WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.886 align:middle line:90% [MUSIC PLAYING] 00:00:02.886 --> 00:00:06.740 align:middle line:90% 00:00:06.740 --> 00:00:07.730 align:middle line:90% Person to testify-- 00:00:07.730 --> 00:00:08.840 align:middle line:90% Congressman Lynch. 00:00:08.840 --> 00:00:11.300 align:middle line:90% Thank you for your attendance. 00:00:11.300 --> 00:00:14.480 align:middle line:84% This is the fourth hearing on the Committee 00:00:14.480 --> 00:00:18.200 align:middle line:84% on Redistricting, fourth of many that we 00:00:18.200 --> 00:00:21.260 align:middle line:84% are going to have on this process on how we are going 00:00:21.260 --> 00:00:25.640 align:middle line:84% to redistrict our congressional senate house and governor's 00:00:25.640 --> 00:00:27.830 align:middle line:90% council districts. 00:00:27.830 --> 00:00:30.980 align:middle line:90% This district is hearing that-- 00:00:30.980 --> 00:00:34.580 align:middle line:84% this hearing is specific to congressional district eight, 00:00:34.580 --> 00:00:37.280 align:middle line:84% which is, as I said earlier, currently being represented 00:00:37.280 --> 00:00:40.610 align:middle line:90% by Congressman Stephen Lynch. 00:00:40.610 --> 00:00:42.510 align:middle line:90% I will be chairing the hearing. 00:00:42.510 --> 00:00:45.050 align:middle line:84% We have a number of people who have signed up 00:00:45.050 --> 00:00:50.060 align:middle line:84% to testify [INAUDIBLE] have signed up to testify. 00:00:50.060 --> 00:00:53.180 align:middle line:84% But at this point in time, I'd like to turn it over 00:00:53.180 --> 00:00:58.790 align:middle line:84% to my Senate co-chair, Senator Brownsberger for a few remarks 00:00:58.790 --> 00:01:01.975 align:middle line:84% and introduction of his colleagues 00:01:01.975 --> 00:01:03.350 align:middle line:84% that are here to join us as well. 00:01:03.350 --> 00:01:06.350 align:middle line:90% Senator Brownsberger? 00:01:06.350 --> 00:01:09.410 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Chairman [? Morin. ?] And I just 00:01:09.410 --> 00:01:11.810 align:middle line:84% want to make sure everybody knows that we're joined here 00:01:11.810 --> 00:01:16.180 align:middle line:84% also by my vice chair, Senator Goby, 00:01:16.180 --> 00:01:21.700 align:middle line:84% and by Senator Fattman, who is on the phone. 00:01:21.700 --> 00:01:27.150 align:middle line:84% And Congressman Lynch, honored to be with you 00:01:27.150 --> 00:01:28.920 align:middle line:84% and look forward to your comments. 00:01:28.920 --> 00:01:30.990 align:middle line:84% And I look forward to everybody else's comments 00:01:30.990 --> 00:01:33.660 align:middle line:84% that might address not only the congressional district 00:01:33.660 --> 00:01:36.212 align:middle line:84% but the senate districts and the house districts. 00:01:36.212 --> 00:01:37.170 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr Chairman. 00:01:37.170 --> 00:01:44.945 align:middle line:90% 00:01:44.945 --> 00:01:45.820 align:middle line:90% You're on mute, Mike. 00:01:45.820 --> 00:01:49.230 align:middle line:90% 00:01:49.230 --> 00:01:50.460 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Senator. 00:01:50.460 --> 00:01:53.520 align:middle line:84% I would like to introduce some of my house colleagues 00:01:53.520 --> 00:01:57.900 align:middle line:84% that are here joining us on this Zoom hearing 00:01:57.900 --> 00:01:58.860 align:middle line:90% that we're having-- 00:01:58.860 --> 00:02:03.330 align:middle line:84% my Vice Chair, the gentleman from Lawrence, Representative 00:02:03.330 --> 00:02:05.700 align:middle line:90% Marcos Devers is here. 00:02:05.700 --> 00:02:08.759 align:middle line:84% This is Marcos' second time on this committee. 00:02:08.759 --> 00:02:12.480 align:middle line:84% I'd also like to introduce the lady from Provincetown, 00:02:12.480 --> 00:02:14.970 align:middle line:84% Representative Sara Peake is here. 00:02:14.970 --> 00:02:17.310 align:middle line:84% The gentleman from Chicopee, Representative Joe Wagner, 00:02:17.310 --> 00:02:18.960 align:middle line:90% is here. 00:02:18.960 --> 00:02:21.450 align:middle line:84% The gentle lady from Pittsfield, representative Tricia 00:02:21.450 --> 00:02:23.340 align:middle line:90% Farley-Bouvier, is here. 00:02:23.340 --> 00:02:26.250 align:middle line:84% The gentle lady from Dorchester, Representative Chynah Tyler, 00:02:26.250 --> 00:02:27.540 align:middle line:90% has joined us. 00:02:27.540 --> 00:02:30.040 align:middle line:84% The gentleman from the Cape Barnstable, 00:02:30.040 --> 00:02:32.700 align:middle line:84% Representative Kip Digs, is here. 00:02:32.700 --> 00:02:37.920 align:middle line:84% The Representative Kim Furguson from [INAUDIBLE],, and also 00:02:37.920 --> 00:02:41.213 align:middle line:84% Representative Sean Dooley from Norfolk. 00:02:41.213 --> 00:02:43.380 align:middle line:84% At this point in time, [? what I would like ?] to do 00:02:43.380 --> 00:02:48.960 align:middle line:84% is I like to have one of the senior members of our committee 00:02:48.960 --> 00:02:52.380 align:middle line:84% that lives in the eighth congressional district 00:02:52.380 --> 00:02:53.670 align:middle line:90% to offer greetings. 00:02:53.670 --> 00:02:55.230 align:middle line:84% And at this point in time, I'd like 00:02:55.230 --> 00:02:57.450 align:middle line:84% to turn it over to representative Dan 00:02:57.450 --> 00:03:00.170 align:middle line:90% Hunt from Dorchester. 00:03:00.170 --> 00:03:01.170 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 00:03:01.170 --> 00:03:02.940 align:middle line:90% Good afternoon to the committee. 00:03:02.940 --> 00:03:04.620 align:middle line:90% Good afternoon, Congressmen. 00:03:04.620 --> 00:03:08.460 align:middle line:84% We'll welcome you to testify before us today. 00:03:08.460 --> 00:03:12.640 align:middle line:84% You represent so well the embodiment of the two 00:03:12.640 --> 00:03:13.890 align:middle line:90% communities that I represent-- 00:03:13.890 --> 00:03:16.230 align:middle line:84% Dorchester and Quincy-- but also the hard 00:03:16.230 --> 00:03:18.480 align:middle line:84% working men and women of the South Shore 00:03:18.480 --> 00:03:21.540 align:middle line:90% and the rest of the metro area. 00:03:21.540 --> 00:03:26.200 align:middle line:84% As an ironworker who worked his way through law school, 00:03:26.200 --> 00:03:28.050 align:middle line:90% you do us proud. 00:03:28.050 --> 00:03:32.070 align:middle line:84% And it's fitting that your dedication 00:03:32.070 --> 00:03:35.010 align:middle line:84% to election protection and election law 00:03:35.010 --> 00:03:40.080 align:middle line:84% stems from actually running for election on 9/11 00:03:40.080 --> 00:03:43.320 align:middle line:84% and ensuring that the Democratic process continued in 00:03:43.320 --> 00:03:46.812 align:middle line:84% that we would stand in the face of terrorism. 00:03:46.812 --> 00:03:48.270 align:middle line:84% But also on the other half of that, 00:03:48.270 --> 00:03:51.330 align:middle line:84% your commitment to the troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, 00:03:51.330 --> 00:03:55.770 align:middle line:84% visiting both countries and the surrounding area dozens 00:03:55.770 --> 00:04:01.080 align:middle line:84% and dozens of times-- so we appreciate your efforts there. 00:04:01.080 --> 00:04:05.540 align:middle line:84% I also serve on the Committee on Federal Stimulus and Oversight. 00:04:05.540 --> 00:04:09.210 align:middle line:84% So we appreciate your and the delegation's efforts 00:04:09.210 --> 00:04:13.440 align:middle line:84% to secure what will totally be at the end of 2026 00:04:13.440 --> 00:04:16.500 align:middle line:84% upwards of $110 billion for the Commonwealth. 00:04:16.500 --> 00:04:20.250 align:middle line:84% So we appreciate your efforts, the hard work for us every day, 00:04:20.250 --> 00:04:22.690 align:middle line:84% and look forward to your testimony. 00:04:22.690 --> 00:04:25.820 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 00:04:25.820 --> 00:04:28.130 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Representative Hunt. 00:04:28.130 --> 00:04:29.840 align:middle line:84% Before I introduce Congressman Lynch, 00:04:29.840 --> 00:04:32.570 align:middle line:84% I'd just like to mention a couple of my colleagues 00:04:32.570 --> 00:04:33.770 align:middle line:90% that have joined us-- 00:04:33.770 --> 00:04:36.230 align:middle line:84% Representative Jimmy O'Day from West Boylston 00:04:36.230 --> 00:04:39.200 align:middle line:84% is here as well as Representative Frank Moran 00:04:39.200 --> 00:04:41.750 align:middle line:84% from the great city of Lawerence. 00:04:41.750 --> 00:04:45.470 align:middle line:84% At this point in time, I'd like to ask Senator Lynch to give us 00:04:45.470 --> 00:04:48.780 align:middle line:90% some testimony, if he would. 00:04:48.780 --> 00:04:51.300 align:middle line:84% Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman, Chairman Moran, 00:04:51.300 --> 00:04:56.340 align:middle line:90% Chairman Brownsberger, yes. 00:04:56.340 --> 00:04:57.030 align:middle line:90% Good to see you. 00:04:57.030 --> 00:05:00.420 align:middle line:84% Glad that you're on the call as well. 00:05:00.420 --> 00:05:02.370 align:middle line:84% To all my colleagues in government, 00:05:02.370 --> 00:05:06.630 align:middle line:84% thank you for allowing me to appear before your committee. 00:05:06.630 --> 00:05:08.500 align:middle line:84% And thank you for all your hard work. 00:05:08.500 --> 00:05:11.130 align:middle line:84% I realize that it's not just the congressional districts 00:05:11.130 --> 00:05:15.300 align:middle line:84% but our senate districts as well and house districts 00:05:15.300 --> 00:05:16.710 align:middle line:90% that are in play here. 00:05:16.710 --> 00:05:19.080 align:middle line:84% And I've been very impressed that-- 00:05:19.080 --> 00:05:23.100 align:middle line:84% I know that some of you have actually 00:05:23.100 --> 00:05:28.200 align:middle line:84% engaged in drive-throughs in the districts 00:05:28.200 --> 00:05:33.630 align:middle line:84% to better understand the dynamic between towns and neighborhoods 00:05:33.630 --> 00:05:34.380 align:middle line:90% within cities. 00:05:34.380 --> 00:05:37.200 align:middle line:84% So I appreciate all your diligence. 00:05:37.200 --> 00:05:40.980 align:middle line:84% I've been told by the Chairman and by his staff 00:05:40.980 --> 00:05:45.300 align:middle line:84% that, based on the numbers, I'm a little bit 00:05:45.300 --> 00:05:50.550 align:middle line:84% overweight in terms of the population within my district, 00:05:50.550 --> 00:05:54.180 align:middle line:84% even though the population within the district itself 00:05:54.180 --> 00:05:55.780 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] up as well. 00:05:55.780 --> 00:05:59.790 align:middle line:84% So we're a fast growing district. 00:05:59.790 --> 00:06:02.700 align:middle line:84% The city of Boston obviously has great growth, 00:06:02.700 --> 00:06:06.510 align:middle line:84% but so does Brockton and Quincy, the other two major cities 00:06:06.510 --> 00:06:08.140 align:middle line:90% in my district. 00:06:08.140 --> 00:06:12.750 align:middle line:84% So we have three cities and 21 towns in the 8th. 00:06:12.750 --> 00:06:17.550 align:middle line:84% And I know from my colleagues who I served with and see 00:06:17.550 --> 00:06:22.600 align:middle line:84% very frequently from the eighth district that it's a challenge. 00:06:22.600 --> 00:06:25.770 align:middle line:84% It's a challenge with the districts this size 00:06:25.770 --> 00:06:27.240 align:middle line:90% to get around and see everyone. 00:06:27.240 --> 00:06:29.940 align:middle line:84% But I'm very happy to say that I've 00:06:29.940 --> 00:06:34.570 align:middle line:84% got a more compact district than some of my colleagues, 00:06:34.570 --> 00:06:36.900 align:middle line:84% especially in the western part of the state. 00:06:36.900 --> 00:06:40.170 align:middle line:84% They've got a real challenge out there. 00:06:40.170 --> 00:06:43.110 align:middle line:84% Thankfully, because I am overweight 00:06:43.110 --> 00:06:49.440 align:middle line:84% in terms of population, I am willing and eager to be 00:06:49.440 --> 00:06:52.740 align:middle line:84% helpful to my colleagues that might have to pick up 00:06:52.740 --> 00:06:55.030 align:middle line:90% votes and pick up population. 00:06:55.030 --> 00:07:00.870 align:middle line:84% So I know Mr. Keating is short down on the South Shore 00:07:00.870 --> 00:07:03.960 align:middle line:90% and the Cape and the islands. 00:07:03.960 --> 00:07:06.900 align:middle line:84% And I know that my colleague Ms. Pressley 00:07:06.900 --> 00:07:11.550 align:middle line:84% is in a similar situation than I am and find myself 00:07:11.550 --> 00:07:16.440 align:middle line:84% in terms of having too many people for the new district 00:07:16.440 --> 00:07:17.970 align:middle line:90% boundaries. 