Elected representatives should honor their oaths

Letter to the Editor,

 

"I do solemnly swear, or affirm, that I will support the Constitution of the United State of Missouri, and faithfully perform the duties of my office, (the rest is not pertinent to this letter or issue).

 

The above is part of the oath that Lisa Durnell, Bennie Cook, Brad Hudson and Kieth Elliot pledged when they put their hand on the Bible when taking office.

 

Governor Kehoe has called the Missouri legislators back for a special session with the purpose of gerrymandering the 8 voting districts of Missouri to benefit the republican party, disadvantage opponents and dilute the voting power in our state which will violate every requirement in the Missouri Constitution regarding redistricting.

 

The United State of Missouri Constitution states the redistricting should take place every 10 years after the Census data is reported to the President.

 

The United States of Missouri Constitution specifies that legislative districts must be drawn according to the following in order of priority:

 

1) Equal Population (one person, one vote): As nearly as equal as possible.

2) Compliance with Federal Law: including the Voting Rights Act with emphasis on protecting minority voting rights.

3) Compactness and Contiguity: Districts must be geographically compact and contiguous.

4) Preservation of Political Subdivisions: Minimize division of counties, cities and other political subdivisions.

5) Partisan Fairness and Competitiveness: Commissions must aim for maps that promote partisan fairness and competitiveness.

 

Lisa Durnell, Bennie Cook, Brad Hudson and Keith Elliot should honor their spoken oath when taking office and start representing all their constituents by voting "No" on redistricting in Missouri at this time.

 

Maxine and Ken Horgan, 

Mountain View, Mo