WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.750 align:middle line:90% [CLASSICAL MUSIC] 00:00:02.750 --> 00:00:03.250 align:middle line:90% 00:00:03.250 --> 00:00:04.990 align:middle line:90% If you're OK with that, Senator. 00:00:04.990 --> 00:00:05.860 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:00:05.860 --> 00:00:07.780 align:middle line:84% Waiting for [? me, ?] excellent, OK. 00:00:07.780 --> 00:00:10.900 align:middle line:84% So we'll bring this hearing to order. 00:00:10.900 --> 00:00:13.210 align:middle line:90% My name is Michael Moran. 00:00:13.210 --> 00:00:17.260 align:middle line:84% I am the the House Chair of the Redistricting Committee. 00:00:17.260 --> 00:00:19.840 align:middle line:84% And just by way of process, I will 00:00:19.840 --> 00:00:24.183 align:middle line:84% be the one sort of calling the balls and strikes today 00:00:24.183 --> 00:00:24.850 align:middle line:90% at this hearing. 00:00:24.850 --> 00:00:28.570 align:middle line:84% Because my co-chair did that last hearing. 00:00:28.570 --> 00:00:31.420 align:middle line:84% And we go back and forth hearing for hearing. 00:00:31.420 --> 00:00:34.070 align:middle line:84% I am going to, at this point in time, 00:00:34.070 --> 00:00:37.320 align:middle line:84% turn it over to my co-chair, Senator Brownsberger, 00:00:37.320 --> 00:00:39.370 align:middle line:84% to say a few words and to introduce 00:00:39.370 --> 00:00:41.860 align:middle line:84% some of his colleagues that are here. 00:00:41.860 --> 00:00:44.140 align:middle line:90% He will then give it back to me. 00:00:44.140 --> 00:00:47.290 align:middle line:84% I will introduce some of the House members that are here. 00:00:47.290 --> 00:00:50.230 align:middle line:84% I'll introduce Representative Jerry Parisella, who 00:00:50.230 --> 00:00:52.720 align:middle line:84% is from the 6th Congressional District, 00:00:52.720 --> 00:00:54.160 align:middle line:90% to give us some greetings. 00:00:54.160 --> 00:00:56.980 align:middle line:84% And then I will introduce the Congressman for, 00:00:56.980 --> 00:00:58.480 align:middle line:90% as the first person to testify. 00:00:58.480 --> 00:01:00.610 align:middle line:84% So without further ado, I want to pass it off 00:01:00.610 --> 00:01:03.010 align:middle line:84% to my co-chair Senator Brownsberger. 00:01:03.010 --> 00:01:06.310 align:middle line:90% Thank-- thank you, Mr Chairman. 00:01:06.310 --> 00:01:09.100 align:middle line:84% Thank you Congressman Moulton, looking forward 00:01:09.100 --> 00:01:11.440 align:middle line:84% to your testimony, looking forward to working with you 00:01:11.440 --> 00:01:13.060 align:middle line:90% as the process goes forward. 00:01:13.060 --> 00:01:18.580 align:middle line:84% Want to introduce my Vice Chair Anne Gobi, Senator Anne Gobi. 00:01:18.580 --> 00:01:20.020 align:middle line:84% If she'd like to say anything, I'd 00:01:20.020 --> 00:01:23.930 align:middle line:84% give her the opportunity, other than hello. 00:01:23.930 --> 00:01:24.430 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:01:24.430 --> 00:01:25.750 align:middle line:90% I think hello iw-- 00:01:25.750 --> 00:01:27.940 align:middle line:84% will be fine and look forward to hearing 00:01:27.940 --> 00:01:29.200 align:middle line:90% from Congressman Moulton. 00:01:29.200 --> 00:01:30.490 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:01:30.490 --> 00:01:32.377 align:middle line:84% So that is the hellos from the Senate. 00:01:32.377 --> 00:01:33.460 align:middle line:90% Back to you, Mr. Chairman. 00:01:33.460 --> 00:01:36.210 align:middle line:90% 00:01:36.210 --> 00:01:38.280 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Senator. 00:01:38.280 --> 00:01:40.590 align:middle line:84% I'd like to introduce a few members that 00:01:40.590 --> 00:01:45.240 align:middle line:84% are in attendance, as always, my stalworth, my Vice Chair Marcos 00:01:45.240 --> 00:01:47.250 align:middle line:84% Devers from the great city of Lawrence. 00:01:47.250 --> 00:01:49.290 align:middle line:84% Incidentally, Marcos served on this committee 00:01:49.290 --> 00:01:50.190 align:middle line:90% 10 years ago with me. 00:01:50.190 --> 00:01:53.070 align:middle line:84% So I'd also like to introduce another gentleman 00:01:53.070 --> 00:01:56.520 align:middle line:84% from Lawrence, same name but no relation, 00:01:56.520 --> 00:01:59.430 align:middle line:90% Frank Moran is with us. 00:01:59.430 --> 00:02:03.000 align:middle line:84% All the way from Pittsfield via Zoom 00:02:03.000 --> 00:02:05.520 align:middle line:84% is the gentle lady from Pittsburgh-- 00:02:05.520 --> 00:02:09.330 align:middle line:84% Pittsfield, Tricia Farley Bouvier. 00:02:09.330 --> 00:02:10.830 align:middle line:84% And down in the other direction, we 00:02:10.830 --> 00:02:13.140 align:middle line:84% have the gentleman from Barnstable, 00:02:13.140 --> 00:02:16.110 align:middle line:84% the newest member of the House on this committee, 00:02:16.110 --> 00:02:19.740 align:middle line:84% the gentleman from Barnstable is Kip Diggs. 00:02:19.740 --> 00:02:21.190 align:middle line:84% Thank you all for your attendance. 00:02:21.190 --> 00:02:23.010 align:middle line:90% I appreciate you being here. 00:02:23.010 --> 00:02:25.170 align:middle line:84% Now I'd like to introduce, if I could, 00:02:25.170 --> 00:02:27.660 align:middle line:84% the gentleman from the 6th Essex District, which 00:02:27.660 --> 00:02:30.480 align:middle line:90% is Beverly, Jerry Parisella. 00:02:30.480 --> 00:02:32.040 align:middle line:90% Jerry is a native of Beverly. 00:02:32.040 --> 00:02:33.960 align:middle line:90% He went to Beverly High School. 00:02:33.960 --> 00:02:37.260 align:middle line:84% He has served 27 years as an Army Reserve. 00:02:37.260 --> 00:02:40.140 align:middle line:84% He is the current title is Lieutenant Colonel. 00:02:40.140 --> 00:02:43.530 align:middle line:84% He serves as a JAG, Judge Advocate General, 00:02:43.530 --> 00:02:46.590 align:middle line:90% in the Army and the Reserves. 00:02:46.590 --> 00:02:50.280 align:middle line:84% Jerry, would you like to join us now and give us some greetings 00:02:50.280 --> 00:02:52.380 align:middle line:90% from the 6th District? 00:02:52.380 --> 00:02:54.240 align:middle line:84% Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. 00:02:54.240 --> 00:02:56.970 align:middle line:84% And thanks to both chairs for just allowing me to pop in. 00:02:56.970 --> 00:02:59.380 align:middle line:84% It'll be very brief, I promise you. 00:02:59.380 --> 00:03:01.830 align:middle line:84% As you mentioned, I represent the 6th Essex District, 00:03:01.830 --> 00:03:04.470 align:middle line:84% which is part of the 6th Congressional District. 00:03:04.470 --> 00:03:07.560 align:middle line:84% And just before I start, I just want to say, I'm thrilled. 00:03:07.560 --> 00:03:09.750 align:middle line:84% And Congressman, I think you'll be thrilled, too, 00:03:09.750 --> 00:03:12.300 align:middle line:84% with the chairs that are leading this effort. 00:03:12.300 --> 00:03:15.060 align:middle line:84% When I was a freshman 10 years ago, 00:03:15.060 --> 00:03:17.460 align:middle line:84% Chair Moran led the effort back then. 00:03:17.460 --> 00:03:19.170 align:middle line:84% And he received a tremendous amount 00:03:19.170 --> 00:03:22.350 align:middle line:84% of accolades for his work in the redistricting process. 00:03:22.350 --> 00:03:25.800 align:middle line:84% And I'm sure that those same accolades will come about 00:03:25.800 --> 00:03:28.770 align:middle line:84% after the two chairs are done with this process and all 00:03:28.770 --> 00:03:31.170 align:middle line:90% the committee members. 00:03:31.170 --> 00:03:33.330 align:middle line:84% So anyway, as for the 6th Congressional District, 00:03:33.330 --> 00:03:35.310 align:middle line:84% I'm not going to steal Congressman Moulton's thunder 00:03:35.310 --> 00:03:35.810 align:middle line:90% here. 00:03:35.810 --> 00:03:38.430 align:middle line:84% But just a couple of highlights about the district, 00:03:38.430 --> 00:03:40.230 align:middle line:84% which I think kind of make it unique, 00:03:40.230 --> 00:03:43.410 align:middle line:84% is we have the oldest continuously operating 00:03:43.410 --> 00:03:46.587 align:middle line:84% fair in the country in Topsfield, which, 00:03:46.587 --> 00:03:48.420 align:middle line:84% unfortunately, had to take a pause last year 00:03:48.420 --> 00:03:51.190 align:middle line:84% but will be up and running again this year. 00:03:51.190 --> 00:03:53.400 align:middle line:84% We have one of the busiest fishing ports 00:03:53.400 --> 00:03:57.270 align:middle line:84% around in Gloucester, which has a tremendous fishing history, 00:03:57.270 --> 00:04:00.490 align:middle line:84% and is still a very vibrant fishing industry. 00:04:00.490 --> 00:04:03.600 align:middle line:84% And we also have some of the most innovative, high tech 00:04:03.600 --> 00:04:08.580 align:middle line:84% research going on at Lincoln Labs, which is affiliated 00:04:08.580 --> 00:04:10.500 align:middle line:90% with Hanscomb Air Force Base. 00:04:10.500 --> 00:04:12.907 align:middle line:84% And as you mentioned, I'm still in the reserves. 00:04:12.907 --> 00:04:15.240 align:middle line:84% So I get to go to Hanscomb and shop up at the commissary 00:04:15.240 --> 00:04:17.370 align:middle line:84% and get my Cheerios for $2 a box. 00:04:17.370 --> 00:04:18.690 align:middle line:90% So that's a pretty good deal. 00:04:18.690 --> 00:04:21.779 align:middle line:84% And we sort of want to make sure that we have that continuing 00:04:21.779 --> 00:04:23.910 align:middle line:90% to operate in Massachusetts. 00:04:23.910 --> 00:04:27.780 align:middle line:84% And also we have some of the best Chinese food in our area 00:04:27.780 --> 00:04:31.350 align:middle line:84% with our colleague Don Wong at Calhoun in Saugus. 00:04:31.350 --> 00:04:35.310 align:middle line:84% So it's a diverse district, very important to the Commonwealth. 00:04:35.310 --> 00:04:36.900 align:middle line:84% It hugs the New Hampshire border. 00:04:36.900 --> 00:04:40.560 align:middle line:84% We have a long coastline that goes from Salisbury 00:04:40.560 --> 00:04:41.620 align:middle line:90% down to Nahat. 00:04:41.620 --> 00:04:43.170 align:middle line:90% And it's a great district. 00:04:43.170 --> 00:04:45.180 align:middle line:84% And I'm really happy with the representation 00:04:45.180 --> 00:04:47.302 align:middle line:84% that we currently have with Congressman Moulton. 00:04:47.302 --> 00:04:48.510 align:middle line:90% So it's great to be with you. 00:04:48.510 --> 00:04:50.218 align:middle line:84% I thank you for giving me the opportunity 00:04:50.218 --> 00:04:53.250 align:middle line:84% to provide some greetings and thank you for all 00:04:53.250 --> 00:04:55.970 align:middle line:90% you're doing in this process. 00:04:55.970 --> 00:04:58.590 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Chairman Parisella. 00:04:58.590 --> 00:05:01.090 align:middle line:84% Incidentally, Jerry is the Chair of the Economic Development 00:05:01.090 --> 00:05:03.382 align:middle line:84% Emerging Technologies Committee here in the House. 00:05:03.382 --> 00:05:05.590 align:middle line:84% He's got a number of important bills in front of him. 00:05:05.590 --> 00:05:08.470 align:middle line:84% And we appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule 00:05:08.470 --> 00:05:09.690 align:middle line:90% to bring us greetings. 00:05:09.690 --> 00:05:11.110 align:middle line:90% So thank you, Jerry. 00:05:11.110 --> 00:05:13.240 align:middle line:84% So without further ado, I would like 00:05:13.240 --> 00:05:17.230 align:middle line:84% to ask Congressman from the 6th District, Seth Moulton, 00:05:17.230 --> 00:05:17.890 align:middle line:90% if you would-- 00:05:17.890 --> 00:05:20.710 align:middle line:84% if you would come and join us and give us his testimony. 00:05:20.710 --> 00:05:21.756 align:middle line:90% Congressman. 