00:07:17.970 --> 00:07:20.640 align:middle line:84% I know Mr. Auchincloss as well needs to pick up votes. 00:07:20.640 --> 00:07:25.020 align:middle line:84% So I have a great relationship with my colleagues 00:07:25.020 --> 00:07:26.220 align:middle line:90% in the House. 00:07:26.220 --> 00:07:27.510 align:middle line:90% We are a team. 00:07:27.510 --> 00:07:34.560 align:middle line:84% We're blessed to have a coherent delegation in terms 00:07:34.560 --> 00:07:35.790 align:middle line:90% of the House and the Senate. 00:07:35.790 --> 00:07:42.440 align:middle line:84% So I really am more interested in hearing 00:07:42.440 --> 00:07:47.360 align:middle line:84% from my constituents and my colleagues in government-- 00:07:47.360 --> 00:07:50.400 align:middle line:84% I know some of them will be on the call during the day-- 00:07:50.400 --> 00:07:54.320 align:middle line:84% but just to talk about how cohesive our district is 00:07:54.320 --> 00:07:59.240 align:middle line:84% and how we've been able to partner, 00:07:59.240 --> 00:08:03.380 align:middle line:84% especially with the pandemic, getting monies 00:08:03.380 --> 00:08:08.750 align:middle line:84% out to not only the larger cities 00:08:08.750 --> 00:08:14.360 align:middle line:84% but also at a very granular level working with our towns. 00:08:14.360 --> 00:08:19.710 align:middle line:84% And I just consider it a great honor to have this position. 00:08:19.710 --> 00:08:23.570 align:middle line:84% This is a much better dynamic than the last go around 00:08:23.570 --> 00:08:25.310 align:middle line:84% on this, Mr. Chairman, as you remember 00:08:25.310 --> 00:08:29.360 align:middle line:84% when we were trying to figure out how we might accommodate 00:08:29.360 --> 00:08:31.490 align:middle line:90% losing a congressional seat. 00:08:31.490 --> 00:08:34.220 align:middle line:84% So I appreciate the good work that's 00:08:34.220 --> 00:08:36.590 align:middle line:90% being done by all of you. 00:08:36.590 --> 00:08:42.740 align:middle line:84% As a former House member and State Senate member 00:08:42.740 --> 00:08:47.870 align:middle line:84% of the great and general court, I think it has helped me-- 00:08:47.870 --> 00:08:51.260 align:middle line:84% I know it has helped me work with my House and Senate 00:08:51.260 --> 00:08:55.730 align:middle line:84% colleagues at the state level in a big way. 00:08:55.730 --> 00:08:57.710 align:middle line:84% I know the challenges that you face. 00:08:57.710 --> 00:09:04.640 align:middle line:84% And these are not easy times, so I've tried to include my house 00:09:04.640 --> 00:09:09.590 align:middle line:84% and Senate members every step of the way on national issues 00:09:09.590 --> 00:09:14.190 align:middle line:84% as well as local issues to try to build those relationships. 00:09:14.190 --> 00:09:18.320 align:middle line:84% So to the degree possible-- maybe I'm being selfish about 00:09:18.320 --> 00:09:19.100 align:middle line:90% this but-- 00:09:19.100 --> 00:09:21.680 align:middle line:90% I am being selfish about this. 00:09:21.680 --> 00:09:24.980 align:middle line:84% You build relationships, and you get to know communities. 00:09:24.980 --> 00:09:26.880 align:middle line:90% And you build on that. 00:09:26.880 --> 00:09:31.670 align:middle line:84% So obviously, if I'm going to lose population, 00:09:31.670 --> 00:09:33.530 align:middle line:84% that's going to change to some degree. 00:09:33.530 --> 00:09:38.960 align:middle line:84% But I just ask the wisdom of the Joint Redistricting Committee 00:09:38.960 --> 00:09:43.110 align:middle line:84% to consider the community of interest 00:09:43.110 --> 00:09:47.960 align:middle line:84% and the cohesiveness that exists right 00:09:47.960 --> 00:09:49.880 align:middle line:84% now in the eighth congressional district. 00:09:49.880 --> 00:09:53.840 align:middle line:84% And I just ask you to try to maintain as much 00:09:53.840 --> 00:09:55.520 align:middle line:84% of that cohesiveness as you possibly 00:09:55.520 --> 00:09:58.640 align:middle line:84% can during your very difficult task. 00:09:58.640 --> 00:09:59.470 align:middle line:90% That's all I got. 00:09:59.470 --> 00:10:05.600 align:middle line:84% And so Mr. Chairman, as you know, 00:10:05.600 --> 00:10:07.940 align:middle line:84% we plan everything at the same time in Congress. 00:10:07.940 --> 00:10:10.370 align:middle line:84% So I'm currently in another hearing 00:10:10.370 --> 00:10:13.940 align:middle line:84% on the opioid crisis in the House Committee 00:10:13.940 --> 00:10:17.430 align:middle line:84% on Oversight and Government Reform. 00:10:17.430 --> 00:10:19.560 align:middle line:84% And so I'm going to have to jump in and out. 00:10:19.560 --> 00:10:22.400 align:middle line:84% But I do have Jason [? Cardy ?] who 00:10:22.400 --> 00:10:24.740 align:middle line:84% works with me on a regular basis and has 00:10:24.740 --> 00:10:28.880 align:middle line:84% worked on these redistricting plans before. 00:10:28.880 --> 00:10:30.980 align:middle line:84% He will be on the call throughout, 00:10:30.980 --> 00:10:33.410 align:middle line:84% as well as some of my other colleagues 00:10:33.410 --> 00:10:34.910 align:middle line:84% from the 8th congressional district. 00:10:34.910 --> 00:10:37.210 align:middle line:84% And I understand this is being recorded as well. 00:10:37.210 --> 00:10:41.540 align:middle line:84% So if I do have to jump off briefly to testify and answer 00:10:41.540 --> 00:10:43.970 align:middle line:90% questions in that hearing-- 00:10:43.970 --> 00:10:46.580 align:middle line:84% you all are very familiar with this. 00:10:46.580 --> 00:10:51.860 align:middle line:84% So I'll jump back and forth, but I hope-- 00:10:51.860 --> 00:10:55.340 align:middle line:84% well, look, no disrespect is meant to the importance 00:10:55.340 --> 00:10:56.360 align:middle line:90% of this hearing. 00:10:56.360 --> 00:11:00.860 align:middle line:84% It's just that we've all got a lot of things on our plate 00:11:00.860 --> 00:11:01.370 align:middle line:90% right now. 00:11:01.370 --> 00:11:03.950 align:middle line:84% And this happens to be one of them. 00:11:03.950 --> 00:11:06.650 align:middle line:84% Congressman, we certainly understand that. 00:11:06.650 --> 00:11:09.140 align:middle line:84% And we most certainly understand the importance 00:11:09.140 --> 00:11:11.190 align:middle line:84% of dealing with the opioid issue. 00:11:11.190 --> 00:11:13.250 align:middle line:84% We know that you have always been committed 00:11:13.250 --> 00:11:16.220 align:middle line:90% to that issue over your career. 00:11:16.220 --> 00:11:21.085 align:middle line:84% I am thrilled that you came to testify today. 00:11:21.085 --> 00:11:23.210 align:middle line:84% As a former member of the House, as a former member 00:11:23.210 --> 00:11:27.980 align:middle line:84% of the Senate, as somebody who came from this legislature, 00:11:27.980 --> 00:11:31.430 align:middle line:84% it's always great to keep those relationships going 00:11:31.430 --> 00:11:33.780 align:middle line:84% and work together on where we can work together. 00:11:33.780 --> 00:11:35.330 align:middle line:90% And we always have you. 00:11:35.330 --> 00:11:37.940 align:middle line:84% And I know the many, many reps and senators [INAUDIBLE] 00:11:37.940 --> 00:11:40.790 align:middle line:84% district have nothing but great things to say about you. 00:11:40.790 --> 00:11:43.580 align:middle line:84% I have no questions, but I would open up 00:11:43.580 --> 00:11:45.200 align:middle line:84% to my colleagues on the committee 00:11:45.200 --> 00:11:47.566 align:middle line:84% if they have any questions for the Congressman. 00:11:47.566 --> 00:11:51.380 align:middle line:90% 00:11:51.380 --> 00:11:51.890 align:middle line:90% OK. 00:11:51.890 --> 00:11:54.620 align:middle line:84% Hearing no questions, Congressman, good luck. 00:11:54.620 --> 00:11:58.880 align:middle line:84% We know you'll be tuning in, but thank you for your testimony. 00:11:58.880 --> 00:12:00.830 align:middle line:84% I'd like to [INAUDIBLE] the Commonwealth. 00:12:00.830 --> 00:12:01.430 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:12:01.430 --> 00:12:02.390 align:middle line:90% All right. 00:12:02.390 --> 00:12:06.410 align:middle line:84% So next we're going to try and get 00:12:06.410 --> 00:12:11.150 align:middle line:84% Katrina Huff [? Larman, ?] town councilor 00:12:11.150 --> 00:12:15.140 align:middle line:84% from the town of Randolph, will be up next to testify. 00:12:15.140 --> 00:12:17.690 align:middle line:84% But as we wait for her to come on, 00:12:17.690 --> 00:12:20.030 align:middle line:84% I'd like to introduce a couple of my colleagues 00:12:20.030 --> 00:12:22.460 align:middle line:90% that have recently joined us. 00:12:22.460 --> 00:12:25.220 align:middle line:84% The gentleman from Mattapoisett, Representative Bill Strauss 00:12:25.220 --> 00:12:27.380 align:middle line:90% is on the Zoom. 00:12:27.380 --> 00:12:33.230 align:middle line:84% The gentleman from Haverhill, Andy Vargas, is also with us. 00:12:33.230 --> 00:12:35.870 align:middle line:84% And the gentleman from Southwick, 00:12:35.870 --> 00:12:39.440 align:middle line:84% gentlemen Nick Buldiga, is also joined us. 00:12:39.440 --> 00:12:42.470 align:middle line:84% Thank you for joining us at this hearing. 00:12:42.470 --> 00:12:45.740 align:middle line:84% If Katrina Huff is ready, we'd love to hear your testimony. 00:12:45.740 --> 00:12:57.750 align:middle line:90% 00:12:57.750 --> 00:13:00.270 align:middle line:84% I can see you on my screen, Katrina. 00:13:00.270 --> 00:13:01.878 align:middle line:90% Do you see me? 00:13:01.878 --> 00:13:02.670 align:middle line:90% I can hear you now. 00:13:02.670 --> 00:13:05.270 align:middle line:90% Even better. 00:13:05.270 --> 00:13:06.170 align:middle line:90% OK. 00:13:06.170 --> 00:13:07.940 align:middle line:90% Will I be seen or no? 00:13:07.940 --> 00:13:10.730 align:middle line:84% We can see you and hear you know. 00:13:10.730 --> 00:13:11.510 align:middle line:90% OK. 00:13:11.510 --> 00:13:12.090 align:middle line:90% All right. 00:13:12.090 --> 00:13:12.590 align:middle line:90% Excellent. 00:13:12.590 --> 00:13:15.090 align:middle line:90% Oh, thank you. 00:13:15.090 --> 00:13:19.410 align:middle line:84% I didn't expect to be called so soon. 00:13:19.410 --> 00:13:22.830 align:middle line:84% I don't know what to think about this. 00:13:22.830 --> 00:13:24.310 align:middle line:90% so hi, how are you today? 00:13:24.310 --> 00:13:28.410 align:middle line:84% My name is [? Trina Huff ?] [? Larman. ?] I'm actually from 00:13:28.410 --> 00:13:32.310 align:middle line:90% the 7th congressional district. 00:13:32.310 --> 00:13:38.430 align:middle line:84% And I'm just here to inform you of some of our experiences 00:13:38.430 --> 00:13:40.750 align:middle line:84% and also some growth that we would 00:13:40.750 --> 00:13:44.850 align:middle line:84% like to see here in the 7th congressional district. 00:13:44.850 --> 00:13:47.730 align:middle line:84% As you know, recently, we have changed 00:13:47.730 --> 00:13:52.680 align:middle line:84% our congressional district to majority minority. 00:13:52.680 --> 00:13:57.900 align:middle line:84% And I feel like we have been successful in gaining 00:13:57.900 --> 00:14:01.830 align:middle line:84% a trusting voice in Congresswoman Ayanna 00:14:01.830 --> 00:14:09.000 align:middle line:84% Pressley who seems to understand her constituents 00:14:09.000 --> 00:14:13.710 align:middle line:84% and able to speak along with her professional experiences 00:14:13.710 --> 00:14:17.670 align:middle line:84% and everything that comes with her on a professional level 00:14:17.670 --> 00:14:20.280 align:middle line:84% and as a Black woman-- seems to understand 00:14:20.280 --> 00:14:23.490 align:middle line:84% our district on a number of different levels. 00:14:23.490 --> 00:14:26.160 align:middle line:84% Not that the previous Congressman 00:14:26.160 --> 00:14:28.560 align:middle line:84% was not knowledgeable, but I would 00:14:28.560 --> 00:14:31.950 align:middle line:90% say not as knowledgeable as a-- 00:14:31.950 --> 00:14:33.780 align:middle line:84% he was a terrific person who definitely 00:14:33.780 --> 00:14:35.370 align:middle line:90% listened to his constituents. 00:14:35.370 --> 00:14:37.620 align:middle line:84% But I definitely see the difference 00:14:37.620 --> 00:14:41.490 align:middle line:84% with Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley 00:14:41.490 --> 00:14:44.250 align:middle line:84% being present and representing us, representing 00:14:44.250 --> 00:14:45.960 align:middle line:90% the town of Randolph. 