the first time in half a century, the Democrats, with the help of a member of the redistricting commission, have weaponized the process in Pennsylvania by presenting the most gerrymandered map in history.”
The redistricting commission is made up of Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland), Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny), House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin), House Minority Leader Joanna McClinton (D-Delaware/Philadelphia) and Chairman Mark Nordenberg, who was appointed by the Supreme Court and is the former chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh.
“In past redistricting processes, the party that currently controlled the district drew the new district and any disagreements were settled by the chairman of the commission,” Cook continued. “However, during this process, it is obvious that the Democrats drew the entire House map and that Nordenberg sided with them at every turn instead of being a bipartisan vote.”
The facts show that the Democrats and Nordenberg took part in extreme gerrymandering. Twelve Republican incumbents are pitted against each other in the proposed map, whereas only two Democrats are in the same position. Democrats also forced three Republican members into districts that are solid Democratic seats.
“In my current district, the 49th District, Rep. Pam Snyder (D-Greene/Fayette/Washington) was drawn in and her district was sent to the Southeast where there has been a rise in population,” said Cook. “Her current district makes up most of my newly proposed district, but I believe many in the region share my conservative views.”
Additionally, the Democrats have carved most cities up across the Commonwealth. Harrisburg, Lancaster, Reading, State College and Scranton are all gerrymandered seats in an effort for the Democrats to increase their political power.
“If the Republicans ever tried to pass such a biased redistricting process, the media would be relentless. It should be no different when the Democrats do it. While others are anxious for 2022, I have never been more excited. The Democrats and Nordenberg’s partisan politics only motivate me to serve the families of my district, and my newly proposed district, even more. These constituents deserve to have a proven conservative they can trust to stop Gov. Tom Wolf’s unconstitutional mandates, and President Joe Biden and Wolf’s effort to crush our energy jobs. I will protect the hard-working men and women who pay taxes in this Commonwealth, not the elite,” Cook concluded.
“We the People” may read more about the redistricting plan and submit their thoughts at www.Redistricting.State.PA.US.
Representative Bud Cook
49th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Michelle Swab
717.260.6325
mswab@pahousegop.com
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