00:05:21.756 --> 00:05:27.470 align:middle line:90% 00:05:27.470 --> 00:05:29.409 align:middle line:84% You have to unmute yourself, Congressman. 00:05:29.409 --> 00:06:08.360 align:middle line:90% 00:06:08.360 --> 00:06:09.650 align:middle line:90% Can you hear me now? 00:06:09.650 --> 00:06:10.602 align:middle line:90% We got you. 00:06:10.602 --> 00:06:14.060 align:middle line:84% There you are, live and in color. 00:06:14.060 --> 00:06:16.440 align:middle line:84% Fancy microphone system that's obviously not working, 00:06:16.440 --> 00:06:18.990 align:middle line:90% so we're back to the standard. 00:06:18.990 --> 00:06:22.370 align:middle line:84% So that's what you get when you try to spruce things up. 00:06:22.370 --> 00:06:25.070 align:middle line:84% But I was saying that Jerry, it's 00:06:25.070 --> 00:06:27.830 align:middle line:84% great to serve with you here in the 6th District. 00:06:27.830 --> 00:06:31.430 align:middle line:84% And while you and I are both veterans of the United States 00:06:31.430 --> 00:06:34.407 align:middle line:84% Armed Services, I am certainly not a veteran of this process. 00:06:34.407 --> 00:06:36.240 align:middle line:84% This is the first time I've been through it. 00:06:36.240 --> 00:06:39.470 align:middle line:90% And Mike, you're a veteran here. 00:06:39.470 --> 00:06:41.630 align:middle line:84% You're certainly been a great mentor 00:06:41.630 --> 00:06:44.250 align:middle line:84% in trying to help me understand how this all works. 00:06:44.250 --> 00:06:45.560 align:middle line:90% And I appreciate that. 00:06:45.560 --> 00:06:48.770 align:middle line:84% And Senator Brownsberger, as I said to you before, 00:06:48.770 --> 00:06:51.560 align:middle line:84% you were someone that was identified as a person 00:06:51.560 --> 00:06:53.600 align:middle line:84% to watch when I was first getting into politics. 00:06:53.600 --> 00:06:57.050 align:middle line:84% And so for both of you leading this committee, 00:06:57.050 --> 00:07:01.280 align:middle line:84% I appreciate your leadership and your gentle mentorship, 00:07:01.280 --> 00:07:03.440 align:middle line:84% as you explained to me how it all works. 00:07:03.440 --> 00:07:05.690 align:middle line:84% I will also try to be brief with my remarks. 00:07:05.690 --> 00:07:07.640 align:middle line:84% But I do have some prepared remarks, 00:07:07.640 --> 00:07:10.010 align:middle line:84% because that's what I was instructed to do. 00:07:10.010 --> 00:07:15.230 align:middle line:84% So thank you again all for joining us, and here we go. 00:07:15.230 --> 00:07:17.780 align:middle line:84% It's an honor to be with you and to speak 00:07:17.780 --> 00:07:21.110 align:middle line:84% about this important undertaking before you. 00:07:21.110 --> 00:07:23.360 align:middle line:84% As you know, every 10 years, legislators 00:07:23.360 --> 00:07:25.820 align:middle line:84% undertake the momentous task following the census, 00:07:25.820 --> 00:07:28.190 align:middle line:84% in order to adjust for changes in our population 00:07:28.190 --> 00:07:31.250 align:middle line:84% and to strive for fair and proportional representation 00:07:31.250 --> 00:07:32.660 align:middle line:90% for all Americans. 00:07:32.660 --> 00:07:34.460 align:middle line:84% The process is meant to be apolitical. 00:07:34.460 --> 00:07:37.130 align:middle line:84% But unfortunately, we all know that, across America, this 00:07:37.130 --> 00:07:38.630 align:middle line:90% isn't always the case. 00:07:38.630 --> 00:07:41.030 align:middle line:84% All too often in red states and blue states, 00:07:41.030 --> 00:07:43.580 align:middle line:84% legislators and state houses dominated by one party 00:07:43.580 --> 00:07:45.740 align:middle line:84% use their positions of power to serve themselves 00:07:45.740 --> 00:07:47.990 align:middle line:84% and their friends, drawing districts in their favor 00:07:47.990 --> 00:07:49.557 align:middle line:90% in order to win more seats. 00:07:49.557 --> 00:07:51.890 align:middle line:84% In fact, here in Massachusetts, within the 6th District, 00:07:51.890 --> 00:07:54.620 align:middle line:84% the district I represent, is where gerrymandering 00:07:54.620 --> 00:07:57.710 align:middle line:84% was born, named after Elbridge Gerry, former Vice 00:07:57.710 --> 00:08:00.710 align:middle line:84% President and Governor of Massachusetts whose house still 00:08:00.710 --> 00:08:02.480 align:middle line:90% stands in my hometown. 00:08:02.480 --> 00:08:06.248 align:middle line:84% That historical fact isn't lost on me as we meet here today. 00:08:06.248 --> 00:08:08.540 align:middle line:84% However, I know the honorable members of this committee 00:08:08.540 --> 00:08:11.570 align:middle line:84% will do their best to avoid those salamander-shaped 00:08:11.570 --> 00:08:15.200 align:middle line:84% districts for which gerrymandering is infamous. 00:08:15.200 --> 00:08:17.810 align:middle line:84% I trust that all of you also understand the stakes. 00:08:17.810 --> 00:08:20.385 align:middle line:84% Minority voters often see their votes concentrated 00:08:20.385 --> 00:08:22.010 align:middle line:84% in single districts, where the district 00:08:22.010 --> 00:08:24.020 align:middle line:90% lines divide their communities. 00:08:24.020 --> 00:08:26.120 align:middle line:84% Both practices dilute their influence 00:08:26.120 --> 00:08:28.040 align:middle line:84% and silence their political voice. 00:08:28.040 --> 00:08:29.567 align:middle line:90% And you can fix this problem. 00:08:29.567 --> 00:08:31.400 align:middle line:84% I did notice, looking through the membership 00:08:31.400 --> 00:08:34.370 align:middle line:84% of this committee, that none of you are from the 6th District. 00:08:34.370 --> 00:08:36.710 align:middle line:84% So beyond imploring you to conduct 00:08:36.710 --> 00:08:40.100 align:middle line:84% a fair apolitical redistricting that empowers and unites 00:08:40.100 --> 00:08:43.309 align:middle line:84% our communities, I have no advice, only some observations 00:08:43.309 --> 00:08:47.090 align:middle line:84% about the area that is currently the 6th Congressional District. 00:08:47.090 --> 00:08:48.110 align:middle line:90% There's no place better. 00:08:48.110 --> 00:08:50.870 align:middle line:84% From my hometown and communities like it on the North Shore 00:08:50.870 --> 00:08:54.020 align:middle line:84% that are home to a resilient and adapting fishing industry, 00:08:54.020 --> 00:08:57.770 align:middle line:84% to the historical mill towns along the Merrimack Valley, 00:08:57.770 --> 00:09:01.730 align:middle line:84% to the fast rising city of Lynn, to the VA hospital in Bedford, 00:09:01.730 --> 00:09:03.710 align:middle line:84% where I get my own health care, I 00:09:03.710 --> 00:09:06.590 align:middle line:84% am proud to represent the communities of this district 00:09:06.590 --> 00:09:07.910 align:middle line:90% and its residents. 00:09:07.910 --> 00:09:09.860 align:middle line:84% It's one of the greatest honors of my life 00:09:09.860 --> 00:09:13.010 align:middle line:84% to work with and serve the place where I grew up. 00:09:13.010 --> 00:09:15.170 align:middle line:84% And I'm continually inspired by the people who 00:09:15.170 --> 00:09:17.900 align:middle line:84% are engaged on the issues that Congress considers, 00:09:17.900 --> 00:09:20.600 align:middle line:84% many of whom volunteer their time. 00:09:20.600 --> 00:09:23.450 align:middle line:84% We've worked together to protect the coastline on Plum Island 00:09:23.450 --> 00:09:25.910 align:middle line:84% from climate change, to regulate pipeline 00:09:25.910 --> 00:09:28.610 align:middle line:84% safety after the Columbia Gas explosions. 00:09:28.610 --> 00:09:32.300 align:middle line:84% We've returned mailboxes removed by the Trump appointees 00:09:32.300 --> 00:09:35.240 align:middle line:84% in Gloucester and Amesbury and have worked together recently 00:09:35.240 --> 00:09:38.570 align:middle line:84% to protect each other from the coronavirus pandemic. 00:09:38.570 --> 00:09:40.640 align:middle line:84% I didn't fully appreciate these communities 00:09:40.640 --> 00:09:43.430 align:middle line:84% until I returned between deployments in Iraq. 00:09:43.430 --> 00:09:46.460 align:middle line:84% My appreciation for it is why my wife Liz and our two 00:09:46.460 --> 00:09:49.953 align:middle line:84% daughters, Emmy and Caroline, have settled in Salem. 00:09:49.953 --> 00:09:52.370 align:middle line:84% The communities in the district, as it currently is drawn, 00:09:52.370 --> 00:09:55.460 align:middle line:84% share a rich history, economy, and identity. 00:09:55.460 --> 00:09:57.500 align:middle line:84% And while I can't say I would want anyone 00:09:57.500 --> 00:09:59.330 align:middle line:84% to be drawn out of the 6th District, 00:09:59.330 --> 00:10:01.558 align:middle line:84% I am also aware that change is inevitable. 00:10:01.558 --> 00:10:04.100 align:middle line:84% And there is a good chance that my own district borders could 00:10:04.100 --> 00:10:06.650 align:middle line:90% change, even if only slightly. 00:10:06.650 --> 00:10:09.980 align:middle line:84% When all is said and done, I'm confident that any constituents 00:10:09.980 --> 00:10:13.760 align:middle line:84% finding themselves in a new district will be in good hands. 00:10:13.760 --> 00:10:15.260 align:middle line:84% The districts surrounding mine are 00:10:15.260 --> 00:10:18.320 align:middle line:84% represented by hard-working and capable officials. 00:10:18.320 --> 00:10:20.210 align:middle line:84% In a similar vein, I plan to rise 00:10:20.210 --> 00:10:21.950 align:middle line:84% to the challenge of earning the trust 00:10:21.950 --> 00:10:23.990 align:middle line:84% and approval of any new residents who 00:10:23.990 --> 00:10:26.750 align:middle line:84% could find themselves joining the 6th District. 00:10:26.750 --> 00:10:29.240 align:middle line:84% So whatever you decide, so long as the process is fair, 00:10:29.240 --> 00:10:30.890 align:middle line:84% I will be happy with the results, 00:10:30.890 --> 00:10:32.960 align:middle line:84% so long as you keep at this first and foremost 00:10:32.960 --> 00:10:35.180 align:middle line:84% in your minds, as you do your important work. 00:10:35.180 --> 00:10:38.510 align:middle line:84% In America, the voters should pick their representatives, not 00:10:38.510 --> 00:10:39.950 align:middle line:90% the other way around. 00:10:39.950 --> 00:10:42.290 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:10:42.290 --> 00:10:46.190 align:middle line:84% Thank you Congressman for your testimony. 00:10:46.190 --> 00:10:48.920 align:middle line:84% I will also point out that, while the 6th Congressional 00:10:48.920 --> 00:10:52.620 align:middle line:84% District doesn't have any members on this committee, 00:10:52.620 --> 00:10:54.890 align:middle line:84% it swings a pretty large bat here in the State House. 00:10:54.890 --> 00:10:59.510 align:middle line:84% So guys like Jerry Parisella and the gentle lady from Gloucester 00:10:59.510 --> 00:11:01.960 align:middle line:84% will most certainly be heard in this process. 00:11:01.960 --> 00:11:05.450 align:middle line:84% So I'd ask now if any members of the committee 00:11:05.450 --> 00:11:07.640 align:middle line:84% have any questions from the Congressman. 00:11:07.640 --> 00:11:08.360 align:middle line:90% Any members? 00:11:08.360 --> 00:11:12.150 align:middle line:90% 00:11:12.150 --> 00:11:12.653 align:middle line:90% OK. 00:11:12.653 --> 00:11:14.820 align:middle line:84% Hearing none, I'd just like to thank the Congressman 00:11:14.820 --> 00:11:18.390 align:middle line:84% for taking time out of his busy schedule to testify here today. 00:11:18.390 --> 00:11:21.310 align:middle line:84% Wish him the best and enjoy the rest of your evening. 00:11:21.310 --> 00:11:23.400 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Congressman. 00:11:23.400 --> 00:11:25.020 align:middle line:90% Thank you all very much. 00:11:25.020 --> 00:11:26.384 align:middle line:90% OK, next to testify. 