00:14:45.960 --> 00:14:49.410 align:middle line:84% And the lens that she wears that she 00:14:49.410 --> 00:14:54.720 align:middle line:84% understands how to engage with the community 00:14:54.720 --> 00:14:56.730 align:middle line:90% and see the need-- 00:14:56.730 --> 00:14:59.940 align:middle line:84% recently, she fought really hard for Randolph 00:14:59.940 --> 00:15:06.300 align:middle line:84% to receive monies due to the COVID-19 00:15:06.300 --> 00:15:11.070 align:middle line:84% because she understood that Randolph is a majority minority 00:15:11.070 --> 00:15:16.560 align:middle line:84% community who have been hit really hard from COVID. 00:15:16.560 --> 00:15:19.320 align:middle line:84% So just part of her understanding around that 00:15:19.320 --> 00:15:24.720 align:middle line:84% and working towards helping our district in a way 00:15:24.720 --> 00:15:28.290 align:middle line:84% that normally we have not received that attention. 00:15:28.290 --> 00:15:30.660 align:middle line:84% Now, I would also like to just add 00:15:30.660 --> 00:15:36.900 align:middle line:84% to how well recently our congressional district has 00:15:36.900 --> 00:15:40.980 align:middle line:84% been running due to some of the district redistricting-- 00:15:40.980 --> 00:15:45.210 align:middle line:84% and I think that redistricting was in 2010. 00:15:45.210 --> 00:15:50.440 align:middle line:84% And we've had Congresswoman Pressley 00:15:50.440 --> 00:15:54.580 align:middle line:90% for two terms at this point. 00:15:54.580 --> 00:15:59.230 align:middle line:84% Because we are seeing how wonderful this redistricting 00:15:59.230 --> 00:16:02.800 align:middle line:84% has worked for us, we are just as 00:16:02.800 --> 00:16:05.230 align:middle line:84% concerned and interested in looking 00:16:05.230 --> 00:16:10.210 align:middle line:84% at our state districting and our representative districts 00:16:10.210 --> 00:16:12.250 align:middle line:90% and as senate districting. 00:16:12.250 --> 00:16:13.780 align:middle line:90% But I know that's what the 7th-- 00:16:13.780 --> 00:16:16.660 align:middle line:90% 00:16:16.660 --> 00:16:20.673 align:middle line:90% that's for our 7th district. 00:16:20.673 --> 00:16:22.840 align:middle line:84% And I know you're talking about the eighth district, 00:16:22.840 --> 00:16:25.080 align:middle line:84% but I just wanted to throw that in there as well. 00:16:25.080 --> 00:16:28.380 align:middle line:90% 00:16:28.380 --> 00:16:30.840 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Councilor. 00:16:30.840 --> 00:16:35.250 align:middle line:84% 10 years ago, we were able to for the first time 00:16:35.250 --> 00:16:38.100 align:middle line:84% create a truly majority minority district. 00:16:38.100 --> 00:16:42.300 align:middle line:84% And as you eloquently put, Ayanna Pressley 00:16:42.300 --> 00:16:45.480 align:middle line:84% is now the Congress lady from that district. 00:16:45.480 --> 00:16:47.310 align:middle line:84% There were other areas around the map where 00:16:47.310 --> 00:16:50.820 align:middle line:84% we created opportunity districts for many of the House 00:16:50.820 --> 00:16:52.620 align:middle line:90% seats and Senate seats. 00:16:52.620 --> 00:16:54.240 align:middle line:90% Some of them were successful. 00:16:54.240 --> 00:16:56.580 align:middle line:90% And some of them weren't. 00:16:56.580 --> 00:16:59.850 align:middle line:84% One of the gentlemen that's on this committee, Frank Moran, 00:16:59.850 --> 00:17:03.300 align:middle line:84% is one of the people who, because 00:17:03.300 --> 00:17:07.950 align:middle line:84% of the districts that we do in Lawrence, was able to win. 00:17:07.950 --> 00:17:10.589 align:middle line:84% And he is from the Dominican Republic. 00:17:10.589 --> 00:17:14.599 align:middle line:84% And you have other districts you draw like in Worcester. 00:17:14.599 --> 00:17:16.950 align:middle line:84% We do a district out there that was majority minority. 00:17:16.950 --> 00:17:21.210 align:middle line:84% And the person who represents it now isn't a minority. 00:17:21.210 --> 00:17:24.030 align:middle line:90% But you can draw the district. 00:17:24.030 --> 00:17:26.430 align:middle line:84% You can't predict who people are going to vote for. 00:17:26.430 --> 00:17:28.650 align:middle line:84% And I think that's probably a good thing, 00:17:28.650 --> 00:17:31.690 align:middle line:84% because if a candidate is good, they're good. 00:17:31.690 --> 00:17:35.880 align:middle line:84% And if they connect with people, they connect with people. 00:17:35.880 --> 00:17:37.950 align:middle line:84% And sometimes that comes in all sorts 00:17:37.950 --> 00:17:40.920 align:middle line:90% of colors and personalities. 00:17:40.920 --> 00:17:42.618 align:middle line:90% So thank you for your testimony. 00:17:42.618 --> 00:17:44.910 align:middle line:84% I will offer now to any of the members of the committee 00:17:44.910 --> 00:17:50.105 align:middle line:84% if they have any questions for Councilor. 00:17:50.105 --> 00:17:52.230 align:middle line:84% Hearing no questions, thank you for your testimony. 00:17:52.230 --> 00:17:53.420 align:middle line:90% I very much appreciate it. 00:17:53.420 --> 00:17:54.700 align:middle line:90% And have a good day. 00:17:54.700 --> 00:17:55.570 align:middle line:90% Thank you so much. 00:17:55.570 --> 00:17:56.530 align:middle line:90% All right. 00:17:56.530 --> 00:18:01.890 align:middle line:84% Next up to testify is District Counselor from Boston, Frank 00:18:01.890 --> 00:18:04.080 align:middle line:90% Baker, is here to testify. 00:18:04.080 --> 00:18:05.090 align:middle line:90% Frank, are you with us? 00:18:05.090 --> 00:18:09.250 align:middle line:90% 00:18:09.250 --> 00:18:10.320 align:middle line:90% I am, Mr. Chair. 00:18:10.320 --> 00:18:14.940 align:middle line:84% I'm more here to just listen to see which way we're 00:18:14.940 --> 00:18:17.250 align:middle line:84% going to move forward in the redistricting 00:18:17.250 --> 00:18:19.650 align:middle line:84% right from the feds all the way down 00:18:19.650 --> 00:18:21.570 align:middle line:90% to when we have it in Boston. 00:18:21.570 --> 00:18:23.430 align:middle line:90% I appreciate your leadership. 00:18:23.430 --> 00:18:26.070 align:middle line:84% And like I said, I just want to figure out 00:18:26.070 --> 00:18:28.770 align:middle line:84% where we're going to be going in the next year. 00:18:28.770 --> 00:18:31.390 align:middle line:84% And I appreciate you guys at the State House. 00:18:31.390 --> 00:18:32.950 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:18:32.950 --> 00:18:34.350 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Councilor. 00:18:34.350 --> 00:18:37.350 align:middle line:84% As always, we appreciate your brevity. 00:18:37.350 --> 00:18:40.290 align:middle line:90% But I don't know who is next. 00:18:40.290 --> 00:18:43.890 align:middle line:84% I think it might be Mayor Sullivan from Brockton. 00:18:43.890 --> 00:18:44.720 align:middle line:90% Is he on the call? 00:18:44.720 --> 00:18:47.348 align:middle line:90% 00:18:47.348 --> 00:18:48.045 align:middle line:90% Mayor Sullivan? 00:18:48.045 --> 00:18:51.620 align:middle line:90% 00:18:51.620 --> 00:18:53.070 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 00:18:53.070 --> 00:18:54.040 align:middle line:90% OK. 00:18:54.040 --> 00:18:56.530 align:middle line:90% Mayor Sullivan is not. 00:18:56.530 --> 00:18:58.340 align:middle line:84% I'm going to call out all the people who 00:18:58.340 --> 00:19:00.392 align:middle line:90% registered to testify. 00:19:00.392 --> 00:19:01.850 align:middle line:84% So at least if they're on the call, 00:19:01.850 --> 00:19:03.650 align:middle line:90% they can make it known to us. 00:19:03.650 --> 00:19:05.270 align:middle line:84% I don't believe any of these electors 00:19:05.270 --> 00:19:08.690 align:middle line:84% that registered to testify are here, but I have to call them. 00:19:08.690 --> 00:19:14.890 align:middle line:84% Evidently, Mayor Sullivan is on the call. 00:19:14.890 --> 00:19:16.330 align:middle line:90% OK. 00:19:16.330 --> 00:19:19.780 align:middle line:84% I believe the Mayor of Brockton is on the call. 00:19:19.780 --> 00:19:23.380 align:middle line:84% And he's on the call is Carrie Richards, so he 00:19:23.380 --> 00:19:25.150 align:middle line:90% must be having-- 00:19:25.150 --> 00:19:27.940 align:middle line:84% borrowing somebody else's computer. 00:19:27.940 --> 00:19:29.400 align:middle line:90% Mayor Sullivan, are you with us? 00:19:29.400 --> 00:19:32.780 align:middle line:90% 00:19:32.780 --> 00:19:33.830 align:middle line:90% Chairman, I am here. 00:19:33.830 --> 00:19:34.490 align:middle line:90% I'm so sorry. 00:19:34.490 --> 00:19:35.540 align:middle line:90% I'm not a techie. 00:19:35.540 --> 00:19:38.030 align:middle line:84% At the age of 51, I'm not sure what I'm doing, 00:19:38.030 --> 00:19:41.900 align:middle line:84% but I want to thank you Chair Moran and Chair 00:19:41.900 --> 00:19:44.720 align:middle line:84% [? Brownsberger. ?] I want to thank every member of the Joint 00:19:44.720 --> 00:19:45.302 align:middle line:90% Committee. 00:19:45.302 --> 00:19:46.760 align:middle line:84% It really is an honor and privilege 00:19:46.760 --> 00:19:47.790 align:middle line:90% to be here with you today. 00:19:47.790 --> 00:19:49.640 align:middle line:84% I want to thank what you do, your dedication 00:19:49.640 --> 00:19:51.320 align:middle line:90% to the Commonwealth. 00:19:51.320 --> 00:19:52.550 align:middle line:90% I am the mayor of Brockton. 00:19:52.550 --> 00:19:53.630 align:middle line:90% My name is Bob Sullivan. 00:19:53.630 --> 00:19:55.280 align:middle line:90% But I'm a lifelong Brocktonian. 00:19:55.280 --> 00:19:58.460 align:middle line:84% And I just want to take a moment to give you my humble thoughts 00:19:58.460 --> 00:20:01.820 align:middle line:84% as a Brocktonian but also to let you know, as the Mayor 00:20:01.820 --> 00:20:05.180 align:middle line:84% of Brockton, I want to thank the three state reps that we have-- 00:20:05.180 --> 00:20:08.150 align:middle line:84% Lita Cronan, Jerry Cassidy, Michelle Du Bois, 00:20:08.150 --> 00:20:10.100 align:middle line:90% and Senator Mike Brady. 00:20:10.100 --> 00:20:14.660 align:middle line:84% Back in the 1990s, after Brian Donnelly left Congress, 00:20:14.660 --> 00:20:15.860 align:middle line:90% Brockton was split in two-- 00:20:15.860 --> 00:20:17.960 align:middle line:84% Joe Moakley and Gerry [? Studds. ?] 00:20:17.960 --> 00:20:19.790 align:middle line:84% And when you split a municipality-- 00:20:19.790 --> 00:20:22.400 align:middle line:84% the city of Brockton is the only city of Plymouth County-- 00:20:22.400 --> 00:20:23.780 align:middle line:90% it didn't work very well. 00:20:23.780 --> 00:20:25.498 align:middle line:84% When Steve Lynch became our Congressman 00:20:25.498 --> 00:20:27.290 align:middle line:84% and we were the 8th congressional district, 00:20:27.290 --> 00:20:28.250 align:middle line:90% it has been flawless. 00:20:28.250 --> 00:20:29.300 align:middle line:90% It has been awesome. 00:20:29.300 --> 00:20:33.230 align:middle line:84% Steve Lynch has been a champion for our city of champions 00:20:33.230 --> 00:20:34.250 align:middle line:90% here at Brockton. 00:20:34.250 --> 00:20:37.430 align:middle line:84% We have lost 434 residents to the deadly virus 00:20:37.430 --> 00:20:38.390 align:middle line:90% known as COVID. 00:20:38.390 --> 00:20:41.420 align:middle line:84% First person that stepped up was Steve Lynch. 00:20:41.420 --> 00:20:42.110 align:middle line:90% He came here. 00:20:42.110 --> 00:20:42.800 align:middle line:90% He met with us. 00:20:42.800 --> 00:20:43.700 align:middle line:90% What can you do? 00:20:43.700 --> 00:20:45.350 align:middle line:90% Money and PPE. 00:20:45.350 --> 00:20:48.140 align:middle line:84% So in my humble opinion, I'm going to ask respectfully 00:20:48.140 --> 00:20:50.495 align:middle line:84% that all the members of the redistricting committee 00:20:50.495 --> 00:20:54.620 align:middle line:84% please consider my thoughts right now. 00:20:54.620 --> 00:20:56.390 align:middle line:84% If we split Brockton in two, I think 00:20:56.390 --> 00:20:58.760 align:middle line:84% it's going to have a detrimental impact to the citizens, 00:20:58.760 --> 00:21:01.100 align:middle line:84% the voters, the constituencies, the people that 00:21:01.100 --> 00:21:03.050 align:middle line:84% are the taxpayers of the city of Brockton. 00:21:03.050 --> 00:21:05.060 align:middle line:84% I really just want to thank Congressman Lynch 00:21:05.060 --> 00:21:09.715 align:middle line:84% for his day-to-day operations of working diligently, 00:21:09.715 --> 00:21:11.090 align:middle line:84% not just for the city of Brockton 00:21:11.090 --> 00:21:12.350 align:middle line:90% but for the eighth district. 00:21:12.350 --> 00:21:14.390 align:middle line:84% But in terms of the city of Brockton, 00:21:14.390 --> 00:21:16.640 align:middle line:84% I really think it would be best served 00:21:16.640 --> 00:21:21.440 align:middle line:84% if Congressman Lynch stays in that position to represent us. 00:21:21.440 --> 00:21:24.410 align:middle line:84% His team has worked so flawlessly with our team, 00:21:24.410 --> 00:21:26.720 align:middle line:84% again from getting US financial assistance 00:21:26.720 --> 00:21:30.260 align:middle line:84% to helping those that were lost here in the city of Brockton. 00:21:30.260 --> 00:21:34.760 align:middle line:84% So again, my thought is don't change anything here 00:21:34.760 --> 00:21:35.540 align:middle line:90% in Brockton. 00:21:35.540 --> 00:21:39.080 align:middle line:84% I think that the State Senate and the three state reps 00:21:39.080 --> 00:21:42.650 align:middle line:84% are unbelievable advocates and public servants. 00:21:42.650 --> 00:21:45.260 align:middle line:84% Governor's councilors as well, but Congressman Lynch 00:21:45.260 --> 00:21:46.760 align:middle line:90% has done yeoman's work. 00:21:46.760 --> 00:21:48.830 align:middle line:90% He truly is just unbelievable. 00:21:48.830 --> 00:21:50.810 align:middle line:84% And I want to go on record saying 00:21:50.810 --> 00:21:53.060 align:middle line:84% I would respectfully ask that the city of Brockton 00:21:53.060 --> 00:21:53.972 align:middle line:90% not be changed. 00:21:53.972 --> 00:21:55.430 align:middle line:84% You don't change what's not broken. 00:21:55.430 --> 00:21:56.870 align:middle line:90% And Brockton's not broken. 00:21:56.870 --> 00:21:58.460 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:21:58.460 --> 00:21:59.780 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mayor Sullivan. 00:21:59.780 --> 00:22:01.200 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much. 00:22:01.200 --> 00:22:04.180 align:middle line:84% And I think one of your colleagues from the House side 00:22:04.180 --> 00:22:04.680 align:middle line:90% is here. 00:22:04.680 --> 00:22:07.280 align:middle line:90% Michelle Du Bois is on watching. 00:22:07.280 --> 00:22:09.160 align:middle line:90% Welcome, Michelle. 00:22:09.160 --> 00:22:12.090 align:middle line:90% I have no questions. 00:22:12.090 --> 00:22:14.870 align:middle line:84% I just wanted to put it out to the members of the committee. 00:22:14.870 --> 00:22:17.360 align:middle line:84% Is there any questions for Mayor Sullivan 00:22:17.360 --> 00:22:18.697 align:middle line:90% from members of the committee? 00:22:18.697 --> 00:22:22.433 align:middle line:90% 00:22:22.433 --> 00:22:25.470 align:middle line:84% Hearing none, thank you, Mayor Sullivan. 00:22:25.470 --> 00:22:27.670 align:middle line:90% And enjoy the rest of your day. 00:22:27.670 --> 00:22:28.840 align:middle line:90% Thank you, everybody. 00:22:28.840 --> 00:22:29.720 align:middle line:90% Excellent. 00:22:29.720 --> 00:22:30.220 align:middle line:90% All right. 00:22:30.220 --> 00:22:32.580 align:middle line:84% So that concludes all of the elected officials 00:22:32.580 --> 00:22:35.400 align:middle line:84% that we have testified and signed on. 00:22:35.400 --> 00:22:37.920 align:middle line:84% I'm going to move to the next list of people. 00:22:37.920 --> 00:22:38.820 align:middle line:90% We got some panels-- 00:22:38.820 --> 00:22:40.740 align:middle line:90% I'd like to testify. 00:22:40.740 --> 00:22:43.110 align:middle line:84% Oh, I'm sorry you didn't sign off on the thing, 00:22:43.110 --> 00:22:43.860 align:middle line:90% but that's fine. 00:22:43.860 --> 00:22:45.350 align:middle line:90% You can testify, Representative. 00:22:45.350 --> 00:22:46.050 align:middle line:90% I thought I did. 00:22:46.050 --> 00:22:47.430 align:middle line:90% Please forgive me. 00:22:47.430 --> 00:22:49.800 align:middle line:84% It must have been an oversight with my aid. 00:22:49.800 --> 00:22:52.431 align:middle line:90% No worries, no worries. 00:22:52.431 --> 00:22:54.288 align:middle line:84% Representative, we always like to make 00:22:54.288 --> 00:22:56.080 align:middle line:84% exceptions for our colleagues in the House. 00:22:56.080 --> 00:22:59.130 align:middle line:84% So Representative Du Bois, please 00:22:59.130 --> 00:23:01.300 align:middle line:84% join us and give us your testimony. 00:23:01.300 --> 00:23:02.320 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much. 00:23:02.320 --> 00:23:06.240 align:middle line:84% I just want to say I appreciate Chairman Moran and Chairman 00:23:06.240 --> 00:23:09.270 align:middle line:84% Brownsberger and the committee's efforts in redistricting. 00:23:09.270 --> 00:23:15.120 align:middle line:84% It's something that I'm very interested in locally, 00:23:15.120 --> 00:23:17.870 align:middle line:84% having been a city councilor and through the redistricting. 00:23:17.870 --> 00:23:20.670 align:middle line:84% So I just first want to say I think Congressman Lynch does 00:23:20.670 --> 00:23:22.090 align:middle line:90% an excellent job. 00:23:22.090 --> 00:23:25.080 align:middle line:84% He has been open, accessible, real champion 00:23:25.080 --> 00:23:26.370 align:middle line:90% for the city of Brockton. 00:23:26.370 --> 00:23:30.180 align:middle line:84% And I support everything that Mayor Sullivan 00:23:30.180 --> 00:23:34.380 align:middle line:84% has so well said already about remaining 00:23:34.380 --> 00:23:36.330 align:middle line:90% with Congressman Lynch. 00:23:36.330 --> 00:23:39.180 align:middle line:84% I think that it is a wonderful match. 00:23:39.180 --> 00:23:43.200 align:middle line:84% Having Brockton tied to Quincy is an economic advantage 00:23:43.200 --> 00:23:45.000 align:middle line:90% for the city. 00:23:45.000 --> 00:23:50.190 align:middle line:84% But just taking Congressman Lynch's comments 00:23:50.190 --> 00:23:53.820 align:middle line:84% and interpreting them now, if there is a change, 00:23:53.820 --> 00:23:57.420 align:middle line:84% I think Brockton has a lot more in common with Fall 00:23:57.420 --> 00:24:04.470 align:middle line:84% River and New Bedford than Cape Cod and in a lot more common, 00:24:04.470 --> 00:24:07.800 align:middle line:84% frankly, with Ayanna Pressley's district. 00:24:07.800 --> 00:24:11.590 align:middle line:84% And so if that is going to happen, 00:24:11.590 --> 00:24:14.880 align:middle line:84% I'd like to see Brockton stay with the metro areas 00:24:14.880 --> 00:24:19.590 align:middle line:84% and areas that have people of color as a more of a majority 00:24:19.590 --> 00:24:22.860 align:middle line:84% because Brockton is a majority minority non-white city. 00:24:22.860 --> 00:24:26.700 align:middle line:84% And I would like that to be held up. 00:24:26.700 --> 00:24:30.870 align:middle line:84% And I would like to have our district be in a district 00:24:30.870 --> 00:24:33.690 align:middle line:84% where there are other communities such as Brockton 00:24:33.690 --> 00:24:35.650 align:middle line:84% and they have a good representation. 00:24:35.650 --> 00:24:37.410 align:middle line:84% So if there's going to be a change, 00:24:37.410 --> 00:24:40.258 align:middle line:84% I really would be upset if Brockton got split in two. 00:24:40.258 --> 00:24:41.800 align:middle line:84% I think that wouldn't be good for us. 00:24:41.800 --> 00:24:43.758 align:middle line:84% We've seen in the past that wasn't good for us, 00:24:43.758 --> 00:24:45.960 align:middle line:84% so I hope that that doesn't happen. 00:24:45.960 --> 00:24:50.160 align:middle line:84% Also, I would really like Brockton's 10th Plymouth 00:24:50.160 --> 00:24:52.500 align:middle line:84% district that I am so honored to represent 00:24:52.500 --> 00:24:57.000 align:middle line:84% right now to get a minority majority designation. 00:24:57.000 --> 00:24:58.830 align:middle line:84% And I've spoken with Chairman Moran 00:24:58.830 --> 00:25:00.330 align:middle line:90% about this in our meeting. 00:25:00.330 --> 00:25:03.630 align:middle line:84% And I appreciate your efforts and your dialogue around it. 00:25:03.630 --> 00:25:06.090 align:middle line:84% But I just wanted to express that publicly. 00:25:06.090 --> 00:25:08.260 align:middle line:90% I've campaigned on it. 00:25:08.260 --> 00:25:10.230 align:middle line:84% And if we can do it, I think that would 00:25:10.230 --> 00:25:13.800 align:middle line:84% be a really great thing for Brockton. 00:25:13.800 --> 00:25:15.960 align:middle line:84% And then the last thing I just wanted to say 00:25:15.960 --> 00:25:21.540 align:middle line:84% is I read an article about a hearing that recently happened 00:25:21.540 --> 00:25:23.880 align:middle line:84% about taking away the local board's 00:25:23.880 --> 00:25:30.030 align:middle line:84% authority around creating ward and districting because 00:25:30.030 --> 00:25:31.920 align:middle line:84% of the timeline and needing six months 00:25:31.920 --> 00:25:35.820 align:middle line:84% in order to live in the district or all this stuff. 00:25:35.820 --> 00:25:37.710 align:middle line:84% And I just want to express how important it 00:25:37.710 --> 00:25:40.590 align:middle line:84% is that those functions stay at the local level. 00:25:40.590 --> 00:25:43.020 align:middle line:90% As an example, I live in 60. 00:25:43.020 --> 00:25:45.150 align:middle line:84% But right across the street is 6A. 00:25:45.150 --> 00:25:47.040 align:middle line:84% And I have a lot of constituents who 00:25:47.040 --> 00:25:50.880 align:middle line:84% live right on the line between two different wards 00:25:50.880 --> 00:25:54.180 align:middle line:84% in Brockton, be it Ward 6 and Ward 5 or so 00:25:54.180 --> 00:25:55.910 align:middle line:90% and such and so on. 00:25:55.910 --> 00:25:58.230 align:middle line:84% So just having the local community 00:25:58.230 --> 00:26:01.650 align:middle line:84% have an input on those interior lines is important. 00:26:01.650 --> 00:26:03.480 align:middle line:84% I'm having dialogue with citizens 00:26:03.480 --> 00:26:05.910 align:middle line:90% about where people vote. 00:26:05.910 --> 00:26:09.540 align:middle line:84% So right now, we have people that live in 5A voting in 5B. 00:26:09.540 --> 00:26:13.050 align:middle line:84% Representative Cassidy has 5A, and I have 5B at the library. 00:26:13.050 --> 00:26:14.700 align:middle line:90% And it causes some confusion. 00:26:14.700 --> 00:26:18.450 align:middle line:84% And we have people, 160 units of extremely low income 00:26:18.450 --> 00:26:19.590 align:middle line:90% family housing. 00:26:19.590 --> 00:26:22.290 align:middle line:84% And they have a polling location right across the street. 00:26:22.290 --> 00:26:24.060 align:middle line:90% But that isn't where they vote. 00:26:24.060 --> 00:26:26.190 align:middle line:90% They vote very far away. 00:26:26.190 --> 00:26:27.690 align:middle line:84% And a lot of them don't have cars. 00:26:27.690 --> 00:26:29.970 align:middle line:84% And it diminishes their ability to vote. 00:26:29.970 --> 00:26:31.770 align:middle line:84% And so I'm working at the local level 00:26:31.770 --> 00:26:35.310 align:middle line:84% to get those changes made in the ward redistricting. 00:26:35.310 --> 00:26:38.888 align:middle line:84% And if that gets put onto the state legislature, 00:26:38.888 --> 00:26:41.430 align:middle line:84% I don't know if you'll actually save time because then you'll 00:26:41.430 --> 00:26:42.990 align:middle line:84% have state representatives having 00:26:42.990 --> 00:26:46.950 align:middle line:84% to make sure they know the lay of the land in their wards 00:26:46.950 --> 00:26:50.860 align:middle line:84% and districts so they can get to the nuance. 00:26:50.860 --> 00:26:51.960 align:middle line:90% So those are my comments. 00:26:51.960 --> 00:26:56.040 align:middle line:84% I'm very sorry that I didn't sign up or there was a snafu. 00:26:56.040 --> 00:26:57.900 align:middle line:84% And I appreciate everyone's efforts. 00:26:57.900 --> 00:27:00.960 align:middle line:84% And thank you for having this hearing in my district. 00:27:00.960 --> 00:27:02.970 align:middle line:84% Welcome to my district, virtually. 00:27:02.970 --> 00:27:04.290 align:middle line:90% It is a beautiful place. 00:27:04.290 --> 00:27:05.760 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:27:05.760 --> 00:27:06.420 align:middle line:90% Excellent. 00:27:06.420 --> 00:27:08.310 align:middle line:90% Thank you for your comments. 00:27:08.310 --> 00:27:10.050 align:middle line:90% And I just want to-- 00:27:10.050 --> 00:27:11.852 align:middle line:84% we've been going through a lot with COVID. 00:27:11.852 --> 00:27:13.060 align:middle line:90% We didn't want to wear masks. 00:27:13.060 --> 00:27:14.940 align:middle line:84% We didn't want to do a lot of things. 00:27:14.940 --> 00:27:18.870 align:middle line:84% But unfortunately, the COVID has caused our census numbers 00:27:18.870 --> 00:27:20.670 align:middle line:90% to come in very late. 00:27:20.670 --> 00:27:24.840 align:middle line:84% And we are under a rush to get it done before November 8. 