00:11:26.384 --> 00:11:27.330 align:middle line:90% Good evening. 00:11:27.330 --> 00:11:29.370 align:middle line:84% Next to testify would be Mehreen Butt. 00:11:29.370 --> 00:11:31.200 align:middle line:84% She is a Wakefield City Council-- 00:11:31.200 --> 00:11:33.270 align:middle line:90% Town Councilor, sorry. 00:11:33.270 --> 00:11:36.330 align:middle line:84% Mehreen, Mehreen, I think it's Mehreen Butt. 00:11:36.330 --> 00:11:39.170 align:middle line:90% 00:11:39.170 --> 00:11:39.770 align:middle line:90% Hi, Chair. 00:11:39.770 --> 00:11:40.760 align:middle line:90% Can you hear me? 00:11:40.760 --> 00:11:42.350 align:middle line:90% I can, loud and clear Mehreen. 00:11:42.350 --> 00:11:43.610 align:middle line:90% Thank you for joining us. 00:11:43.610 --> 00:11:44.840 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Representative. 00:11:44.840 --> 00:11:46.340 align:middle line:84% And just to give everyone a warning, 00:11:46.340 --> 00:11:49.730 align:middle line:84% Wakefield has lost their power, about five minutes ago. 00:11:49.730 --> 00:11:53.330 align:middle line:84% So I somehow can see you and am following this. 00:11:53.330 --> 00:11:56.150 align:middle line:84% But if you lose me, I will send everything 00:11:56.150 --> 00:11:57.540 align:middle line:90% in with written testimony. 00:11:57.540 --> 00:12:00.740 align:middle line:90% But thank you. 00:12:00.740 --> 00:12:02.840 align:middle line:84% Thank you Chair Moran and Chair Brownsberger 00:12:02.840 --> 00:12:04.910 align:middle line:84% for the opportunity to provide testimony 00:12:04.910 --> 00:12:07.400 align:middle line:84% for the special joint committee on redistricting 00:12:07.400 --> 00:12:09.620 align:middle line:84% hearing for the 6th Congressional District. 00:12:09.620 --> 00:12:12.650 align:middle line:84% My name is Mehreen Butt, and I'm a Wakefield Town Councilor. 00:12:12.650 --> 00:12:15.590 align:middle line:84% In 2017, I was the first American Muslim woman 00:12:15.590 --> 00:12:18.050 align:middle line:84% elected to a municipality in Massachusetts 00:12:18.050 --> 00:12:20.510 align:middle line:84% and one of the first Asian-Americans elected 00:12:20.510 --> 00:12:21.950 align:middle line:90% in the entire state. 00:12:21.950 --> 00:12:23.840 align:middle line:84% I went to public schools in the district. 00:12:23.840 --> 00:12:26.868 align:middle line:84% My dad worked and retired from hospitals in the district. 00:12:26.868 --> 00:12:28.910 align:middle line:84% My parents moved from Lynnfield to North Reading, 00:12:28.910 --> 00:12:33.050 align:middle line:84% and I live in Wakefield, all within the 6th District. 00:12:33.050 --> 00:12:35.450 align:middle line:84% I'm also a Democratic State Committee Member. 00:12:35.450 --> 00:12:38.900 align:middle line:84% And my day job is advocating for sexual and reproductive rights 00:12:38.900 --> 00:12:42.570 align:middle line:84% and electing candidates who fight for equality and justice. 00:12:42.570 --> 00:12:45.470 align:middle line:84% I'm a member of the Drawing Democracy Coalition 00:12:45.470 --> 00:12:48.320 align:middle line:84% and work closely with the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, Mass Voter 00:12:48.320 --> 00:12:51.560 align:middle line:84% Table, and other organizations dedicated to this process 00:12:51.560 --> 00:12:52.430 align:middle line:90% and looking-- 00:12:52.430 --> 00:12:53.930 align:middle line:84% and look forward to working with you 00:12:53.930 --> 00:12:55.670 align:middle line:84% towards a transparent redistricting 00:12:55.670 --> 00:12:57.680 align:middle line:90% process and fair maps. 00:12:57.680 --> 00:13:00.920 align:middle line:84% I'd like to offer two items for the committee's consideration. 00:13:00.920 --> 00:13:03.860 align:middle line:84% First, Wakefield is split into two House districts. 00:13:03.860 --> 00:13:06.440 align:middle line:84% Wakefield's a town of roughly 25,000. 00:13:06.440 --> 00:13:08.330 align:middle line:90% It's odd we are split in half. 00:13:08.330 --> 00:13:10.250 align:middle line:84% What is even odder is half the town, 00:13:10.250 --> 00:13:14.240 align:middle line:84% my precinct included, is part of Saugus and Lynn 00:13:14.240 --> 00:13:16.400 align:middle line:84% districts, which are part of Essex County. 00:13:16.400 --> 00:13:21.290 align:middle line:84% Wakefield as-- Wakefield is part of Middlesex County. 00:13:21.290 --> 00:13:24.170 align:middle line:84% Residents of every city and town deserve responsive, 00:13:24.170 --> 00:13:27.500 align:middle line:84% high-quality services that meet their unique individual needs. 00:13:27.500 --> 00:13:29.210 align:middle line:84% Cities and towns must work together 00:13:29.210 --> 00:13:30.800 align:middle line:84% and find solutions that meet the needs 00:13:30.800 --> 00:13:33.470 align:middle line:84% of their residents in sustainable, cost-effective 00:13:33.470 --> 00:13:34.100 align:middle line:90% ways. 00:13:34.100 --> 00:13:36.110 align:middle line:84% The current split makes that more difficult 00:13:36.110 --> 00:13:38.450 align:middle line:90% and simply doesn't make sense. 00:13:38.450 --> 00:13:41.510 align:middle line:84% I would urge that we stay whole and, if that's not possible, 00:13:41.510 --> 00:13:44.508 align:middle line:84% we are in districts with other towns in Middlesex County. 00:13:44.508 --> 00:13:46.550 align:middle line:84% We have more in common with the neighboring towns 00:13:46.550 --> 00:13:48.530 align:middle line:84% of Melrose, Reading and Stoneham than we 00:13:48.530 --> 00:13:50.150 align:middle line:90% do with Lynn and Saugus. 00:13:50.150 --> 00:13:52.430 align:middle line:84% We share services with Melrose and Reading, 00:13:52.430 --> 00:13:55.350 align:middle line:84% including an assessor and a board of health director. 00:13:55.350 --> 00:13:57.830 align:middle line:84% We also share Boys and Girls Club with Stoneham. 00:13:57.830 --> 00:14:00.200 align:middle line:84% Because Wakefield is fortunate to have two commuter rail 00:14:00.200 --> 00:14:03.170 align:middle line:84% stops, we are much more likely to build community 00:14:03.170 --> 00:14:06.020 align:middle line:84% with others who get on the train in Reading and Melrose. 00:14:06.020 --> 00:14:07.760 align:middle line:84% Our state senator is Jason Lewis, 00:14:07.760 --> 00:14:11.630 align:middle line:84% who represents other towns and cities in Middlesex County. 00:14:11.630 --> 00:14:13.700 align:middle line:84% Second, beyond Wakefield, I encourage 00:14:13.700 --> 00:14:17.150 align:middle line:84% you to draw districts that create opportunity districts. 00:14:17.150 --> 00:14:20.570 align:middle line:84% It is hard to run as a non-traditional candidate. 00:14:20.570 --> 00:14:23.390 align:middle line:84% And we need more districts that equitably represent 00:14:23.390 --> 00:14:26.390 align:middle line:84% BIPOC communities, low-income people, and immigrants 00:14:26.390 --> 00:14:28.040 align:middle line:90% in Massachusetts. 00:14:28.040 --> 00:14:31.160 align:middle line:84% In particular, Lynn and Saugus are opportunity districts. 00:14:31.160 --> 00:14:33.140 align:middle line:84% Their residents deserve to be represented 00:14:33.140 --> 00:14:36.020 align:middle line:84% by members of their communities and have their voices heard 00:14:36.020 --> 00:14:37.038 align:middle line:90% at the State House. 00:14:37.038 --> 00:14:39.080 align:middle line:84% When looking at these districts, please take into 00:14:39.080 --> 00:14:42.470 align:middle line:84% account the diverse ethnicities and language groups 00:14:42.470 --> 00:14:43.940 align:middle line:90% in those communities. 00:14:43.940 --> 00:14:45.230 align:middle line:90% Representation matters. 00:14:45.230 --> 00:14:47.780 align:middle line:90% And you have an opportunity to-- 00:14:47.780 --> 00:14:51.860 align:middle line:84% we have an opportunity for people in Massachusetts 00:14:51.860 --> 00:14:55.040 align:middle line:84% to be reflected at the State House and with their elected. 00:14:55.040 --> 00:14:56.750 align:middle line:84% Thank you again for this opportunity. 00:14:56.750 --> 00:14:59.430 align:middle line:90% 00:14:59.430 --> 00:15:01.460 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much, Mehreen. 00:15:01.460 --> 00:15:04.370 align:middle line:84% I can assure you that the things that you testified for 00:15:04.370 --> 00:15:07.070 align:middle line:84% were foremost on our mind 10 years ago. 00:15:07.070 --> 00:15:10.520 align:middle line:84% As a matter of fact, in the city of Lynn, in the rep districts, 00:15:10.520 --> 00:15:13.650 align:middle line:90% we reconfigured that city. 00:15:13.650 --> 00:15:16.760 align:middle line:84% So we did have a majority minority district in that city 00:15:16.760 --> 00:15:17.670 align:middle line:90% 10 years ago. 00:15:17.670 --> 00:15:19.850 align:middle line:90% First time ever, I might add. 00:15:19.850 --> 00:15:23.750 align:middle line:84% And it is our intent to take a look at those districts first, 00:15:23.750 --> 00:15:26.600 align:middle line:84% to make sure that they don't slip or have 00:15:26.600 --> 00:15:30.810 align:middle line:84% any sort of seepage when it comes to the majority 00:15:30.810 --> 00:15:32.910 align:middle line:84% representation in those districts. 00:15:32.910 --> 00:15:34.580 align:middle line:90% So I appreciate your testimony. 00:15:34.580 --> 00:15:36.884 align:middle line:84% And I'd ask my colleagues if they 00:15:36.884 --> 00:15:38.134 align:middle line:90% have any question for Mehreen. 00:15:38.134 --> 00:15:41.740 align:middle line:90% 00:15:41.740 --> 00:15:42.240 align:middle line:90% Excellent. 00:15:42.240 --> 00:15:43.032 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mehreen. 00:15:43.032 --> 00:15:45.807 align:middle line:84% I appreciate your testimony in the darkness. 00:15:45.807 --> 00:15:47.640 align:middle line:84% Good luck with getting some light out there. 00:15:47.640 --> 00:15:49.350 align:middle line:84% And I appreciate you taking the time 00:15:49.350 --> 00:15:51.280 align:middle line:84% to step up and be heard on this issue. 00:15:51.280 --> 00:15:52.740 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much. 00:15:52.740 --> 00:15:53.950 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:15:53.950 --> 00:15:54.450 align:middle line:90% OK. 00:15:54.450 --> 00:16:00.180 align:middle line:84% Next I'd like to invite John Lippitt from the Reading town 00:16:00.180 --> 00:16:03.420 align:middle line:84% meeting, Reading town meeting member John Lippitt, 00:16:03.420 --> 00:16:04.360 align:middle line:90% to come and testify. 00:16:04.360 --> 00:16:09.812 align:middle line:84% And before John does, I'd just like to, if I could, 00:16:09.812 --> 00:16:12.270 align:middle line:84% draw attention to a couple of my-- one of my colleagues who 00:16:12.270 --> 00:16:16.530 align:middle line:84% have joined us, all the way from the great town of Provincetown, 00:16:16.530 --> 00:16:17.100 align:middle line:90% Sarah Peake. 00:16:17.100 --> 00:16:18.860 align:middle line:90% Thank you for joining us, Sarah. 00:16:18.860 --> 00:16:19.890 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr Chairman. 00:16:19.890 --> 00:16:21.310 align:middle line:90% Glad to be here. 00:16:21.310 --> 00:16:23.610 align:middle line:90% John, what say you? 00:16:23.610 --> 00:16:24.190 align:middle line:90% Good evening. 00:16:24.190 --> 00:16:26.250 align:middle line:84% Thank you all for the opportunity invitation 00:16:26.250 --> 00:16:27.120 align:middle line:90% to testify here. 00:16:27.120 --> 00:16:29.190 align:middle line:84% I really appreciate the opportunity. 00:16:29.190 --> 00:16:31.500 align:middle line:84% As was mentioned, I am an elected town meeting member 00:16:31.500 --> 00:16:33.000 align:middle line:84% in Reading and also the Vice Chair 00:16:33.000 --> 00:16:35.880 align:middle line:84% of the Democratic Town Committee here in Reading. 