00:27:24.840 --> 00:27:28.980 align:middle line:84% So there is a movement-- and I am supporting it-- 00:27:28.980 --> 00:27:31.560 align:middle line:84% where we would do the we reprecincting 00:27:31.560 --> 00:27:34.938 align:middle line:84% after doing the districts because it 00:27:34.938 --> 00:27:35.980 align:middle line:90% just would take too long. 00:27:35.980 --> 00:27:37.800 align:middle line:84% So if that's what you're referring to, 00:27:37.800 --> 00:27:39.570 align:middle line:90% that's the position. 00:27:39.570 --> 00:27:43.650 align:middle line:84% Chairman Moran, for my district, I 00:27:43.650 --> 00:27:45.960 align:middle line:84% feel confident that I could communicate with you 00:27:45.960 --> 00:27:48.840 align:middle line:84% and your committee would be diligent and fair 00:27:48.840 --> 00:27:50.010 align:middle line:90% in the redistricting. 00:27:50.010 --> 00:27:52.080 align:middle line:84% And I know that this type of nuance 00:27:52.080 --> 00:27:55.200 align:middle line:84% as to where certain wards actually vote and making sure 00:27:55.200 --> 00:27:58.830 align:middle line:84% that the low income folks have access to a local voting 00:27:58.830 --> 00:28:01.320 align:middle line:84% right across the street or in their building-- seniors 00:28:01.320 --> 00:28:03.112 align:middle line:84% instead of having to go out of the building 00:28:03.112 --> 00:28:05.250 align:middle line:84% and walk by polling and then have to get in the car 00:28:05.250 --> 00:28:06.480 align:middle line:90% and drive somewhere else. 00:28:06.480 --> 00:28:08.460 align:middle line:84% That could be accomplished because I'm really 00:28:08.460 --> 00:28:10.060 align:middle line:90% in the weeds on this stuff. 00:28:10.060 --> 00:28:14.040 align:middle line:84% But I just worry if all 160 state representatives 00:28:14.040 --> 00:28:16.200 align:middle line:90% are going to be able to-- 00:28:16.200 --> 00:28:17.550 align:middle line:90% find that a priority. 00:28:17.550 --> 00:28:18.798 align:middle line:90% And no offense-- 00:28:18.798 --> 00:28:20.340 align:middle line:84% That will be left at the local level. 00:28:20.340 --> 00:28:23.050 align:middle line:84% We have no intention of getting involved in that, so. 00:28:23.050 --> 00:28:23.830 align:middle line:90% OK? 00:28:23.830 --> 00:28:25.020 align:middle line:90% OK, thank you. 00:28:25.020 --> 00:28:25.570 align:middle line:90% All right. 00:28:25.570 --> 00:28:26.940 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:28:26.940 --> 00:28:34.920 align:middle line:84% So next to testify, keeping with the Brockton theme, 00:28:34.920 --> 00:28:37.830 align:middle line:84% Marie [? Jacques ?] [? Torssant. ?] Am I saying 00:28:37.830 --> 00:28:38.330 align:middle line:90% that right? 00:28:38.330 --> 00:28:45.750 align:middle line:90% 00:28:45.750 --> 00:28:47.370 align:middle line:90% Marie, are you with us? 00:28:47.370 --> 00:28:53.640 align:middle line:90% 00:28:53.640 --> 00:28:54.560 align:middle line:90% She needs to unmute. 00:28:54.560 --> 00:28:55.730 align:middle line:90% OK. 00:28:55.730 --> 00:28:59.370 align:middle line:90% Marie, can you unmute? 00:28:59.370 --> 00:29:00.640 align:middle line:90% Good afternoon. 00:29:00.640 --> 00:29:02.910 align:middle line:84% I am Marie Jacques [? Tossant. ?] 00:29:02.910 --> 00:29:05.000 align:middle line:90% I live in Brockton. 00:29:05.000 --> 00:29:08.100 align:middle line:84% I am volunteer at [INAUDIBLE] Center. 00:29:08.100 --> 00:29:13.110 align:middle line:84% [INAUDIBLE] Center is a Haitian organization. 00:29:13.110 --> 00:29:16.800 align:middle line:90% I am so happy to be with you. 00:29:16.800 --> 00:29:19.260 align:middle line:90% And thank you for having me. 00:29:19.260 --> 00:29:26.290 align:middle line:84% In my community, we have low, low income. 00:29:26.290 --> 00:29:32.850 align:middle line:84% We have so many programs because with the COVID-19, 00:29:32.850 --> 00:29:40.050 align:middle line:84% we have so much issue in the Haitian community. 00:29:40.050 --> 00:29:50.300 align:middle line:90% 00:29:50.300 --> 00:29:55.490 align:middle line:84% I would like you to [? work ?] with the Haitian community 00:29:55.490 --> 00:29:59.960 align:middle line:84% because we have a lot of [? need ?] with vaccination 00:29:59.960 --> 00:30:00.936 align:middle line:90% with COVID-19. 00:30:00.936 --> 00:30:04.334 align:middle line:90% 00:30:04.334 --> 00:30:08.630 align:middle line:90% We want to the community-- 00:30:08.630 --> 00:30:14.360 align:middle line:84% we want [INAUDIBLE] in the community and talk more with 00:30:14.360 --> 00:30:17.600 align:middle line:90% them because they are-- 00:30:17.600 --> 00:30:21.050 align:middle line:90% my community is hard. 00:30:21.050 --> 00:30:23.690 align:middle line:84% I would like you to [? talk ?] a lot 00:30:23.690 --> 00:30:25.790 align:middle line:90% about the Haitian community. 00:30:25.790 --> 00:30:28.100 align:middle line:90% Thank you for having. 00:30:28.100 --> 00:30:28.940 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Maria. 00:30:28.940 --> 00:30:31.460 align:middle line:90% I appreciate your testimony. 00:30:31.460 --> 00:30:33.260 align:middle line:84% Let me ask my colleagues if anybody 00:30:33.260 --> 00:30:37.600 align:middle line:90% has any questions for Marie. 00:30:37.600 --> 00:30:38.180 align:middle line:90% All right. 00:30:38.180 --> 00:30:40.420 align:middle line:84% Hearing none, I appreciate your testimony. 00:30:40.420 --> 00:30:42.820 align:middle line:90% Enjoy the rest of your day. 00:30:42.820 --> 00:30:46.740 align:middle line:84% Next we have a Ruth St. Louis from Dorchester. 00:30:46.740 --> 00:30:47.890 align:middle line:90% Ruth, are you with us? 00:30:47.890 --> 00:31:04.300 align:middle line:90% 00:31:04.300 --> 00:31:05.970 align:middle line:90% Ruth, can you hear us? 00:31:05.970 --> 00:31:14.460 align:middle line:90% 00:31:14.460 --> 00:31:16.540 align:middle line:84% I'm told she's coming in right now. 00:31:16.540 --> 00:31:19.490 align:middle line:84% So give us a minute for Ruth to get up here. 00:31:19.490 --> 00:31:47.470 align:middle line:90% 00:31:47.470 --> 00:31:48.190 align:middle line:90% OK. 00:31:48.190 --> 00:31:49.840 align:middle line:90% Ruth, we need you to unmute. 00:31:49.840 --> 00:31:50.970 align:middle line:90% Can you unmute for us? 00:31:50.970 --> 00:32:04.200 align:middle line:90% 00:32:04.200 --> 00:32:04.822 align:middle line:90% I see you. 00:32:04.822 --> 00:32:05.670 align:middle line:90% You're on my screen. 00:32:05.670 --> 00:32:13.400 align:middle line:90% 00:32:13.400 --> 00:32:14.290 align:middle line:90% There we go. 00:32:14.290 --> 00:32:17.740 align:middle line:90% 00:32:17.740 --> 00:32:19.910 align:middle line:90% Welcome, Ruth. 00:32:19.910 --> 00:32:20.410 align:middle line:90% Hi. 00:32:20.410 --> 00:32:23.050 align:middle line:90% 00:32:23.050 --> 00:32:24.790 align:middle line:84% Your name is on the list of people 00:32:24.790 --> 00:32:28.010 align:middle line:84% that would like to testify on the congressional 8th 00:32:28.010 --> 00:32:29.220 align:middle line:90% redistricting hearing. 00:32:29.220 --> 00:32:32.030 align:middle line:90% Do you have anything to add? 00:32:32.030 --> 00:32:35.450 align:middle line:84% No, I want to know if we have somebody 00:32:35.450 --> 00:32:40.460 align:middle line:84% here can translate for me because I 00:32:40.460 --> 00:32:41.420 align:middle line:90% don't speak very well. 00:32:41.420 --> 00:32:44.170 align:middle line:90% I don't want to make a mistake. 00:32:44.170 --> 00:32:48.070 align:middle line:84% Ruth, what's your native language? 00:32:48.070 --> 00:32:49.480 align:middle line:90% Haitian Creole. 00:32:49.480 --> 00:32:50.300 align:middle line:90% Haitian. 00:32:50.300 --> 00:32:50.860 align:middle line:90% OK. 00:32:50.860 --> 00:32:57.190 align:middle line:84% Now, we are intent on having a Haitian Creole hearing 00:32:57.190 --> 00:32:58.880 align:middle line:90% specifically for your language. 00:32:58.880 --> 00:33:01.090 align:middle line:84% So we have interpreters at that hearing. 00:33:01.090 --> 00:33:05.260 align:middle line:84% So we will contact you when that hearing happens 00:33:05.260 --> 00:33:08.770 align:middle line:84% to make sure that you'll have the appropriate interpreters 00:33:08.770 --> 00:33:09.410 align:middle line:90% at that time. 00:33:09.410 --> 00:33:10.630 align:middle line:90% Is that OK? 00:33:10.630 --> 00:33:11.170 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:33:11.170 --> 00:33:12.050 align:middle line:90% No problem. 00:33:12.050 --> 00:33:12.550 align:middle line:90% OK. 00:33:12.550 --> 00:33:13.490 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much. 00:33:13.490 --> 00:33:16.070 align:middle line:84% We appreciate you attending this. 00:33:16.070 --> 00:33:16.570 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:33:16.570 --> 00:33:19.140 align:middle line:90% 00:33:19.140 --> 00:33:22.672 align:middle line:84% Give us one second here while I get the next person 00:33:22.672 --> 00:33:23.380 align:middle line:90% ready to testify. 00:33:23.380 --> 00:34:12.770 align:middle line:90% 00:34:12.770 --> 00:34:14.150 align:middle line:90% OK. 00:34:14.150 --> 00:34:16.280 align:middle line:90% Looks like we have a panel next. 00:34:16.280 --> 00:34:20.120 align:middle line:84% And I believe it's Matthew McCloskey and Hillary Sullivan. 00:34:20.120 --> 00:34:25.310 align:middle line:84% And they are from progressive West Roxbury Roslindale. 00:34:25.310 --> 00:34:26.239 align:middle line:90% Matthew and Hillary? 00:34:26.239 --> 00:34:32.310 align:middle line:90% 00:34:32.310 --> 00:34:33.659 align:middle line:90% You're muted, Matthew. 00:34:33.659 --> 00:34:38.491 align:middle line:90% 00:34:38.491 --> 00:34:39.199 align:middle line:90% Maybe you're not. 00:34:39.199 --> 00:34:46.159 align:middle line:90% 00:34:46.159 --> 00:34:47.683 align:middle line:90% No, we're not hearing you. 00:34:47.683 --> 00:34:51.630 align:middle line:90% 00:34:51.630 --> 00:34:54.480 align:middle line:84% Matt, I'm happy to jump in while you work on-- 00:34:54.480 --> 00:34:57.590 align:middle line:90% 00:34:57.590 --> 00:34:59.240 align:middle line:90% Hilary, we can hear you. 00:34:59.240 --> 00:34:59.840 align:middle line:90% OK, great. 00:34:59.840 --> 00:35:00.860 align:middle line:90% I'll hop in. 00:35:00.860 --> 00:35:04.860 align:middle line:84% And hopefully Matt figure out his audio, but. 00:35:04.860 --> 00:35:06.350 align:middle line:84% Hilary, welcome, welcome, welcome. 00:35:06.350 --> 00:35:06.890 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:35:06.890 --> 00:35:09.260 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Rep Moran and other members of the committee 00:35:09.260 --> 00:35:11.090 align:middle line:90% for holding this hearing. 00:35:11.090 --> 00:35:12.860 align:middle line:90% My name is Hilary Sullivan. 00:35:12.860 --> 00:35:17.105 align:middle line:84% I'm a Roslindale resident within the city of Boston. 00:35:17.105 --> 00:35:18.980 align:middle line:84% I serve on the Roslindale Village Main Street 00:35:18.980 --> 00:35:22.130 align:middle line:84% Board, my local neighborhood board, and Roslindale West 00:35:22.130 --> 00:35:24.170 align:middle line:90% Roxbury progressives group. 00:35:24.170 --> 00:35:27.050 align:middle line:84% And I've been actively engaged in Roslindale for the last 12 00:35:27.050 --> 00:35:27.920 align:middle line:90% years. 00:35:27.920 --> 00:35:29.780 align:middle line:84% And we certainly have great support 00:35:29.780 --> 00:35:33.475 align:middle line:84% from many elected officials, but I think we really-- 00:35:33.475 --> 00:35:34.850 align:middle line:84% I think what's challenging for us 00:35:34.850 --> 00:35:37.160 align:middle line:84% is that, at the city, state, and federal level, 00:35:37.160 --> 00:35:38.750 align:middle line:90% we just have so many different-- 00:35:38.750 --> 00:35:40.860 align:middle line:84% Roslindale is split in so many different ways. 00:35:40.860 --> 00:35:43.820 align:middle line:84% So in the city, we've got three district city councilors 00:35:43.820 --> 00:35:44.930 align:middle line:90% that cover Roslindale. 00:35:44.930 --> 00:35:46.008 align:middle line:90% We have five state reps. 00:35:46.008 --> 00:35:48.050 align:middle line:84% We have three state senators and then, of course, 00:35:48.050 --> 00:35:49.820 align:middle line:90% federally have the two US reps. 00:35:49.820 --> 00:35:54.440 align:middle line:84% So I've been working as a part of many people 00:35:54.440 --> 00:35:57.620 align:middle line:84% to make Roslindale a more cohesive community. 00:35:57.620 --> 00:35:59.230 align:middle line:84% We are a really diverse community. 