00:16:35.880 --> 00:16:38.100 align:middle line:84% I would echo what has been said before, 00:16:38.100 --> 00:16:40.980 align:middle line:84% that I think it's important in the district process 00:16:40.980 --> 00:16:45.030 align:middle line:84% to empower and unify towns and communities and their voters. 00:16:45.030 --> 00:16:47.250 align:middle line:84% As Mehreen said about Wakefield, Reading 00:16:47.250 --> 00:16:50.550 align:middle line:84% is currently split between two state rep districts. 00:16:50.550 --> 00:16:54.520 align:middle line:84% We're all in Jason Lewis' Senate District and we are all in CD-6 00:16:54.520 --> 00:16:55.020 align:middle line:90% right now. 00:16:55.020 --> 00:16:57.000 align:middle line:84% Although there was a time when Reading 00:16:57.000 --> 00:16:59.520 align:middle line:84% was split between two congressional districts. 00:16:59.520 --> 00:17:02.220 align:middle line:84% Splitting towns between congressional districts or even 00:17:02.220 --> 00:17:04.710 align:middle line:84% state rep districts confuses voters 00:17:04.710 --> 00:17:06.900 align:middle line:84% and makes the process of running the elections 00:17:06.900 --> 00:17:10.260 align:middle line:84% and writing and printing the ballots much more complicated 00:17:10.260 --> 00:17:11.579 align:middle line:90% for town officials. 00:17:11.579 --> 00:17:13.410 align:middle line:84% So to the greatest extent possible, 00:17:13.410 --> 00:17:17.819 align:middle line:84% I would encourage you to keep the district lines coincident 00:17:17.819 --> 00:17:20.010 align:middle line:84% with other town and jurisdictional boundaries, 00:17:20.010 --> 00:17:23.200 align:middle line:84% to keep towns and communities together. 00:17:23.200 --> 00:17:25.829 align:middle line:84% Secondly, I would encourage where 00:17:25.829 --> 00:17:27.660 align:middle line:84% at all possible to keep whole Senate 00:17:27.660 --> 00:17:29.640 align:middle line:84% districts within the congressional district 00:17:29.640 --> 00:17:31.800 align:middle line:84% and whole rep districts, so 4 rep 00:17:31.800 --> 00:17:34.140 align:middle line:84% districts within each senatorial district. 00:17:34.140 --> 00:17:35.910 align:middle line:84% It is confusing to voters to have 00:17:35.910 --> 00:17:37.860 align:middle line:84% two different reps in Reading but everybody 00:17:37.860 --> 00:17:41.520 align:middle line:90% to have the same state Senator. 00:17:41.520 --> 00:17:43.230 align:middle line:84% And the last thing I'd suggest is 00:17:43.230 --> 00:17:47.340 align:middle line:84% that work be done to keep the districts as compact 00:17:47.340 --> 00:17:48.330 align:middle line:90% as possible. 00:17:48.330 --> 00:17:50.550 align:middle line:84% Mathematically, the simplest way to state 00:17:50.550 --> 00:17:52.290 align:middle line:84% that is that the ratio of the perimeter 00:17:52.290 --> 00:17:55.500 align:middle line:84% of the area of the district to the area of the district 00:17:55.500 --> 00:17:57.220 align:middle line:90% be as low as possible. 00:17:57.220 --> 00:17:59.050 align:middle line:90% So those are just suggestions. 00:17:59.050 --> 00:18:02.333 align:middle line:84% I would encourage you to keep those in mind 00:18:02.333 --> 00:18:03.750 align:middle line:84% as you put the districts together. 00:18:03.750 --> 00:18:04.950 align:middle line:84% And look forward to the great job 00:18:04.950 --> 00:18:06.242 align:middle line:90% that I know you're going to do. 00:18:06.242 --> 00:18:07.723 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much. 00:18:07.723 --> 00:18:08.390 align:middle line:90% Thank you, John. 00:18:08.390 --> 00:18:09.572 align:middle line:90% I appreciate it. 00:18:09.572 --> 00:18:11.280 align:middle line:84% And if you look at some of the principles 00:18:11.280 --> 00:18:14.880 align:middle line:84% that we use and have employed over the years, a lot of them 00:18:14.880 --> 00:18:17.415 align:middle line:84% will coincide with exactly what you said. 00:18:17.415 --> 00:18:19.540 align:middle line:84% You're familiar with I'm sure, the town of Reading, 00:18:19.540 --> 00:18:22.800 align:middle line:84% which I believe, at the top my head, is around 25,000 people. 00:18:22.800 --> 00:18:23.430 align:middle line:90% Yep. 00:18:23.430 --> 00:18:25.380 align:middle line:84% So it just goes to-- stands to figure 00:18:25.380 --> 00:18:28.530 align:middle line:84% that we have to go to another city or town around you 00:18:28.530 --> 00:18:29.640 align:middle line:90% to get that population. 00:18:29.640 --> 00:18:33.665 align:middle line:84% And sometimes that math doesn't always add up nice and neatly. 00:18:33.665 --> 00:18:35.040 align:middle line:84% And you have to split some towns. 00:18:35.040 --> 00:18:38.040 align:middle line:84% And you know, there's 351 cities and towns. 00:18:38.040 --> 00:18:39.750 align:middle line:90% And there's 160 rep districts. 00:18:39.750 --> 00:18:43.830 align:middle line:84% So and they range from 81 people in Gosnold 00:18:43.830 --> 00:18:46.230 align:middle line:84% to over 700,000 people in Boston. 00:18:46.230 --> 00:18:51.480 align:middle line:84% So somewhere in between them two lies your city or town. 00:18:51.480 --> 00:18:53.700 align:middle line:84% And we try where we can to keep them whole. 00:18:53.700 --> 00:18:54.390 align:middle line:90% We certainly do. 00:18:54.390 --> 00:18:56.030 align:middle line:90% But, you know, we can't succeed. 00:18:56.030 --> 00:18:57.030 align:middle line:90% It's an impossible task. 00:18:57.030 --> 00:18:58.365 align:middle line:90% But I appreciate your testimony. 00:18:58.365 --> 00:19:00.240 align:middle line:84% And I'd like to ask all my colleagues if they 00:19:00.240 --> 00:19:02.340 align:middle line:90% have any questions for John. 00:19:02.340 --> 00:19:08.500 align:middle line:84% Please raise your hand, step forward and do so. 00:19:08.500 --> 00:19:09.000 align:middle line:90% OK. 00:19:09.000 --> 00:19:12.050 align:middle line:84% Hearing none, I thank you John for your testimony. 00:19:12.050 --> 00:19:13.800 align:middle line:84% I appreciate it very much, taking time out 00:19:13.800 --> 00:19:14.880 align:middle line:90% of your schedule. 00:19:14.880 --> 00:19:18.660 align:middle line:84% And I'd like to call on now Christopher Campbell, who 00:19:18.660 --> 00:19:23.460 align:middle line:84% is a Burlington Democratic town meeting member, a town 00:19:23.460 --> 00:19:24.840 align:middle line:90% committee member, I think. 00:19:24.840 --> 00:19:26.923 align:middle line:84% Oh, the chairman of the Burlington Democratic town 00:19:26.923 --> 00:19:29.190 align:middle line:84% committee, Christopher, are you with us? 00:19:29.190 --> 00:19:32.235 align:middle line:90% 00:19:32.235 --> 00:19:33.360 align:middle line:90% Christopher is not with us. 00:19:33.360 --> 00:19:36.160 align:middle line:84% That's what I'm being told, my apologies. 00:19:36.160 --> 00:19:38.340 align:middle line:84% Then I would like to ask the Executive 00:19:38.340 --> 00:19:42.420 align:middle line:84% Director of the Essex County Community Organization, Andrea 00:19:42.420 --> 00:19:43.830 align:middle line:90% Shields. 00:19:43.830 --> 00:19:46.230 align:middle line:84% Dr. Andrea Shields, are you with us? 00:19:46.230 --> 00:19:46.980 align:middle line:90% Oh, there you are. 00:19:46.980 --> 00:19:47.982 align:middle line:90% I can see you. 00:19:47.982 --> 00:19:49.440 align:middle line:84% I think you need to unmute, though. 00:19:49.440 --> 00:19:52.030 align:middle line:90% 00:19:52.030 --> 00:19:54.610 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:19:54.610 --> 00:19:57.400 align:middle line:84% Good evening, I am Alexandra Pineros-Shields. 00:19:57.400 --> 00:19:59.680 align:middle line:84% I'm the Executive Director of ECCO, the Essex County 00:19:59.680 --> 00:20:02.350 align:middle line:84% Community Organization, and a professor 00:20:02.350 --> 00:20:05.728 align:middle line:84% at the School for Social Policy at Brandeis University. 00:20:05.728 --> 00:20:07.270 align:middle line:84% Thank you so much for the opportunity 00:20:07.270 --> 00:20:09.520 align:middle line:84% to share some thoughts with you tonight. 00:20:09.520 --> 00:20:11.590 align:middle line:84% So over the past 40 years, ECCO has 00:20:11.590 --> 00:20:14.920 align:middle line:84% worked with the residents of Ward 5 and Ward 6 in Lynn. 00:20:14.920 --> 00:20:16.930 align:middle line:84% Over the years, we have organized 00:20:16.930 --> 00:20:19.720 align:middle line:84% to ensure that our children are safe in our neighborhoods, 00:20:19.720 --> 00:20:22.690 align:middle line:84% that our schools provide the best education possible, 00:20:22.690 --> 00:20:25.540 align:middle line:84% and that housing is safe and affordable. 00:20:25.540 --> 00:20:29.170 align:middle line:84% And our organizing work is led by the local residents. 00:20:29.170 --> 00:20:32.380 align:middle line:84% Because, like you, we believe in democracy. 00:20:32.380 --> 00:20:36.250 align:middle line:84% We are dedicated to ensure that every person has the right 00:20:36.250 --> 00:20:39.740 align:middle line:84% to influence the decisions that affect their lives. 00:20:39.740 --> 00:20:42.280 align:middle line:84% In other words, we believe in self-determination, 00:20:42.280 --> 00:20:43.870 align:middle line:90% like all of you. 00:20:43.870 --> 00:20:47.590 align:middle line:84% Just on this past Sunday night, I was at the White House 00:20:47.590 --> 00:20:50.830 align:middle line:84% for the 4th of July celebration with one of ECCO's immigrant 00:20:50.830 --> 00:20:55.400 align:middle line:84% leaders and essential worker and her two teenage daughters, 00:20:55.400 --> 00:20:57.670 align:middle line:84% [? Fernanda ?] and [? Federline. ?] The two 00:20:57.670 --> 00:21:01.000 align:middle line:84% of them spoke candidly with President Biden about 00:21:01.000 --> 00:21:03.670 align:middle line:84% their dreams of having their whole families become US 00:21:03.670 --> 00:21:07.090 align:middle line:84% citizens and going to college to become a lawyer 00:21:07.090 --> 00:21:08.950 align:middle line:90% and a cardiologist. 00:21:08.950 --> 00:21:12.610 align:middle line:84% We work to create the conditions so that local residents can 00:21:12.610 --> 00:21:14.350 align:middle line:84% speak on their own behalf and create 00:21:14.350 --> 00:21:17.140 align:middle line:84% the policies that will shape their well-being 00:21:17.140 --> 00:21:18.520 align:middle line:90% and their hopes. 00:21:18.520 --> 00:21:22.390 align:middle line:84% Again, this is how we make democracy real 00:21:22.390 --> 00:21:25.660 align:middle line:84% in our neighborhoods, in our community, which 00:21:25.660 --> 00:21:28.810 align:middle line:84% is I know your vision as well, to make democracy real. 00:21:28.810 --> 00:21:30.830 align:middle line:84% So to that end, over the past few months, 00:21:30.830 --> 00:21:33.430 align:middle line:84% we've conducted some research to make sure 00:21:33.430 --> 00:21:36.640 align:middle line:84% that our work is guided by the community needs, what 00:21:36.640 --> 00:21:40.270 align:middle line:84% the community wants, using a participatory action research 00:21:40.270 --> 00:21:43.390 align:middle line:84% model, where community residents decide on research questions, 00:21:43.390 --> 00:21:46.300 align:middle line:84% develop research instruments, in this case, surveys 00:21:46.300 --> 00:21:48.640 align:middle line:84% and collect data, and then analyze that data. 00:21:48.640 --> 00:21:51.670 align:middle line:84% Lynn residents, who are low-income, Black, Latino, 00:21:51.670 --> 00:21:55.030 align:middle line:84% or immigrant, and/or immigrant, research together 00:21:55.030 --> 00:21:56.650 align:middle line:84% to learn the needs of their neighbors 00:21:56.650 --> 00:21:58.180 align:middle line:90% and their entire neighborhoods. 00:21:58.180 --> 00:22:00.010 align:middle line:84% And through this research, we learned 00:22:00.010 --> 00:22:02.470 align:middle line:84% that the residents in Ward 5 and Ward 6 00:22:02.470 --> 00:22:06.640 align:middle line:84% rank the following three variables highest among 17 00:22:06.640 --> 00:22:08.290 align:middle line:90% variables or policy areas. 00:22:08.290 --> 00:22:10.870 align:middle line:84% First, technical assistance and loans 00:22:10.870 --> 00:22:13.210 align:middle line:90% to start small businesses. 00:22:13.210 --> 00:22:15.970 align:middle line:84% Two, technical assistance and financial assistance 00:22:15.970 --> 00:22:17.410 align:middle line:90% for prospective homeowners. 00:22:17.410 --> 00:22:20.930 align:middle line:84% And three, financial assistance to for renters. 00:22:20.930 --> 00:22:25.270 align:middle line:84% In closing, I ask you to ensure that the political voice 00:22:25.270 --> 00:22:27.970 align:middle line:84% and political power of working class people 00:22:27.970 --> 00:22:32.650 align:middle line:84% and people of color in Lynn and, in particular, Wards 5 and 6 00:22:32.650 --> 00:22:33.620 align:middle line:90% remain intact. 00:22:33.620 --> 00:22:36.250 align:middle line:84% So that they can continue to organize and advocate 00:22:36.250 --> 00:22:39.400 align:middle line:84% for the policies that will advance their families 00:22:39.400 --> 00:22:41.350 align:middle line:90% and neighborhood's well-being. 00:22:41.350 --> 00:22:45.820 align:middle line:84% Thank you so much for your work preserving our democracy. 00:22:45.820 --> 00:22:46.877 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Alexandra. 00:22:46.877 --> 00:22:49.210 align:middle line:84% I appreciate your testimony and thank you for your work. 00:22:49.210 --> 00:22:51.940 align:middle line:90% 00:22:51.940 --> 00:22:56.200 align:middle line:84% The city of Lynn has got some very strong representation 00:22:56.200 --> 00:23:01.120 align:middle line:84% up here in their new rep and former city council 00:23:01.120 --> 00:23:03.380 align:middle line:84% president who has been here now for a while. 00:23:03.380 --> 00:23:07.240 align:middle line:84% But both of them are very proud of the minority representation 00:23:07.240 --> 00:23:10.930 align:middle line:84% that Lynn has and work hard to represent them. 00:23:10.930 --> 00:23:15.207 align:middle line:84% Even if they are not a minority themself, 00:23:15.207 --> 00:23:17.540 align:middle line:84% they work very hard to make sure that they have a voice. 00:23:17.540 --> 00:23:20.530 align:middle line:84% So and I'm sure you put a lot of pressure on them to make sure 00:23:20.530 --> 00:23:21.626 align:middle line:90% they do that so. 00:23:21.626 --> 00:23:22.300 align:middle line:90% That's right. 00:23:22.300 --> 00:23:23.230 align:middle line:90% I appreciate that. 00:23:23.230 --> 00:23:24.772 align:middle line:84% And that's how this process, I think, 00:23:24.772 --> 00:23:26.260 align:middle line:84% is supposed to work at some level. 00:23:26.260 --> 00:23:28.480 align:middle line:84% And we are committed on the House side 00:23:28.480 --> 00:23:31.030 align:middle line:84% certainly, because we do have a district there 00:23:31.030 --> 00:23:32.620 align:middle line:84% that is majority minority, that stays 00:23:32.620 --> 00:23:35.000 align:middle line:84% majority minority in a strong majority minority district. 00:23:35.000 --> 00:23:37.538 align:middle line:84% So that is something that we are very aware of. 00:23:37.538 --> 00:23:39.580 align:middle line:84% And I'm very proud that we did that 10 years ago. 00:23:39.580 --> 00:23:41.380 align:middle line:90% So I have no questions. 00:23:41.380 --> 00:23:43.678 align:middle line:84% But I want to thank you again for your work. 00:23:43.678 --> 00:23:45.220 align:middle line:84% And I would ask any of my colleagues, 00:23:45.220 --> 00:23:49.158 align:middle line:84% do they have any questions for Alexandra? 00:23:49.158 --> 00:23:51.200 align:middle line:84% Just also want to thank you for your work and let 00:23:51.200 --> 00:23:53.408 align:middle line:84% you know we're keeping those considerations very much 00:23:53.408 --> 00:23:54.090 align:middle line:90% in mind. 00:23:54.090 --> 00:23:55.650 align:middle line:90% Thank you, sir. 00:23:55.650 --> 00:23:57.120 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much. 00:23:57.120 --> 00:23:59.340 align:middle line:84% Before I introduce our next person, 00:23:59.340 --> 00:24:00.810 align:middle line:84% you have a good night, Alexandra. 00:24:00.810 --> 00:24:05.190 align:middle line:84% Before I introduce the next person, who is Jeffrey Crosby, 00:24:05.190 --> 00:24:07.920 align:middle line:84% I would like to recognize another colleague of mine 00:24:07.920 --> 00:24:13.200 align:middle line:84% that has joined us, the gentleman from-- 00:24:13.200 --> 00:24:15.990 align:middle line:84% I, of course, I lost you, Josh, Duxbury. 00:24:15.990 --> 00:24:17.250 align:middle line:90% Josh Cutler has joined us. 00:24:17.250 --> 00:24:21.170 align:middle line:84% Thank you Josh for coming into the hearing and joining us. 00:24:21.170 --> 00:24:22.230 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr Chairman. 00:24:22.230 --> 00:24:25.860 align:middle line:84% And next, I'd like to call again Jeffrey Crosby. 00:24:25.860 --> 00:24:27.510 align:middle line:90% If you're here, Jeffrey. 00:24:27.510 --> 00:24:28.090 align:middle line:90% I am. 00:24:28.090 --> 00:24:29.173 align:middle line:90% Can you hear me all right? 00:24:29.173 --> 00:24:30.287 align:middle line:90% I can, Jeffrey. 00:24:30.287 --> 00:24:31.120 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much. 00:24:31.120 --> 00:24:33.640 align:middle line:84% Welcome and thank you for taking the time to join us. 00:24:33.640 --> 00:24:34.470 align:middle line:90% I appreciate it. 00:24:34.470 --> 00:24:38.190 align:middle line:84% And I want to thank all the representatives and Chairman 00:24:38.190 --> 00:24:40.050 align:middle line:84% Moran on all the work you're doing on this, 00:24:40.050 --> 00:24:42.040 align:middle line:84% and I appreciate your time and effort. 00:24:42.040 --> 00:24:43.800 align:middle line:90% So I live in Lynn. 00:24:43.800 --> 00:24:46.560 align:middle line:84% I'm the director of the New Lynn Coalition 00:24:46.560 --> 00:24:49.050 align:middle line:84% and been a union official at General Electric 00:24:49.050 --> 00:24:52.140 align:middle line:84% for a long time before that, before I retired there. 00:24:52.140 --> 00:24:55.820 align:middle line:84% And I'm currently active in Lynn and Lynn politics and Lynn 00:24:55.820 --> 00:24:59.078 align:middle line:84% neighborhoods, and have been living here for about 20 years. 00:24:59.078 --> 00:25:00.870 align:middle line:84% So I appreciate the kind of time and effort 00:25:00.870 --> 00:25:02.610 align:middle line:84% you're going into to try to figure out 00:25:02.610 --> 00:25:05.790 align:middle line:84% a structure that's democratic and representative 00:25:05.790 --> 00:25:08.010 align:middle line:90% of our neighborhoods. 00:25:08.010 --> 00:25:12.780 align:middle line:84% One possibility-- I'm looking particularly at the 11th Essex, 00:25:12.780 --> 00:25:15.720 align:middle line:84% which is, if I have my figures right, 00:25:15.720 --> 00:25:19.860 align:middle line:84% is possibly up to, say, 4,000 people short 00:25:19.860 --> 00:25:25.500 align:middle line:84% and could be in line for switching some precincts. 00:25:25.500 --> 00:25:27.810 align:middle line:90% And I have two thoughts on that. 00:25:27.810 --> 00:25:31.840 align:middle line:84% One would be to take 5-3 and 5-2-- 00:25:31.840 --> 00:25:35.760 align:middle line:84% that's Ward 5, Precincts 3 and 2-- 00:25:35.760 --> 00:25:39.990 align:middle line:84% and switch them into the 11th Essex. 00:25:39.990 --> 00:25:42.780 align:middle line:84% And that would make Ward 5 whole, for one thing. 00:25:42.780 --> 00:25:46.380 align:middle line:84% Right now it's split between two representative districts. 00:25:46.380 --> 00:25:49.890 align:middle line:84% And also, I think, kind of hold some neighborhoods together. 00:25:49.890 --> 00:25:52.740 align:middle line:84% It would also increase the likelihood 00:25:52.740 --> 00:25:57.740 align:middle line:84% of Latino representation in the city, which is now, 00:25:57.740 --> 00:25:59.550 align:middle line:90% I don't know, maybe 40%. 00:25:59.550 --> 00:26:02.490 align:middle line:84% It's more than that minority altogether, 00:26:02.490 --> 00:26:05.350 align:middle line:84% it's up towards around 60-some percent. 00:26:05.350 --> 00:26:08.730 align:middle line:84% So I think that would make some sense with minimum disruption. 00:26:08.730 --> 00:26:13.290 align:middle line:84% Those two precincts are both around 40% Latino. 00:26:13.290 --> 00:26:17.910 align:middle line:84% One other possibility-- and this might feel a little bit 00:26:17.910 --> 00:26:18.660 align:middle line:90% of a stretch-- 00:26:18.660 --> 00:26:22.890 align:middle line:84% would be to add precincts that are currently 00:26:22.890 --> 00:26:26.400 align:middle line:84% tied in with Swampscott and Marblehead and in Lynn-- 00:26:26.400 --> 00:26:28.080 align:middle line:90% I think there's one in Lynn-- 00:26:28.080 --> 00:26:33.600 align:middle line:84% one or two-- and add those back into the Lynn representative 00:26:33.600 --> 00:26:34.470 align:middle line:90% districts. 00:26:34.470 --> 00:26:41.670 align:middle line:84% And that would mean possibly also switching the HoD. 00:26:41.670 --> 00:26:44.460 align:middle line:84% And the HoD is not out of the district, 00:26:44.460 --> 00:26:45.450 align:middle line:90% out of those currently. 00:26:45.450 --> 00:26:48.330 align:middle line:84% And the HoD is not geographically, physically 00:26:48.330 --> 00:26:50.520 align:middle line:84% connected to, say, Marblehead and stuff, 00:26:50.520 --> 00:26:52.410 align:middle line:84% but it actually has a pretty strong community 00:26:52.410 --> 00:26:54.330 align:middle line:84% of interest in terms of nationality make-up. 00:26:54.330 --> 00:26:55.705 align:middle line:84% The kind of people who live there 00:26:55.705 --> 00:26:58.140 align:middle line:84% is sort of the equivalent of the Upper Peninsula 00:26:58.140 --> 00:26:59.400 align:middle line:90% being a part of Michigan. 00:26:59.400 --> 00:27:01.567 align:middle line:84% Even though there's a body of water in between them, 00:27:01.567 --> 00:27:03.120 align:middle line:90% it's about a three minute drive. 00:27:03.120 --> 00:27:06.690 align:middle line:84% So that'd be another possibility of swapping the HoD 00:27:06.690 --> 00:27:12.090 align:middle line:84% and putting it in with Marblehead and Swampscott, 00:27:12.090 --> 00:27:14.220 align:middle line:84% and then taking a couple of precincts 00:27:14.220 --> 00:27:16.650 align:middle line:84% and switching them back into the Lynn districts there. 00:27:16.650 --> 00:27:19.380 align:middle line:84% Lynn has two representatives right now, 00:27:19.380 --> 00:27:21.630 align:middle line:84% and also a scattering of precincts 00:27:21.630 --> 00:27:24.450 align:middle line:84% that are represented by people in other cities 00:27:24.450 --> 00:27:25.920 align:middle line:84% where they're a very small minority 00:27:25.920 --> 00:27:28.060 align:middle line:84% and wouldn't make a whole lot of sense, I think. 00:27:28.060 --> 00:27:29.940 align:middle line:84% So those are the two possibilities 00:27:29.940 --> 00:27:33.750 align:middle line:84% that I think would increase the community 00:27:33.750 --> 00:27:37.595 align:middle line:84% representation in Lynn, and that I think would be helpful. 00:27:37.595 --> 00:27:38.970 align:middle line:84% And I appreciate your time, and I 00:27:38.970 --> 00:27:42.150 align:middle line:84% hope you'll consider those two options. 00:27:42.150 --> 00:27:42.650 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:27:42.650 --> 00:27:44.930 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Jeff. 00:27:44.930 --> 00:27:47.640 align:middle line:84% I think Lynn is, if memory serves me right, 00:27:47.640 --> 00:27:52.550 align:middle line:84% almost 95,000 people or thereabouts. 