00:35:59.230 --> 00:36:00.980 align:middle line:84% And we're really working hard to make sure 00:36:00.980 --> 00:36:04.610 align:middle line:84% that Roslindale is a healthy and vibrant community where 00:36:04.610 --> 00:36:07.670 align:middle line:84% people of all backgrounds can come together to, 00:36:07.670 --> 00:36:12.380 align:middle line:84% as we like to say, eat, shop, play, work, and live. 00:36:12.380 --> 00:36:14.630 align:middle line:84% But certainly, what we know about Boston 00:36:14.630 --> 00:36:17.300 align:middle line:84% and about many other communities is that there are also 00:36:17.300 --> 00:36:19.370 align:middle line:84% some real challenges that we're facing, 00:36:19.370 --> 00:36:23.540 align:middle line:84% from housing and food shortages to climate change 00:36:23.540 --> 00:36:25.280 align:middle line:90% to racial reckoning. 00:36:25.280 --> 00:36:27.410 align:middle line:84% And what we really feel like we need 00:36:27.410 --> 00:36:30.560 align:middle line:84% is clear representation from single reps 00:36:30.560 --> 00:36:33.530 align:middle line:84% that are going to be able to cover our entire neighborhood. 00:36:33.530 --> 00:36:36.890 align:middle line:84% I think so often when we're advocating or asking 00:36:36.890 --> 00:36:39.530 align:middle line:84% for support, it can be really hard to navigate 00:36:39.530 --> 00:36:45.800 align:middle line:84% the complex web of who is our representative, including 00:36:45.800 --> 00:36:48.380 align:middle line:90% at the US rep level. 00:36:48.380 --> 00:36:51.230 align:middle line:84% And in my day job, I actually work with college students 00:36:51.230 --> 00:36:55.820 align:middle line:84% to engage them in service and civic engagement initiatives. 00:36:55.820 --> 00:36:57.920 align:middle line:84% And I see more students who are getting 00:36:57.920 --> 00:37:00.770 align:middle line:90% involved in national elections. 00:37:00.770 --> 00:37:03.590 align:middle line:84% But so often students just have absolutely no sense 00:37:03.590 --> 00:37:06.900 align:middle line:84% of who their local and state and even US reps are. 00:37:06.900 --> 00:37:09.920 align:middle line:84% And so as I work to help them understand 00:37:09.920 --> 00:37:14.540 align:middle line:84% those representatives, having representation 00:37:14.540 --> 00:37:17.390 align:middle line:84% that is clearer and more whole within neighborhoods 00:37:17.390 --> 00:37:21.740 align:middle line:84% and within communities is really key to helping people 00:37:21.740 --> 00:37:23.150 align:middle line:90% be able to engage their reps. 00:37:23.150 --> 00:37:25.520 align:middle line:84% So when we think about bringing neighborhoods 00:37:25.520 --> 00:37:27.530 align:middle line:84% like Jamaica Plain or like Roslindale 00:37:27.530 --> 00:37:30.920 align:middle line:84% into one congressional district, I 00:37:30.920 --> 00:37:33.500 align:middle line:84% think that really helps make our elected officials more 00:37:33.500 --> 00:37:34.640 align:middle line:90% accessible to people. 00:37:34.640 --> 00:37:36.860 align:middle line:84% It helps make it a little bit easier. 00:37:36.860 --> 00:37:38.480 align:middle line:84% And it's a complex process, but it 00:37:38.480 --> 00:37:42.410 align:middle line:84% helps make it a little bit easier for the average person 00:37:42.410 --> 00:37:44.900 align:middle line:84% to be able to contact their elected officials. 00:37:44.900 --> 00:37:47.810 align:middle line:84% And it certainly makes it easier for those of us who 00:37:47.810 --> 00:37:49.940 align:middle line:84% are working to make our neighborhood better 00:37:49.940 --> 00:37:52.910 align:middle line:84% when we are able to be in one single district. 00:37:52.910 --> 00:37:55.400 align:middle line:84% So I would love to advocate for that 00:37:55.400 --> 00:37:57.690 align:middle line:84% as you move forward in this process. 00:37:57.690 --> 00:37:59.280 align:middle line:90% Thanks so much. 00:37:59.280 --> 00:38:00.410 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Hilary. 00:38:00.410 --> 00:38:02.570 align:middle line:90% Just a couple of things-- 00:38:02.570 --> 00:38:06.920 align:middle line:84% Roslindale as a whole is not big enough to have its own rep. 00:38:06.920 --> 00:38:11.580 align:middle line:84% So it's going to have to be in a district with somebody else. 00:38:11.580 --> 00:38:13.130 align:middle line:90% So that's one. 00:38:13.130 --> 00:38:16.310 align:middle line:84% Two is, on the federal level, the way 00:38:16.310 --> 00:38:22.130 align:middle line:84% we went about creating the two districts in Boston was, 00:38:22.130 --> 00:38:25.970 align:middle line:84% if you were a majority minority precinct, 00:38:25.970 --> 00:38:30.040 align:middle line:84% you went into then representative 00:38:30.040 --> 00:38:31.760 align:middle line:90% Capuano district. 00:38:31.760 --> 00:38:36.590 align:middle line:84% And if you were not, you went into Representative Lynch's 00:38:36.590 --> 00:38:37.820 align:middle line:90% district. 00:38:37.820 --> 00:38:43.340 align:middle line:84% I tell you that only because we did have a number of people 00:38:43.340 --> 00:38:45.380 align:middle line:84% specifically in Roslindale and JP that 00:38:45.380 --> 00:38:52.250 align:middle line:84% wanted to be included in the Capuano district 00:38:52.250 --> 00:38:54.530 align:middle line:84% back then-- now the Ayanna Pressley district. 00:38:54.530 --> 00:38:56.480 align:middle line:84% But that would run counter to one 00:38:56.480 --> 00:38:58.640 align:middle line:84% of the principles of redistricting, 00:38:58.640 --> 00:39:05.160 align:middle line:84% which is to drawing a healthy minority majority district. 00:39:05.160 --> 00:39:06.900 align:middle line:90% And if we added-- 00:39:06.900 --> 00:39:11.570 align:middle line:84% if we added Roslindale or JP precincts that were white, 00:39:11.570 --> 00:39:14.270 align:middle line:84% then we would in fact be watering down that number. 00:39:14.270 --> 00:39:16.640 align:middle line:90% So I hope that sort of-- 00:39:16.640 --> 00:39:19.970 align:middle line:84% sometimes you don't understand the reasons 00:39:19.970 --> 00:39:22.723 align:middle line:84% districts are drawn, but that's one of the principles. 00:39:22.723 --> 00:39:24.890 align:middle line:84% Also one of the principles are keeping neighborhoods 00:39:24.890 --> 00:39:26.150 align:middle line:90% and cities and towns whole. 00:39:26.150 --> 00:39:27.830 align:middle line:84% So that would fall directly under what 00:39:27.830 --> 00:39:29.900 align:middle line:90% you are trying to advocate for. 00:39:29.900 --> 00:39:32.630 align:middle line:84% And I definitely appreciate your testimony. 00:39:32.630 --> 00:39:34.850 align:middle line:84% And if we can make that happen, it's 00:39:34.850 --> 00:39:36.830 align:middle line:84% certainly something on the House Committee 00:39:36.830 --> 00:39:38.420 align:middle line:90% that I would love to do. 00:39:38.420 --> 00:39:40.250 align:middle line:84% But I just wanted to let you know 00:39:40.250 --> 00:39:43.820 align:middle line:84% why the two districts in Boston look the way they look. 00:39:43.820 --> 00:39:47.960 align:middle line:84% And it was really a function of making the strongest majority 00:39:47.960 --> 00:39:49.820 align:middle line:84% minority district we could 10 years ago, 00:39:49.820 --> 00:39:52.550 align:middle line:84% quite frankly the first time we ever drew a true majority 00:39:52.550 --> 00:39:53.630 align:middle line:90% minority district. 00:39:53.630 --> 00:39:56.700 align:middle line:84% So anyways, that was just for clarification. 00:39:56.700 --> 00:39:59.400 align:middle line:84% I wanted now to move to Matthew if we fix 00:39:59.400 --> 00:40:01.130 align:middle line:90% the audio problem for Matthew. 00:40:01.130 --> 00:40:01.740 align:middle line:90% I hope so. 00:40:01.740 --> 00:40:02.980 align:middle line:90% Can you hear me now? 00:40:02.980 --> 00:40:04.330 align:middle line:90% Yeah, I can hear. 00:40:04.330 --> 00:40:04.830 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:40:04.830 --> 00:40:05.880 align:middle line:90% Welcome, welcome. 00:40:05.880 --> 00:40:06.700 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:40:06.700 --> 00:40:08.940 align:middle line:84% So my testimony is going to be in many ways similar 00:40:08.940 --> 00:40:09.900 align:middle line:90% to Hilary's. 00:40:09.900 --> 00:40:11.850 align:middle line:84% But I wanted to quickly address one of your statements, which 00:40:11.850 --> 00:40:14.010 align:middle line:84% we totally understand the drawing of the majority 00:40:14.010 --> 00:40:17.730 align:middle line:84% minority district Roslindale as a cohesive unit according 00:40:17.730 --> 00:40:20.500 align:middle line:84% to the last update was 49% white. 00:40:20.500 --> 00:40:24.442 align:middle line:84% It isn't technically majority minority. 00:40:24.442 --> 00:40:25.650 align:middle line:90% I'm sure you've seen the map. 00:40:25.650 --> 00:40:28.260 align:middle line:84% We're a little thumb sticking up with Jamaica Plain 00:40:28.260 --> 00:40:30.310 align:middle line:90% up in to Boston. 00:40:30.310 --> 00:40:34.740 align:middle line:84% And as a result, it ends up being kind of left out. 00:40:34.740 --> 00:40:37.172 align:middle line:84% But to introduce myself, my name is Matt McCloskey. 00:40:37.172 --> 00:40:39.630 align:middle line:84% I'm a steering committee member of progressive West Roxbury 00:40:39.630 --> 00:40:42.180 align:middle line:84% Roslindale, and like Hilary, a member of a number 00:40:42.180 --> 00:40:45.210 align:middle line:90% of local groups as well. 00:40:45.210 --> 00:40:47.970 align:middle line:84% I'm also a Roslindale resident and a parent. 00:40:47.970 --> 00:40:53.100 align:middle line:84% I'm speaking primarily to ask that Roslindale be considered 00:40:53.100 --> 00:40:55.290 align:middle line:90% as a cohesive unit. 00:40:55.290 --> 00:40:58.090 align:middle line:84% I spoke to a number of people in preparing to speak. 00:40:58.090 --> 00:41:00.690 align:middle line:84% And that was the leading concern from everybody. 00:41:00.690 --> 00:41:06.060 align:middle line:84% People said, regardless of who the representation is, 00:41:06.060 --> 00:41:09.780 align:middle line:84% as I said, it's very confusing that the dividing line 00:41:09.780 --> 00:41:10.410 align:middle line:90% is where it is. 00:41:10.410 --> 00:41:12.630 align:middle line:84% So Roslindale Village is the heart of the community. 00:41:12.630 --> 00:41:13.710 align:middle line:90% It's a commercial center. 00:41:13.710 --> 00:41:14.793 align:middle line:90% It's a transportation hub. 00:41:14.793 --> 00:41:16.627 align:middle line:84% And the current district boundaries actually 00:41:16.627 --> 00:41:18.750 align:middle line:84% use Washington Street, which is the central artery 00:41:18.750 --> 00:41:22.040 align:middle line:84% of Roslindale the dividing line between district 7 and 8. 00:41:22.040 --> 00:41:23.790 align:middle line:84% And it divides the community in a way that 00:41:23.790 --> 00:41:25.920 align:middle line:84% looks very logical when you look at a map 00:41:25.920 --> 00:41:27.780 align:middle line:84% because it's a long straight road. 00:41:27.780 --> 00:41:31.162 align:middle line:84% However, it divides a really coherent community in two. 00:41:31.162 --> 00:41:33.120 align:middle line:84% Washington Street itself is a primary connector 00:41:33.120 --> 00:41:36.510 align:middle line:84% for 19,000 daily commuters by [? via 10 ?] bus lines. 00:41:36.510 --> 00:41:39.307 align:middle line:84% And there's been a lot of conversation about what 00:41:39.307 --> 00:41:40.140 align:middle line:90% should happen there. 00:41:40.140 --> 00:41:42.272 align:middle line:84% And it's really hard to speak for representatives 00:41:42.272 --> 00:41:43.980 align:middle line:84% because it is literally the dividing line 00:41:43.980 --> 00:41:46.590 align:middle line:90% between two districts. 00:41:46.590 --> 00:41:49.800 align:middle line:84% In fact, the Roslindale Village community-- 00:41:49.800 --> 00:41:52.350 align:middle line:84% excuse me, commuter rail station that 00:41:52.350 --> 00:41:54.630 align:middle line:84% connects to the Roslindale Village bus stations 00:41:54.630 --> 00:41:57.240 align:middle line:84% are literally in different districts 00:41:57.240 --> 00:42:00.040 align:middle line:84% despite being a couple hundred feet apart. 00:42:00.040 --> 00:42:02.580 align:middle line:84% Washington Street-- it's a long, straight street. 00:42:02.580 --> 00:42:04.800 align:middle line:84% It's a major travel route, but it's not a highway. 00:42:04.800 --> 00:42:06.060 align:middle line:90% It's a local business route. 00:42:06.060 --> 00:42:08.700 align:middle line:84% It represents a lot of business on both sides. 00:42:08.700 --> 00:42:12.810 align:middle line:84% And currently, it also divides the local community centers. 