00:27:52.550 --> 00:27:56.330 align:middle line:84% And right now the ideal rep district 00:27:56.330 --> 00:27:58.790 align:middle line:90% I think is around 43,000. 00:27:58.790 --> 00:28:05.690 align:middle line:84% So Lynn is slightly larger than if you add the two ideals 00:28:05.690 --> 00:28:07.220 align:middle line:90% together. 00:28:07.220 --> 00:28:10.613 align:middle line:84% And that depends on how it plays out because each precinct has 00:28:10.613 --> 00:28:12.030 align:middle line:84% a different number attached to it, 00:28:12.030 --> 00:28:18.110 align:middle line:84% and obviously, as you pointed out, some have 40% Latino. 00:28:18.110 --> 00:28:21.800 align:middle line:84% So in Lynn, as the House sits, as the House of Representatives 00:28:21.800 --> 00:28:24.650 align:middle line:84% sits in Massachusetts, we're certainly 00:28:24.650 --> 00:28:26.900 align:middle line:84% going to take a hard look at that majority-minority 00:28:26.900 --> 00:28:27.830 align:middle line:90% district. 00:28:27.830 --> 00:28:29.750 align:middle line:84% And we're not going to do anything 00:28:29.750 --> 00:28:32.720 align:middle line:84% to hurt that because we want that to remain strong 00:28:32.720 --> 00:28:35.930 align:middle line:84% because that's one of the principles that we believe 00:28:35.930 --> 00:28:40.790 align:middle line:84% is good and necessary, at least on the House map. 00:28:40.790 --> 00:28:45.893 align:middle line:84% Because it's a little bit more challenging sometimes when you 00:28:45.893 --> 00:28:47.060 align:middle line:90% have to draw a hundred and-- 00:28:47.060 --> 00:28:48.960 align:middle line:84% we have to draw nine congressional districts, 00:28:48.960 --> 00:28:50.697 align:middle line:90% and we collaborate on that. 00:28:50.697 --> 00:28:52.280 align:middle line:84% We collaborate on all of it, actually. 00:28:52.280 --> 00:28:54.890 align:middle line:84% But there's 40 Senate districts, but there's 00:28:54.890 --> 00:28:56.180 align:middle line:90% 160 House districts. 00:28:56.180 --> 00:28:58.367 align:middle line:84% And we want to make sure that as many 00:28:58.367 --> 00:29:00.200 align:middle line:84% of those majority-minority districts that we 00:29:00.200 --> 00:29:02.270 align:middle line:90% created 10 years ago remain. 00:29:02.270 --> 00:29:04.820 align:middle line:84% And if we can build on that, we'd like to. 00:29:04.820 --> 00:29:06.528 align:middle line:84% So that's the first thing that we'll look 00:29:06.528 --> 00:29:07.653 align:middle line:90% at when we'll look at Lynn. 00:29:07.653 --> 00:29:09.920 align:middle line:84% And then I think the second thing that we'll look at 00:29:09.920 --> 00:29:11.378 align:middle line:84% is what you just referred to, which 00:29:11.378 --> 00:29:13.880 align:middle line:84% is community of interests, and which communities 00:29:13.880 --> 00:29:16.550 align:middle line:84% line up better with the community of Lynn 00:29:16.550 --> 00:29:20.060 align:middle line:84% when you're considering those districts. 00:29:20.060 --> 00:29:23.480 align:middle line:84% So those are two principles that we employ. 00:29:23.480 --> 00:29:25.910 align:middle line:84% And you're right to look at 5-2 and 5-3, 00:29:25.910 --> 00:29:27.650 align:middle line:84% and you're right to mention the HoD. 00:29:27.650 --> 00:29:29.570 align:middle line:84% And all of those will be on the table, 00:29:29.570 --> 00:29:32.460 align:middle line:84% and we will consider all of them as we move forward. 00:29:32.460 --> 00:29:35.908 align:middle line:84% And I just want to-- you came to us with some insightful 00:29:35.908 --> 00:29:37.700 align:middle line:84% and thought out testimony, and I appreciate 00:29:37.700 --> 00:29:41.060 align:middle line:84% that, when somebody goes that deep that talks about Wards 00:29:41.060 --> 00:29:42.890 align:middle line:84% and Precincts in surrounding towns. 00:29:42.890 --> 00:29:45.080 align:middle line:90% So thank you very much for that. 00:29:45.080 --> 00:29:47.810 align:middle line:84% I'd ask my colleagues, if they have any questions, 00:29:47.810 --> 00:29:51.420 align:middle line:84% to please let me know at this point in time. 00:29:51.420 --> 00:29:54.110 align:middle line:90% Any questions for Jeff? 00:29:54.110 --> 00:29:56.790 align:middle line:84% Appreciate the thoughtful testimony. 00:29:56.790 --> 00:29:57.650 align:middle line:90% OK. 00:29:57.650 --> 00:29:58.480 align:middle line:90% Thanks, Jeff. 00:29:58.480 --> 00:29:59.360 align:middle line:90% Thanks again. 00:29:59.360 --> 00:30:00.050 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:30:00.050 --> 00:30:02.390 align:middle line:90% Next up is Christina Eckert. 00:30:02.390 --> 00:30:04.660 align:middle line:90% Christina, are you with us? 00:30:04.660 --> 00:30:15.870 align:middle line:90% 00:30:15.870 --> 00:30:16.590 align:middle line:90% Sorry. 00:30:16.590 --> 00:30:19.920 align:middle line:84% My name's Christina Eckert, and I ran for office 00:30:19.920 --> 00:30:23.370 align:middle line:84% in the second Essex district, which is part of CD 6. 00:30:23.370 --> 00:30:25.840 align:middle line:84% And I've knocked on thousands of doors in the district, 00:30:25.840 --> 00:30:28.290 align:middle line:90% so I feel very familiar with it. 00:30:28.290 --> 00:30:30.450 align:middle line:84% As a mother of school children, schools 00:30:30.450 --> 00:30:33.330 align:middle line:84% are very important to me, and we have three regional school 00:30:33.330 --> 00:30:35.370 align:middle line:84% districts in the second Essex district. 00:30:35.370 --> 00:30:39.270 align:middle line:84% We have Masconomet, we have Triton, and we have Pentucket. 00:30:39.270 --> 00:30:41.460 align:middle line:84% Now, Masconomet's on the edge of the district, 00:30:41.460 --> 00:30:46.170 align:middle line:84% so we have five reps who represent Masconomet. 00:30:46.170 --> 00:30:48.060 align:middle line:90% I think that's a great thing. 00:30:48.060 --> 00:30:51.930 align:middle line:84% I think it's-- the more reps we have representing the district, 00:30:51.930 --> 00:30:54.630 align:middle line:84% the better representation we have. 00:30:54.630 --> 00:30:57.690 align:middle line:84% The reps will do earmarks for the district, 00:30:57.690 --> 00:31:00.510 align:middle line:84% they will let if there are grant opportunities coming up. 00:31:00.510 --> 00:31:06.210 align:middle line:84% It's a wealth of information that we get. 00:31:06.210 --> 00:31:09.460 align:middle line:84% Triton has three state reps, but Pentucket, 00:31:09.460 --> 00:31:12.300 align:middle line:84% which is wholly contained within the second Essex district, 00:31:12.300 --> 00:31:14.020 align:middle line:90% only has one. 00:31:14.020 --> 00:31:20.100 align:middle line:84% So I would testify that you might consider breaking up 00:31:20.100 --> 00:31:23.760 align:middle line:84% the three towns of the Pentucket District and put one or two 00:31:23.760 --> 00:31:25.380 align:middle line:84% of them into different districts-- 00:31:25.380 --> 00:31:29.640 align:middle line:84% and that is West Newbury, Groveland, and Merrimack-- 00:31:29.640 --> 00:31:32.490 align:middle line:84% so that they can have more representation rather than 00:31:32.490 --> 00:31:33.460 align:middle line:90% less. 00:31:33.460 --> 00:31:39.630 align:middle line:84% And I do think that Pentucket would benefit from that. 00:31:39.630 --> 00:31:42.870 align:middle line:84% When multiple reps are advocating for one district, 00:31:42.870 --> 00:31:45.310 align:middle line:90% I think the district benefits. 00:31:45.310 --> 00:31:49.740 align:middle line:84% So I'm also the past director of the Merrimack River Watershed 00:31:49.740 --> 00:31:53.100 align:middle line:84% Council, and the Watershed Council, 00:31:53.100 --> 00:31:54.930 align:middle line:84% and in fact the river and the valley, 00:31:54.930 --> 00:31:59.717 align:middle line:84% have benefited from having two congresspeople advocating 00:31:59.717 --> 00:32:00.300 align:middle line:90% for the river. 00:32:00.300 --> 00:32:04.710 align:middle line:84% We have Congressman Moulton and we have Congresswoman Trahan 00:32:04.710 --> 00:32:07.440 align:middle line:84% who have filed legislation on behalf of the river, 00:32:07.440 --> 00:32:09.520 align:middle line:90% and that's been very effective. 00:32:09.520 --> 00:32:12.570 align:middle line:84% And I think that we can take that to the state level 00:32:12.570 --> 00:32:16.470 align:middle line:84% and have multiple representatives representing 00:32:16.470 --> 00:32:19.590 align:middle line:84% different areas, and that would benefit them. 00:32:19.590 --> 00:32:25.020 align:middle line:90% 00:32:25.020 --> 00:32:25.560 align:middle line:90% Excellent. 00:32:25.560 --> 00:32:26.780 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Christina. 00:32:26.780 --> 00:32:29.722 align:middle line:84% So your testimony is the first one from the northern part 00:32:29.722 --> 00:32:30.430 align:middle line:90% of this District. 00:32:30.430 --> 00:32:31.440 align:middle line:90% So that's good. 00:32:31.440 --> 00:32:34.830 align:middle line:84% My wife is from the Merrimack Valley, 00:32:34.830 --> 00:32:37.690 align:middle line:84% so I'm very familiar with some of those areas are up there. 00:32:37.690 --> 00:32:40.460 align:middle line:90% So thank you for your testimony. 00:32:40.460 --> 00:32:43.600 align:middle line:84% Would anybody have any questions for Christina? 00:32:43.600 --> 00:32:44.611 align:middle line:90% Anybody? 00:32:44.611 --> 00:32:47.980 align:middle line:90% 00:32:47.980 --> 00:32:49.060 align:middle line:90% Hearing none. 00:32:49.060 --> 00:32:51.820 align:middle line:90% Mr. Chairman, sir? 00:32:51.820 --> 00:32:54.370 align:middle line:90% Senator Gobi, what say you? 00:32:54.370 --> 00:32:56.150 align:middle line:90% Thank you, and I'll be quick. 00:32:56.150 --> 00:32:59.830 align:middle line:84% I just-- I appreciate your comments because obviously 00:32:59.830 --> 00:33:02.020 align:middle line:84% where I am in the western part of the state, 00:33:02.020 --> 00:33:04.240 align:middle line:84% we run into some of these same issues. 00:33:04.240 --> 00:33:09.130 align:middle line:84% And the importance of having multiple people being the voice 00:33:09.130 --> 00:33:11.000 align:middle line:90% for an area, I agree with you. 00:33:11.000 --> 00:33:13.400 align:middle line:84% I think it's extremely important to do that. 00:33:13.400 --> 00:33:15.730 align:middle line:84% So I appreciate the comments that you made today. 00:33:15.730 --> 00:33:17.020 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:33:17.020 --> 00:33:18.610 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Senator. 00:33:18.610 --> 00:33:20.020 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Senator. 00:33:20.020 --> 00:33:22.570 align:middle line:90% I appreciate that. 00:33:22.570 --> 00:33:24.610 align:middle line:84% Hearing, seeing no other questions, 00:33:24.610 --> 00:33:26.400 align:middle line:84% I'd like to thank you for your testimony, 00:33:26.400 --> 00:33:28.990 align:middle line:84% and enjoy the rest of your night. 00:33:28.990 --> 00:33:32.360 align:middle line:84% And next I would like to call Jared Belliveau. 00:33:32.360 --> 00:33:32.860 align:middle line:90% Jared? 00:33:32.860 --> 00:33:45.310 align:middle line:90% 00:33:45.310 --> 00:33:46.360 align:middle line:90% Can you hear me? 00:33:46.360 --> 00:33:47.470 align:middle line:90% I can hear you, Jared. 00:33:47.470 --> 00:33:48.370 align:middle line:90% All right, great. 00:33:48.370 --> 00:33:49.270 align:middle line:90% Sorry about that. 00:33:49.270 --> 00:33:50.450 align:middle line:90% I'm having difficulties. 00:33:50.450 --> 00:33:53.152 align:middle line:90% Give us your best. 00:33:53.152 --> 00:33:53.860 align:middle line:90% Thank you, folks. 