00:42:12.810 --> 00:42:17.430 align:middle line:84% Both schools, senior centers are divided in half. 00:42:17.430 --> 00:42:20.150 align:middle line:84% And as a result, as Hilary said, one of the issues we have is we 00:42:20.150 --> 00:42:23.250 align:middle line:84% have a hard time getting the resources and the attention 00:42:23.250 --> 00:42:24.990 align:middle line:84% from reps because in addition to, 00:42:24.990 --> 00:42:28.590 align:middle line:84% as Hilary stated, five state reps, three state senators, 00:42:28.590 --> 00:42:30.840 align:middle line:84% three different city councilors, and every one 00:42:30.840 --> 00:42:34.860 align:middle line:84% of those districts is primarily situated outside of Roslindale. 00:42:34.860 --> 00:42:38.490 align:middle line:84% [INAUDIBLE] will be testifying at those hearings as well. 00:42:38.490 --> 00:42:42.200 align:middle line:84% And as you mentioned, [INAUDIBLE],, 00:42:42.200 --> 00:42:43.670 align:middle line:90% we share a community group. 00:42:43.670 --> 00:42:45.420 align:middle line:84% We are very active with a number of people 00:42:45.420 --> 00:42:48.150 align:middle line:84% who are at local politics in Hyde Park 00:42:48.150 --> 00:42:52.980 align:middle line:84% and in Jamaica Plain who are in two different districts. 00:42:52.980 --> 00:42:55.140 align:middle line:84% And if you look at-- if you were to look at a map, 00:42:55.140 --> 00:42:56.515 align:middle line:84% again, as I mentioned, Roslindale 00:42:56.515 --> 00:43:00.090 align:middle line:84% is in fact a majority minority community, if only barely. 00:43:00.090 --> 00:43:02.490 align:middle line:84% And if you look at the Eastern edge of Roslindale 00:43:02.490 --> 00:43:05.220 align:middle line:84% is actually bounded by two cemeteries and a golf 00:43:05.220 --> 00:43:08.430 align:middle line:84% course, which make a really clear dividing line 00:43:08.430 --> 00:43:11.742 align:middle line:84% between communities of interest between Roslindale 00:43:11.742 --> 00:43:13.200 align:middle line:84% and the communities that go beyond, 00:43:13.200 --> 00:43:14.640 align:middle line:84% rather than drawing the dividing line right 00:43:14.640 --> 00:43:16.080 align:middle line:90% down the middle of a community. 00:43:16.080 --> 00:43:17.790 align:middle line:84% And hopefully, we're really hoping that 00:43:17.790 --> 00:43:19.290 align:middle line:84% through this redistricting process-- 00:43:19.290 --> 00:43:21.457 align:middle line:84% we're excited to have the chance to really emphasize 00:43:21.457 --> 00:43:24.113 align:middle line:84% the voice of the community which has really been sort of pulled 00:43:24.113 --> 00:43:25.530 align:middle line:84% apart in every different direction 00:43:25.530 --> 00:43:27.238 align:middle line:84% to really kind of bring it back together. 00:43:27.238 --> 00:43:28.890 align:middle line:84% So thank you very much for the time. 00:43:28.890 --> 00:43:30.318 align:middle line:90% Sorry for the technical issue. 00:43:30.318 --> 00:43:31.110 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Matthew. 00:43:31.110 --> 00:43:32.520 align:middle line:90% I appreciate it. 00:43:32.520 --> 00:43:36.900 align:middle line:84% Two comments-- one is, 10 years ago, Roslindale 00:43:36.900 --> 00:43:38.520 align:middle line:84% as a whole was not majority minority. 00:43:38.520 --> 00:43:42.330 align:middle line:84% Now, it may very well [? bear ?] out that in the last 10 years, 00:43:42.330 --> 00:43:44.080 align:middle line:90% that through natural-- 00:43:44.080 --> 00:43:45.870 align:middle line:84% they've matured to majority minority. 00:43:45.870 --> 00:43:48.420 align:middle line:84% And the second thing is this is a frustration that we 00:43:48.420 --> 00:43:51.030 align:middle line:84% had 10 years ago, and one that I think many 00:43:51.030 --> 00:43:52.410 align:middle line:90% of the advocates share on this. 00:43:52.410 --> 00:43:54.390 align:middle line:90% And this is a Boston issue. 00:43:54.390 --> 00:43:57.570 align:middle line:84% A lot of this stuff with these lines 00:43:57.570 --> 00:44:02.380 align:middle line:84% would be helpful if we underwent a reprecincting in Boston. 00:44:02.380 --> 00:44:04.920 align:middle line:84% And it's one thing that we recommended 00:44:04.920 --> 00:44:07.650 align:middle line:84% at the end of the redistricting 10 years ago. 00:44:07.650 --> 00:44:10.770 align:middle line:84% Then Chairman Stan Rosenberg and myself 00:44:10.770 --> 00:44:14.230 align:middle line:84% did a analysis of the whole process. 00:44:14.230 --> 00:44:15.960 align:middle line:84% And one of the things we recommended, 00:44:15.960 --> 00:44:19.170 align:middle line:84% along with counting our prisoners differently, 00:44:19.170 --> 00:44:21.570 align:middle line:90% was that Boston reprecinct. 00:44:21.570 --> 00:44:25.170 align:middle line:90% And unfortunately, it didn't. 00:44:25.170 --> 00:44:27.880 align:middle line:84% So we're dealing with what we're dealing with. 00:44:27.880 --> 00:44:31.010 align:middle line:84% But if we could get the advocates to stay together 00:44:31.010 --> 00:44:32.760 align:middle line:84% in the next 10 years and make that happen, 00:44:32.760 --> 00:44:34.468 align:middle line:84% that would be very helpful for whoever is 00:44:34.468 --> 00:44:35.910 align:middle line:90% doing this 10 years from now. 00:44:35.910 --> 00:44:38.450 align:middle line:84% And it won't be me, I can guarantee you that. 00:44:38.450 --> 00:44:40.780 align:middle line:84% But listen, Matthew, I have no questions. 00:44:40.780 --> 00:44:42.660 align:middle line:90% I have no questions for Hilary. 00:44:42.660 --> 00:44:45.030 align:middle line:84% But let me offer it up to my members of the committee 00:44:45.030 --> 00:44:47.940 align:middle line:84% if they have any questions for Hilary or Matthew. 00:44:47.940 --> 00:44:49.090 align:middle line:90% Anybody? 00:44:49.090 --> 00:44:49.800 align:middle line:90% Mr. Chairman? 00:44:49.800 --> 00:44:52.320 align:middle line:90% 00:44:52.320 --> 00:44:53.850 align:middle line:90% Senator Brownsberger? 00:44:53.850 --> 00:44:54.570 align:middle line:90% Yes, please. 00:44:54.570 --> 00:44:55.870 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:44:55.870 --> 00:44:58.600 align:middle line:84% Would you be able to, either now or just in a 00:44:58.600 --> 00:45:02.470 align:middle line:84% follow up, just articulate within the existing ward 00:45:02.470 --> 00:45:05.860 align:middle line:84% and precinct boundaries the neighborhood that you feel 00:45:05.860 --> 00:45:08.050 align:middle line:90% needs to be united? 00:45:08.050 --> 00:45:11.817 align:middle line:84% I could see Roslindale on the map, but I don't know-- 00:45:11.817 --> 00:45:13.900 align:middle line:84% I want to know what you consider to be Roslindale. 00:45:13.900 --> 00:45:16.810 align:middle line:84% If you're saying something needs to be united and kept together, 00:45:16.810 --> 00:45:19.143 align:middle line:84% if you could articulate the specific boundaries of that, 00:45:19.143 --> 00:45:20.690 align:middle line:90% that would be helpful to us. 00:45:20.690 --> 00:45:21.690 align:middle line:90% Would it be helpful now? 00:45:21.690 --> 00:45:22.830 align:middle line:84% Or would you like me to follow up-- 00:45:22.830 --> 00:45:23.460 align:middle line:90% Yeah, hit us. 00:45:23.460 --> 00:45:24.730 align:middle line:90% Yeah, hit us if you got it. 00:45:24.730 --> 00:45:25.230 align:middle line:90% Absolutely. 00:45:25.230 --> 00:45:27.270 align:middle line:84% So currently, Roslindale radiates out 00:45:27.270 --> 00:45:28.710 align:middle line:90% from Roslindale Village. 00:45:28.710 --> 00:45:32.190 align:middle line:84% If you were to take a look at a map right now-- 00:45:32.190 --> 00:45:33.240 align:middle line:90% I'm looking at a map. 00:45:33.240 --> 00:45:33.810 align:middle line:90% OK. 00:45:33.810 --> 00:45:35.790 align:middle line:84% So if you look at a map, Roslindale 00:45:35.790 --> 00:45:38.535 align:middle line:84% is sort of divided on either side. 00:45:38.535 --> 00:45:40.410 align:middle line:84% If you look on its Eastern boundaries of what 00:45:40.410 --> 00:45:44.490 align:middle line:84% most people would consider to be the Roslindale community area, 00:45:44.490 --> 00:45:46.590 align:middle line:84% the eastern end is pretty clearly divided 00:45:46.590 --> 00:45:49.800 align:middle line:84% if you look at Forrest Hills Cemetery, the Mount Hope 00:45:49.800 --> 00:45:52.980 align:middle line:84% Cemetery, the George White Golf Course, and the Stone Hills 00:45:52.980 --> 00:45:54.600 align:middle line:90% Reservation. 00:45:54.600 --> 00:45:56.717 align:middle line:84% And then obviously, there's some other dividers 00:45:56.717 --> 00:45:58.800 align:middle line:84% between exactly where [? Mattapan ?] and Hyde Park 00:45:58.800 --> 00:46:00.090 align:middle line:90% start in there. 00:46:00.090 --> 00:46:02.520 align:middle line:84% But the grouping around the center of Roslindale 00:46:02.520 --> 00:46:05.400 align:middle line:84% is really where we most strongly feel that's important. 00:46:05.400 --> 00:46:08.010 align:middle line:84% And on the western boundary, it's 00:46:08.010 --> 00:46:10.860 align:middle line:84% pretty equally divided where it cuts off with Brookline. 00:46:10.860 --> 00:46:14.790 align:middle line:84% So the VFW Parkway consist of [INAUDIBLE].. 00:46:14.790 --> 00:46:17.902 align:middle line:84% Because we're lucky enough to live near the Emerald Necklace, 00:46:17.902 --> 00:46:19.860 align:middle line:84% there's actually some pretty clear green spaces 00:46:19.860 --> 00:46:23.353 align:middle line:84% that divide a neighborhood as well as feels 00:46:23.353 --> 00:46:25.770 align:middle line:84% like a coherent section where you feel like you're leaving 00:46:25.770 --> 00:46:27.137 align:middle line:90% one area and moving to another. 00:46:27.137 --> 00:46:28.470 align:middle line:90% And so that's what we would say. 00:46:28.470 --> 00:46:30.150 align:middle line:84% Obviously, I'd be happy to work-- 00:46:30.150 --> 00:46:32.430 align:middle line:84% we're happy to talk to anyone about where 00:46:32.430 --> 00:46:34.680 align:middle line:84% it's helpful to draw the actual lines. 00:46:34.680 --> 00:46:37.115 align:middle line:84% But those [? two ?] would seem to make sense 00:46:37.115 --> 00:46:38.490 align:middle line:84% in terms of keeping together what 00:46:38.490 --> 00:46:40.530 align:middle line:90% we consider to be a community. 00:46:40.530 --> 00:46:42.026 align:middle line:90% Does that help? 00:46:42.026 --> 00:46:43.050 align:middle line:90% Yeah. 00:46:43.050 --> 00:46:44.070 align:middle line:90% Forgive me. 00:46:44.070 --> 00:46:48.240 align:middle line:84% It would actually be most helpful if you could take out 00:46:48.240 --> 00:46:50.880 align:middle line:84% the city of Boston ward and precinct map 00:46:50.880 --> 00:46:54.600 align:middle line:84% and reply to the committee saying, 00:46:54.600 --> 00:47:02.303 align:middle line:84% I would like ward 19 precincts 7, 12, 11, 13-- 00:47:02.303 --> 00:47:04.470 align:middle line:84% those are the ones I'm looking at around Roslindale. 00:47:04.470 --> 00:47:06.390 align:middle line:84% But I'd like to know how you divide that 00:47:06.390 --> 00:47:09.960 align:middle line:84% and speaking the language of Boston wards 00:47:09.960 --> 00:47:13.200 align:middle line:84% in precincts as they're currently drawn. 00:47:13.200 --> 00:47:15.270 align:middle line:84% That is what I can actually work with. 00:47:15.270 --> 00:47:15.930 align:middle line:90% I believe-- 00:47:15.930 --> 00:47:16.770 align:middle line:90% I would love to do that. 00:47:16.770 --> 00:47:18.603 align:middle line:84% I will follow up with your office with that. 00:47:18.603 --> 00:47:21.360 align:middle line:84% I believe Roslindale in this exchange [INAUDIBLE] 00:47:21.360 --> 00:47:25.656 align:middle line:84% was ward 20 precincts 1, 2, 3, 4. 00:47:25.656 --> 00:47:27.030 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 00:47:27.030 --> 00:47:29.950 align:middle line:90% 1, 2, 3, and part of 4, was it? 00:47:29.950 --> 00:47:32.260 align:middle line:84% You're saying wards and precinct, or ward precinct? 00:47:32.260 --> 00:47:36.220 align:middle line:84% Ward 20 precincts 1, 2, 3, and part of 4. 00:47:36.220 --> 00:47:37.330 align:middle line:90% I believe that's-- 00:47:37.330 --> 00:47:38.600 align:middle line:90% And a few 19s. 00:47:38.600 --> 00:47:39.100 align:middle line:90% Yeah. 00:47:39.100 --> 00:47:42.100 align:middle line:84% And actually, technically, I actually live in 28. 00:47:42.100 --> 00:47:45.160 align:middle line:84% And [? 28's ?] 9 are generally also considered 00:47:45.160 --> 00:47:47.050 align:middle line:90% to be a part of Roslindale. 