00:33:53.860 --> 00:33:57.710 align:middle line:84% I appreciate the opportunity to testify this evening. 00:33:57.710 --> 00:33:58.900 align:middle line:90% My name is Jared Belliveau. 00:33:58.900 --> 00:34:01.100 align:middle line:90% I'm a resident of Reading. 00:34:01.100 --> 00:34:03.340 align:middle line:84% I am not an elected official, but I 00:34:03.340 --> 00:34:07.660 align:middle line:84% have served on town meetings and our Democratic Town Committee. 00:34:07.660 --> 00:34:10.570 align:middle line:84% I do not represent any particular advocacy group, 00:34:10.570 --> 00:34:13.960 align:middle line:84% though I am both a high school history teacher and a Navy 00:34:13.960 --> 00:34:14.500 align:middle line:90% veteran. 00:34:14.500 --> 00:34:18.040 align:middle line:84% So to the extent that history-teaching Navy 00:34:18.040 --> 00:34:21.070 align:middle line:84% veterans are an advocacy group, I'm proud to represent them. 00:34:21.070 --> 00:34:24.050 align:middle line:90% 00:34:24.050 --> 00:34:26.290 align:middle line:84% I'm here to testify on behalf of myself, my family 00:34:26.290 --> 00:34:27.880 align:middle line:90% and my fellow neighbors. 00:34:27.880 --> 00:34:31.960 align:middle line:84% Though I do not expect I'll be offering any novel ideas, 00:34:31.960 --> 00:34:37.179 align:middle line:84% I hope that my comments serve to emphasize some points that I 00:34:37.179 --> 00:34:39.199 align:middle line:90% think are important. 00:34:39.199 --> 00:34:42.080 align:middle line:84% As the Committee considers how best to divide our Commonwealth 00:34:42.080 --> 00:34:44.780 align:middle line:84% into nine congressional districts, 40 state 00:34:44.780 --> 00:34:49.370 align:middle line:84% senatorial districts, 160 state representative districts, 00:34:49.370 --> 00:34:52.040 align:middle line:84% I ask that you prioritize what I consider 00:34:52.040 --> 00:34:54.650 align:middle line:84% to be the most important community interest of all-- 00:34:54.650 --> 00:34:58.280 align:middle line:84% that being the 300-plus municipalities that make up 00:34:58.280 --> 00:34:59.510 align:middle line:90% our state. 00:34:59.510 --> 00:35:01.130 align:middle line:84% Many of these cities and towns have 00:35:01.130 --> 00:35:05.390 align:middle line:84% existed as political communities since before the Commonwealth 00:35:05.390 --> 00:35:08.660 align:middle line:84% joined 12 other states to establish our nation. 00:35:08.660 --> 00:35:10.850 align:middle line:84% Towns like Reading were incorporated 00:35:10.850 --> 00:35:13.160 align:middle line:84% for the specific purpose of exercising 00:35:13.160 --> 00:35:15.320 align:middle line:90% local political autonomy. 00:35:15.320 --> 00:35:18.780 align:middle line:84% It allows us to get together with our neighbors 00:35:18.780 --> 00:35:20.720 align:middle line:84% so that we might address local issues that 00:35:20.720 --> 00:35:22.700 align:middle line:90% concerns constructively. 00:35:22.700 --> 00:35:25.160 align:middle line:84% Indeed, when illustrating President Roosevelt's 00:35:25.160 --> 00:35:27.230 align:middle line:84% famous speech about the four freedoms, 00:35:27.230 --> 00:35:30.110 align:middle line:84% Norman Rockwell chose a traditional New England town 00:35:30.110 --> 00:35:33.470 align:middle line:84% meeting to represent the freedom of speech. 00:35:33.470 --> 00:35:35.360 align:middle line:84% Reading and most other municipalities 00:35:35.360 --> 00:35:38.390 align:middle line:84% across Massachusetts still rely upon this form 00:35:38.390 --> 00:35:40.340 align:middle line:90% of popular sovereignty. 00:35:40.340 --> 00:35:42.830 align:middle line:84% Nevertheless, and despite popular misconceptions, 00:35:42.830 --> 00:35:45.020 align:middle line:84% there are significant and pervasive 00:35:45.020 --> 00:35:47.570 align:middle line:84% constraints placed around the home rule 00:35:47.570 --> 00:35:49.220 align:middle line:90% autonomy of municipalities. 00:35:49.220 --> 00:35:52.700 align:middle line:84% As you know, state government exercises the bulk 00:35:52.700 --> 00:35:54.500 align:middle line:90% of governmental authority. 00:35:54.500 --> 00:35:56.120 align:middle line:84% And for this reason, representation 00:35:56.120 --> 00:35:59.503 align:middle line:84% in the state house holds significant consequence. 00:35:59.503 --> 00:36:00.920 align:middle line:84% Every effort, I believe, should be 00:36:00.920 --> 00:36:04.340 align:middle line:84% made to preserve the integrity of municipalities like Reading 00:36:04.340 --> 00:36:07.070 align:middle line:84% so that we have both an opportunity to elect someone 00:36:07.070 --> 00:36:11.210 align:middle line:84% from our town, and the ability to hold that person responsible 00:36:11.210 --> 00:36:15.103 align:middle line:84% when our interests are not sufficiently represented. 00:36:15.103 --> 00:36:17.520 align:middle line:84% While I would not attempt to do the work of the Committee, 00:36:17.520 --> 00:36:21.070 align:middle line:84% a quick population tally indicates 00:36:21.070 --> 00:36:23.000 align:middle line:84% that combining Reading and North Reading 00:36:23.000 --> 00:36:25.520 align:middle line:84% into a single representative district, for example, 00:36:25.520 --> 00:36:28.390 align:middle line:84% is one of several options to keep Reading whole 00:36:28.390 --> 00:36:30.100 align:middle line:84% during this redistricting process. 00:36:30.100 --> 00:36:34.050 align:middle line:84% I believe there are a few others out there. 00:36:34.050 --> 00:36:35.940 align:middle line:84% I don't envy the work you have to do. 00:36:35.940 --> 00:36:37.710 align:middle line:90% Math was never my strong suit. 00:36:37.710 --> 00:36:41.400 align:middle line:84% And while I do love maps and the like, 00:36:41.400 --> 00:36:43.840 align:middle line:84% I know you have a lot of work cut out for you. 00:36:43.840 --> 00:36:47.100 align:middle line:84% So I appreciate whatever you can do to try 00:36:47.100 --> 00:36:49.350 align:middle line:90% to keep municipalities whole-- 00:36:49.350 --> 00:36:52.890 align:middle line:84% in Reading, in particular, who I can't remember how many decades 00:36:52.890 --> 00:36:55.810 align:middle line:84% it's been since we elected somebody for the State House. 00:36:55.810 --> 00:36:57.960 align:middle line:84% So thank you for your time, I appreciate it. 00:36:57.960 --> 00:36:59.010 align:middle line:90% And good luck to you. 00:36:59.010 --> 00:37:00.710 align:middle line:90% Over. 00:37:00.710 --> 00:37:02.620 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Jared, very much. 00:37:02.620 --> 00:37:05.790 align:middle line:84% I appreciate you taking the time to give us 00:37:05.790 --> 00:37:10.800 align:middle line:84% a little bit of a history lesson there with your comments. 00:37:10.800 --> 00:37:13.590 align:middle line:84% The tough part around this part of the map, 00:37:13.590 --> 00:37:16.470 align:middle line:84% to be honest with you, from the House perspective, 00:37:16.470 --> 00:37:19.050 align:middle line:84% is you have a bunch of cities and towns 00:37:19.050 --> 00:37:21.960 align:middle line:84% that aren't big enough to be their own district, 00:37:21.960 --> 00:37:25.170 align:middle line:84% but are large enough to be a significant part 00:37:25.170 --> 00:37:26.393 align:middle line:90% of another district. 00:37:26.393 --> 00:37:28.185 align:middle line:84% You have Lynnfield, you have North Reading, 00:37:28.185 --> 00:37:31.500 align:middle line:84% you have Wakefield all surrounding you there. 00:37:31.500 --> 00:37:34.350 align:middle line:84% Stoneham, I believe, is out there, Wilmington. 00:37:34.350 --> 00:37:39.990 align:middle line:84% And it's tough to get to that 43,000 on a House district 00:37:39.990 --> 00:37:43.350 align:middle line:84% without splitting cities and towns. 00:37:43.350 --> 00:37:47.290 align:middle line:84% We try our very best to make sure that doesn't happen, 00:37:47.290 --> 00:37:49.890 align:middle line:84% and we use some principles that I 00:37:49.890 --> 00:37:53.880 align:middle line:84% think are widely acknowledged as being good and solid. 00:37:53.880 --> 00:38:00.120 align:middle line:84% So we do our very best to try and not do that. 00:38:00.120 --> 00:38:01.800 align:middle line:90% And it's challenging. 00:38:01.800 --> 00:38:03.930 align:middle line:84% Like I said, there's 351 cities and towns, 00:38:03.930 --> 00:38:05.490 align:middle line:90% and there's 160 rep districts. 00:38:05.490 --> 00:38:10.140 align:middle line:84% And the smallest town is Gosnold and the largest city 00:38:10.140 --> 00:38:12.060 align:middle line:84% is the city of Boston, and everyone else 00:38:12.060 --> 00:38:14.370 align:middle line:90% lies somewhere in between there. 00:38:14.370 --> 00:38:17.218 align:middle line:84% But we do try our very best to do that. 00:38:17.218 --> 00:38:18.510 align:middle line:90% So I appreciate your testimony. 00:38:18.510 --> 00:38:23.670 align:middle line:84% I thank you for bringing up some interesting historical facts 00:38:23.670 --> 00:38:24.463 align:middle line:90% there. 00:38:24.463 --> 00:38:26.130 align:middle line:84% The town meeting is a very interesting-- 00:38:26.130 --> 00:38:28.213 align:middle line:84% I represent a little bit of the city of Brookline, 00:38:28.213 --> 00:38:30.810 align:middle line:84% so I know exactly what town meetings are like. 00:38:30.810 --> 00:38:33.240 align:middle line:84% But I will ask my colleagues, do they 00:38:33.240 --> 00:38:39.236 align:middle line:84% have any questions for Jared at this moment? 00:38:39.236 --> 00:38:42.530 align:middle line:84% Hearing none, I would thank Jared again for his testimony. 00:38:42.530 --> 00:38:44.500 align:middle line:90% I appreciate it very much. 00:38:44.500 --> 00:38:45.547 align:middle line:90% And next, I would-- 00:38:45.547 --> 00:38:47.380 align:middle line:84% enjoy the rest of your night, Jared-- next I 00:38:47.380 --> 00:38:49.630 align:middle line:90% would call Michelle Guzman. 00:38:49.630 --> 00:38:53.300 align:middle line:90% She is the New Lynn Coalition. 00:38:53.300 --> 00:38:56.683 align:middle line:84% Michelle, would you like to join us to give us some testimony? 00:38:56.683 --> 00:39:00.310 align:middle line:90% 00:39:00.310 --> 00:39:02.230 align:middle line:90% Yes, hi, how are you? 00:39:02.230 --> 00:39:06.700 align:middle line:84% I'm actually giving my testimony just as myself. 00:39:06.700 --> 00:39:11.275 align:middle line:84% I work for that organization, but I'm doing on my own. 00:39:11.275 --> 00:39:14.680 align:middle line:84% OK, we'll take it any way you can give it to us. 00:39:14.680 --> 00:39:17.090 align:middle line:84% Thank you for taking the time to meet with us. 00:39:17.090 --> 00:39:17.860 align:middle line:90% Well, thank you. 00:39:17.860 --> 00:39:19.750 align:middle line:84% Thank you for putting this together 00:39:19.750 --> 00:39:23.230 align:middle line:84% and give the public a chance to testify 00:39:23.230 --> 00:39:26.080 align:middle line:90% for this important matter. 00:39:26.080 --> 00:39:28.480 align:middle line:84% As I said, my name is Michelle Guzman. 00:39:28.480 --> 00:39:31.300 align:middle line:90% I live in the city of Lynn. 00:39:31.300 --> 00:39:36.310 align:middle line:84% And my testimony is basically sharing with you my experience, 00:39:36.310 --> 00:39:38.390 align:middle line:90% what I went through. 00:39:38.390 --> 00:39:40.930 align:middle line:84% I was one of the coordinators for the census, 00:39:40.930 --> 00:39:45.700 align:middle line:84% and through my experience in the middle of the pandemic, 00:39:45.700 --> 00:39:49.650 align:middle line:84% I was faced with the reality of-- 00:39:49.650 --> 00:39:53.676 align:middle line:84% in Lynn, there are very diverse of nationalities, 00:39:53.676 --> 00:39:58.700 align:middle line:84% and Lynn used to be and is still is a refugee city. 00:39:58.700 --> 00:40:03.820 align:middle line:84% So we had people that spoke very, very diverse 00:40:03.820 --> 00:40:06.460 align:middle line:84% and unique languages and dialects, 00:40:06.460 --> 00:40:10.580 align:middle line:84% and I think that when we talk about communities of interest, 00:40:10.580 --> 00:40:15.910 align:middle line:84% we also need to integrate these newcomers for our country. 00:40:15.910 --> 00:40:20.200 align:middle line:84% And specifically in the area of Lynn and the North Shore, 00:40:20.200 --> 00:40:23.410 align:middle line:84% we try to-- me as a community organizer-- 00:40:23.410 --> 00:40:26.380 align:middle line:84% we try to educate them in what democracy is 00:40:26.380 --> 00:40:27.950 align:middle line:90% and the representation. 00:40:27.950 --> 00:40:31.690 align:middle line:84% So in this case, I would like to give a voice 00:40:31.690 --> 00:40:34.960 align:middle line:84% to those people that don't necessarily have 00:40:34.960 --> 00:40:36.700 align:middle line:90% that voice for whatever reason. 00:40:36.700 --> 00:40:39.140 align:middle line:84% Sometimes it's a language, sometimes it's a background, 00:40:39.140 --> 00:40:41.740 align:middle line:90% sometimes it's the education. 00:40:41.740 --> 00:40:44.710 align:middle line:84% Trying to learn the American democracy, a little bit 00:40:44.710 --> 00:40:49.750 align:middle line:84% difficult, and sometimes it's hard to understand, 00:40:49.750 --> 00:40:52.310 align:middle line:84% trying to think about all these layers. 00:40:52.310 --> 00:40:57.640 align:middle line:84% So it's talking about the community 00:40:57.640 --> 00:41:01.240 align:middle line:90% and bringing the towns together. 00:41:01.240 --> 00:41:03.350 align:middle line:84% And I know that sometimes within the map, 00:41:03.350 --> 00:41:06.700 align:middle line:84% it is very difficult to represent that. 00:41:06.700 --> 00:41:11.650 align:middle line:84% But in my case, I really want to give voice to refugees, 00:41:11.650 --> 00:41:14.770 align:middle line:84% to people that are immigrating and trying 00:41:14.770 --> 00:41:17.300 align:middle line:90% to integrate in our community. 00:41:17.300 --> 00:41:22.330 align:middle line:84% And so understanding the diversity of languages and-- 00:41:22.330 --> 00:41:27.400 align:middle line:84% I think the census got, in Lynn, very close to 100,000. 00:41:27.400 --> 00:41:32.570 align:middle line:84% So you were very, very close when you said 90,000 for that. 00:41:32.570 --> 00:41:36.940 align:middle line:84% And so I don't have precisely an idea, 00:41:36.940 --> 00:41:42.220 align:middle line:84% but I wanted to just share this information with you. 00:41:42.220 --> 00:41:45.490 align:middle line:84% And I'm sorry, I didn't realize that my bird was really 00:41:45.490 --> 00:41:48.040 align:middle line:90% making a lot of noise. 00:41:48.040 --> 00:41:49.136 align:middle line:90% So sorry. 00:41:49.136 --> 00:41:53.120 align:middle line:84% It sounded topical, so we're good. 00:41:53.120 --> 00:41:56.080 align:middle line:90% Some sort of Caribbean. 00:41:56.080 --> 00:42:00.040 align:middle line:84% So again, thank you so much for having the time to give me 00:42:00.040 --> 00:42:03.700 align:middle line:84% the opportunity to share my experience as a community 00:42:03.700 --> 00:42:08.550 align:middle line:84% organizer, but also being able to live in 00:42:08.550 --> 00:42:11.770 align:middle line:84% that experience through the census really taught me a lot 00:42:11.770 --> 00:42:14.410 align:middle line:84% and opened my mind that there's a lot to do. 00:42:14.410 --> 00:42:17.440 align:middle line:84% And when we talk about community, 00:42:17.440 --> 00:42:19.060 align:middle line:84% they are also part of the community. 00:42:19.060 --> 00:42:22.240 align:middle line:84% Here in Lynn, and another coworker 00:42:22.240 --> 00:42:25.330 align:middle line:84% mentioned-- another person mentioned Nahant, 00:42:25.330 --> 00:42:28.570 align:middle line:84% and the surrounding towns are very 00:42:28.570 --> 00:42:32.390 align:middle line:90% important to be represented. 00:42:32.390 --> 00:42:33.020 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:42:33.020 --> 00:42:35.390 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Michelle. 00:42:35.390 --> 00:42:38.330 align:middle line:84% I think it was with the Drawing Democracy Coalition, 00:42:38.330 --> 00:42:43.850 align:middle line:84% I think two years ago it was, we put $2.5 million 00:42:43.850 --> 00:42:46.280 align:middle line:84% in the budget that was administered 00:42:46.280 --> 00:42:51.560 align:middle line:84% by the secretary of state for an accurate count committee. 00:42:51.560 --> 00:42:55.910 align:middle line:84% And our hope is that maybe organizations like the New Lynn 00:42:55.910 --> 00:43:00.650 align:middle line:84% Coalition would receive grant money so that hard 00:43:00.650 --> 00:43:06.440 align:middle line:84% to count populations, which are quite oftentimes 00:43:06.440 --> 00:43:09.290 align:middle line:84% immigrants because maybe they just 00:43:09.290 --> 00:43:11.570 align:middle line:84% don't want to be recognized or seen 00:43:11.570 --> 00:43:13.640 align:middle line:90% or whatever the case may be-- 00:43:13.640 --> 00:43:16.220 align:middle line:84% and we put some money into a fund 00:43:16.220 --> 00:43:17.930 align:middle line:84% to make sure that your organizations like 00:43:17.930 --> 00:43:19.730 align:middle line:90% that would get that money. 00:43:19.730 --> 00:43:22.670 align:middle line:84% And I'm glad to hear that people like you were out there making 00:43:22.670 --> 00:43:24.170 align:middle line:84% sure that they were counted, and I'm 00:43:24.170 --> 00:43:29.630 align:middle line:84% hoping that the over 7 million that we got in our count 00:43:29.630 --> 00:43:31.880 align:middle line:84% from Massachusetts includes a lot of those people that 00:43:31.880 --> 00:43:34.520 align:middle line:84% were afraid to come out and be counted. 00:43:34.520 --> 00:43:39.080 align:middle line:84% And that would be, I think, for all of us on this committee, 00:43:39.080 --> 00:43:41.150 align:middle line:90% would be a good thing. 00:43:41.150 --> 00:43:43.800 align:middle line:84% So I appreciate the work you did, 00:43:43.800 --> 00:43:46.040 align:middle line:84% and hopefully the city of Lynn is 00:43:46.040 --> 00:43:49.630 align:middle line:84% one of those cities that were overcounted. 00:43:49.630 --> 00:43:51.880 align:middle line:84% Because sometimes-- well, we'll just leave it at that. 00:43:51.880 --> 00:43:54.220 align:middle line:84% Hopefully the city of Lynn was one of those cities. 00:43:54.220 --> 00:43:56.290 align:middle line:90% So I won't say any more. 00:43:56.290 --> 00:43:58.360 align:middle line:84% I would just ask my colleagues on the Committee, 00:43:58.360 --> 00:44:02.230 align:middle line:84% if they have any questions, feel free to do so at this time 00:44:02.230 --> 00:44:03.130 align:middle line:90% and step up. 00:44:03.130 --> 00:44:07.030 align:middle line:90% And if not, that's OK, too. 00:44:07.030 --> 00:44:09.580 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Michelle, and thank you for all your work 00:44:09.580 --> 00:44:11.470 align:middle line:84% that you did during the census recount. 00:44:11.470 --> 00:44:13.840 align:middle line:84% It's very important that people like you stepped up, 00:44:13.840 --> 00:44:14.830 align:middle line:90% and we appreciate it. 00:44:14.830 --> 00:44:17.140 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:44:17.140 --> 00:44:19.420 align:middle line:90% So right now-- 00:44:19.420 --> 00:44:20.530 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:44:20.530 --> 00:44:21.970 align:middle line:90% Have a good night. 00:44:21.970 --> 00:44:24.760 align:middle line:84% So right now, I'm going to call some names because there's 00:44:24.760 --> 00:44:27.070 align:middle line:84% nobody next in line, but there are a few more people 00:44:27.070 --> 00:44:29.770 align:middle line:84% that had agreed to testify, or signed up to testify, 00:44:29.770 --> 00:44:31.360 align:middle line:90% I should say. 00:44:31.360 --> 00:44:34.120 align:middle line:84% So I wanted to go to the list, starting at the top again. 00:44:34.120 --> 00:44:36.760 align:middle line:84% Christopher Campbell, is he here? 00:44:36.760 --> 00:44:41.220 align:middle line:84% If Christopher is here, he could make himself known. 00:44:41.220 --> 00:44:46.780 align:middle line:90% Also on the list is John Taylor. 00:44:46.780 --> 00:44:52.720 align:middle line:84% John Taylor, if you are there, make yourself known. 00:44:52.720 --> 00:44:56.630 align:middle line:84% Paul Combs, also on the list, make 00:44:56.630 --> 00:44:59.180 align:middle line:90% yourself known if you could. 00:44:59.180 --> 00:45:03.660 align:middle line:84% And the last would be Stephanie Bartlett. 00:45:03.660 --> 00:45:07.040 align:middle line:90% Stephanie Bartlett. 00:45:07.040 --> 00:45:10.290 align:middle line:84% If any of those people can hear my voice, 00:45:10.290 --> 00:45:14.970 align:middle line:84% please make yourself known so we can have you come in 00:45:14.970 --> 00:45:15.470 align:middle line:90% and testify. 00:45:15.470 --> 00:45:25.550 align:middle line:90% 00:45:25.550 --> 00:45:28.790 align:middle line:84% All right, I'm going to say them one more time, 00:45:28.790 --> 00:45:30.507 align:middle line:90% and then we're going to-- 00:45:30.507 --> 00:45:32.090 align:middle line:84% if we don't hear one of them check in, 00:45:32.090 --> 00:45:34.640 align:middle line:84% we are going to close out this hearing. 00:45:34.640 --> 00:45:44.940 align:middle line:84% Again, Christopher Campbell, John Taylor, Paul Combs, 00:45:44.940 --> 00:45:46.140 align:middle line:90% and Stephanie Bartlett. 00:45:46.140 --> 00:45:53.520 align:middle line:90% 00:45:53.520 --> 00:45:57.160 align:middle line:90% Going once, going twice. 00:45:57.160 --> 00:45:59.800 align:middle line:84% OK, haven't heard from any of them. 00:45:59.800 --> 00:46:02.620 align:middle line:84% That is all of the people that have signed up 00:46:02.620 --> 00:46:05.000 align:middle line:90% to testify this evening. 00:46:05.000 --> 00:46:10.180 align:middle line:84% I want to thank all those that did testify, and some of whom 00:46:10.180 --> 00:46:12.130 align:middle line:84% actually came very prepared and had 00:46:12.130 --> 00:46:16.347 align:middle line:84% some very accurate and descriptive ways of how 00:46:16.347 --> 00:46:17.930 align:middle line:84% we could change some of the districts. 00:46:17.930 --> 00:46:20.540 align:middle line:84% So I'd like to thank them all for taking time out 00:46:20.540 --> 00:46:21.290 align:middle line:90% of their schedule. 00:46:21.290 --> 00:46:23.920 align:middle line:84% I'd like to thank my colleagues for joining us, 00:46:23.920 --> 00:46:27.010 align:middle line:84% as well as our federal colleague, Congressman Moulton, 00:46:27.010 --> 00:46:29.320 align:middle line:84% for taking some time out of his schedule. 00:46:29.320 --> 00:46:33.190 align:middle line:84% At this point in time, hearing no one else wanting to testify, 00:46:33.190 --> 00:46:35.530 align:middle line:84% I'd like to make a motion to adjourn this hearing, 00:46:35.530 --> 00:46:37.030 align:middle line:90% and would accept a second. 00:46:37.030 --> 00:46:38.470 align:middle line:90% Second. 00:46:38.470 --> 00:46:40.120 align:middle line:90% Hearing a second. 00:46:40.120 --> 00:46:41.480 align:middle line:90% Motion to adjourn. 00:46:41.480 --> 00:46:44.000 align:middle line:90% Thank you all. 00:46:44.000 --> 00:46:44.990 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:46:44.990 --> 00:46:46.340 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr Chairman. 00:46:46.340 --> 00:46:47.480 align:middle line:90% Nice job, Mr. Chairman. 00:46:47.480 --> 00:46:49.140 align:middle line:90% Mr. Chairman, good night. 00:46:49.140 --> 00:46:50.110 align:middle line:90% Good night, all. 00:46:50.110 --> 00:46:51.960 align:middle line:90% Good night. 00:46:51.960 --> 00:47:14.000 align:middle line:90%