00:47:47.050 --> 00:47:52.510 align:middle line:84% Send us back what you consider the core in that vocabulary, 00:47:52.510 --> 00:47:53.200 align:middle line:90% if you would. 00:47:53.200 --> 00:47:55.170 align:middle line:90% Absolutely. 00:47:55.170 --> 00:47:55.830 align:middle line:90% Appreciate it. 00:47:55.830 --> 00:47:59.940 align:middle line:84% Any of the members of the committee have questions? 00:47:59.940 --> 00:48:00.440 align:middle line:90% All right. 00:48:00.440 --> 00:48:03.050 align:middle line:84% Hearing none, thank you very much for your testimony, 00:48:03.050 --> 00:48:05.630 align:middle line:90% Matthew and Hilary. 00:48:05.630 --> 00:48:12.115 align:middle line:84% Next up we have Michaela Robinson from Brockton. 00:48:12.115 --> 00:48:12.615 align:middle line:90% Michaela? 00:48:12.615 --> 00:48:36.520 align:middle line:90% 00:48:36.520 --> 00:48:37.960 align:middle line:90% Hello. 00:48:37.960 --> 00:48:40.232 align:middle line:84% Thank you all for having me here today. 00:48:40.232 --> 00:48:41.440 align:middle line:90% My name is Michaela Robinson. 00:48:41.440 --> 00:48:42.640 align:middle line:90% Welcome. 00:48:42.640 --> 00:48:44.430 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:48:44.430 --> 00:48:45.820 align:middle line:90% Yes, I'm Michaela. 00:48:45.820 --> 00:48:49.390 align:middle line:90% I am a resident of Brockton. 00:48:49.390 --> 00:48:53.080 align:middle line:84% I'm also a proud union member of the United Auto Workers Local 00:48:53.080 --> 00:48:58.450 align:middle line:84% 2320 and just want to speak briefly today about 00:48:58.450 --> 00:49:02.570 align:middle line:84% my experience in Brockton and the community I live in. 00:49:02.570 --> 00:49:06.250 align:middle line:84% So I live in West Brockton near the Westgate Mall. 00:49:06.250 --> 00:49:11.800 align:middle line:84% And my community is a mixture of single family homes, duplexes, 00:49:11.800 --> 00:49:14.410 align:middle line:84% triple deckers, apartment complexes. 00:49:14.410 --> 00:49:17.530 align:middle line:84% And there is a pretty good mix of people who both own 00:49:17.530 --> 00:49:20.380 align:middle line:90% their homes or people who rent. 00:49:20.380 --> 00:49:23.770 align:middle line:84% And my neighbors in particular reflect the diversity 00:49:23.770 --> 00:49:25.100 align:middle line:90% of Brockton. 00:49:25.100 --> 00:49:28.450 align:middle line:84% Brockton is a majority minority community. 00:49:28.450 --> 00:49:32.740 align:middle line:84% I personally have neighbors who are black, Latinx, and white. 00:49:32.740 --> 00:49:36.070 align:middle line:90% My fiance and I are both Asian. 00:49:36.070 --> 00:49:39.340 align:middle line:84% There's a good amount of elderly couples living by. 00:49:39.340 --> 00:49:40.810 align:middle line:84% I can think about my neighbor right 00:49:40.810 --> 00:49:42.880 align:middle line:84% across the street who's been living there 00:49:42.880 --> 00:49:44.000 align:middle line:90% for quite some time. 00:49:44.000 --> 00:49:45.970 align:middle line:84% And there's also a lot of families 00:49:45.970 --> 00:49:48.460 align:middle line:90% with children of all ages. 00:49:48.460 --> 00:49:51.260 align:middle line:84% Some of them have lived in Brockton for their whole lives. 00:49:51.260 --> 00:49:55.750 align:middle line:84% And then there's others who are newer immigrants 00:49:55.750 --> 00:49:57.610 align:middle line:84% to this country or children of immigrants 00:49:57.610 --> 00:49:59.140 align:middle line:90% who have moved to Brockton. 00:49:59.140 --> 00:50:04.990 align:middle line:84% I myself have moved to Brockton from Dorchester. 00:50:04.990 --> 00:50:08.410 align:middle line:84% And I think, as you can see from some 00:50:08.410 --> 00:50:11.530 align:middle line:84% of the other Brockton residents who have spoken already, 00:50:11.530 --> 00:50:14.950 align:middle line:84% there's a variety of languages spoken in our community 00:50:14.950 --> 00:50:18.820 align:middle line:84% from Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Vietnamese, 00:50:18.820 --> 00:50:22.760 align:middle line:84% and even other Asian languages as well. 00:50:22.760 --> 00:50:26.950 align:middle line:84% So I think my interest here is making sure 00:50:26.950 --> 00:50:30.700 align:middle line:84% that, as a resident of Brockton, we have representatives 00:50:30.700 --> 00:50:33.970 align:middle line:90% who reflect our community. 00:50:33.970 --> 00:50:38.110 align:middle line:84% And I know that we're in a district with some 00:50:38.110 --> 00:50:39.340 align:middle line:90% of the surrounding suburbs. 00:50:39.340 --> 00:50:41.470 align:middle line:84% And I'll just say that from my experience, 00:50:41.470 --> 00:50:44.350 align:middle line:84% Brockton is pretty different from communities 00:50:44.350 --> 00:50:49.390 align:middle line:84% such as Easton, which is predominantly white, slightly 00:50:49.390 --> 00:50:52.390 align:middle line:90% older population. 00:50:52.390 --> 00:50:55.790 align:middle line:84% Also, from just talking with folks, 00:50:55.790 --> 00:50:59.950 align:middle line:84% it seems that Eastern is a little bit wealthier. 00:50:59.950 --> 00:51:02.920 align:middle line:84% So I think there's some pretty significant differences 00:51:02.920 --> 00:51:05.350 align:middle line:84% in our communities and would like 00:51:05.350 --> 00:51:08.740 align:middle line:84% to see Brockton in a district with representatives 00:51:08.740 --> 00:51:14.380 align:middle line:84% who do share the same interests that other residents 00:51:14.380 --> 00:51:16.250 align:middle line:90% of Brockton share as well. 00:51:16.250 --> 00:51:18.130 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:51:18.130 --> 00:51:19.100 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Michaela. 00:51:19.100 --> 00:51:20.450 align:middle line:90% I appreciate your testimony. 00:51:20.450 --> 00:51:23.350 align:middle line:84% I have no questions, but let me ask members of the committee. 00:51:23.350 --> 00:51:28.780 align:middle line:84% Does anybody have a question for Michaela? 00:51:28.780 --> 00:51:29.280 align:middle line:90% OK. 00:51:29.280 --> 00:51:31.530 align:middle line:84% Hearing none, thank you, Michaela, for your testimony. 00:51:31.530 --> 00:51:33.720 align:middle line:90% We very much appreciate it. 00:51:33.720 --> 00:51:36.877 align:middle line:84% I am going to take a gentleman out of turn here because he's 00:51:36.877 --> 00:51:39.210 align:middle line:84% an elected official and we try to accommodate them where 00:51:39.210 --> 00:51:42.090 align:middle line:90% we can because of schedules. 00:51:42.090 --> 00:51:46.860 align:middle line:84% Jesse Gordon-- he is a Randolph town council district 2-- 00:51:46.860 --> 00:51:47.580 align:middle line:90% Randolph. 00:51:47.580 --> 00:51:49.300 align:middle line:90% Jesse Gordon, are you with us? 00:51:49.300 --> 00:51:49.800 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:51:49.800 --> 00:51:50.730 align:middle line:90% Can you hear me? 00:51:50.730 --> 00:51:51.252 align:middle line:90% There we go. 00:51:51.252 --> 00:51:51.960 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Jesse. 00:51:51.960 --> 00:51:52.830 align:middle line:90% Welcome. 00:51:52.830 --> 00:51:55.140 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:51:55.140 --> 00:51:57.420 align:middle line:84% I'll comment on the 8th District. 00:51:57.420 --> 00:52:00.390 align:middle line:84% But if you saw with my notes that I submitted, 00:52:00.390 --> 00:52:02.670 align:middle line:84% I actually think the more relevant aspect 00:52:02.670 --> 00:52:04.770 align:middle line:84% is the State Senate and State Rep 00:52:04.770 --> 00:52:08.960 align:middle line:84% districting that I guess follows from the federal district 00:52:08.960 --> 00:52:10.260 align:middle line:90% thing. 00:52:10.260 --> 00:52:13.920 align:middle line:84% I would say I'm certainly very happy with our representation 00:52:13.920 --> 00:52:16.980 align:middle line:90% with Representative Pressley. 00:52:16.980 --> 00:52:18.750 align:middle line:84% I think that the mix in this district, 00:52:18.750 --> 00:52:21.240 align:middle line:84% of which we're at the very southern end, is pretty good. 00:52:21.240 --> 00:52:25.680 align:middle line:84% Our dominant groups are Vietnamese, Haitian. 00:52:25.680 --> 00:52:28.710 align:middle line:84% And I guess a somewhat third is Spanish speaking. 00:52:28.710 --> 00:52:30.960 align:middle line:84% And I think that those three groups are pretty heavily 00:52:30.960 --> 00:52:32.910 align:middle line:84% represented throughout the district. 00:52:32.910 --> 00:52:34.710 align:middle line:90% And we feel represented. 00:52:34.710 --> 00:52:36.900 align:middle line:84% In other words, we feel that Representative Pressley 00:52:36.900 --> 00:52:39.040 align:middle line:84% does come to Randolph on a regular basis. 00:52:39.040 --> 00:52:40.830 align:middle line:90% We're very happy with that. 00:52:40.830 --> 00:52:45.310 align:middle line:84% And keeping us in the district as a whole town represented 00:52:45.310 --> 00:52:49.710 align:middle line:84% in the 8th would be great with me. 00:52:49.710 --> 00:52:53.850 align:middle line:84% And I think I speak for a lot of Randolph with respect to that. 00:52:53.850 --> 00:52:56.610 align:middle line:84% That's not quite true with the State Senate and State House 00:52:56.610 --> 00:52:57.390 align:middle line:90% districts. 00:52:57.390 --> 00:52:58.950 align:middle line:90% The State Senate district-- 00:52:58.950 --> 00:53:00.750 align:middle line:84% I understand that there's a movement 00:53:00.750 --> 00:53:02.927 align:middle line:84% to have us combined with Brockton, 00:53:02.927 --> 00:53:05.010 align:middle line:84% in other words have the State Senate district move 00:53:05.010 --> 00:53:09.480 align:middle line:90% South instead of to the North. 00:53:09.480 --> 00:53:13.950 align:middle line:84% As my fellow testifier from Brockton just spoke about now, 00:53:13.950 --> 00:53:16.650 align:middle line:84% most of the communities surrounding Randolph 00:53:16.650 --> 00:53:19.620 align:middle line:90% are predominantly white. 00:53:19.620 --> 00:53:22.080 align:middle line:84% Randolph is majority minority, as is Brockton. 00:53:22.080 --> 00:53:25.350 align:middle line:84% And I think that making a State Senate district centered 00:53:25.350 --> 00:53:29.230 align:middle line:84% on the majority minority areas around here, 00:53:29.230 --> 00:53:32.100 align:middle line:84% which mean Brockton the Randolph-- and Quincy perhaps, 00:53:32.100 --> 00:53:33.120 align:middle line:90% too-- 00:53:33.120 --> 00:53:37.410 align:middle line:84% would be a real benefit to Randolph as well as 00:53:37.410 --> 00:53:38.610 align:middle line:90% to Brockton. 00:53:38.610 --> 00:53:40.590 align:middle line:84% My real focus is on the State House districts, 00:53:40.590 --> 00:53:45.930 align:middle line:84% where we are in three different state rep districts. 00:53:45.930 --> 00:53:48.240 align:middle line:84% And I think I speak for a lot of people in Randolph. 00:53:48.240 --> 00:53:52.050 align:middle line:84% I feel that we are not very well represented in the State House 00:53:52.050 --> 00:53:54.870 align:middle line:84% at all We have not had a state rep from Randolph 00:53:54.870 --> 00:53:57.150 align:middle line:90% in a couple of decades now-- 00:53:57.150 --> 00:53:58.830 align:middle line:90% I think 25 years-- 00:53:58.830 --> 00:54:02.520 align:middle line:84% primarily because of what I consider cracking of Randolph 00:54:02.520 --> 00:54:04.560 align:middle line:90% into three different districts. 00:54:04.560 --> 00:54:08.640 align:middle line:84% The first district, the one that I live in, 00:54:08.640 --> 00:54:12.120 align:middle line:84% is Representative Driscoll's district. 00:54:12.120 --> 00:54:15.420 align:middle line:84% And we are overwhelmed in population 00:54:15.420 --> 00:54:17.730 align:middle line:90% by the people of Milton. 00:54:17.730 --> 00:54:23.250 align:middle line:84% The district was split with the Boston district, the north 00:54:23.250 --> 00:54:26.310 align:middle line:84% part of Milton, which is predominantly African-American. 00:54:26.310 --> 00:54:29.010 align:middle line:84% That part of Milton goes with Boston. 00:54:29.010 --> 00:54:30.960 align:middle line:90% That's near Mattapan Square. 00:54:30.960 --> 00:54:33.210 align:middle line:84% The rest of Milton, which is predominantly white, 00:54:33.210 --> 00:54:39.990 align:middle line:84% is combined with North and Central Randolph. 00:54:39.990 --> 00:54:42.510 align:middle line:84% And that is not a majority minority district, 00:54:42.510 --> 00:54:44.730 align:middle line:84% even though the part of Milton that's 00:54:44.730 --> 00:54:46.770 align:middle line:84% not in that district in Representative Dricoll's 00:54:46.770 --> 00:54:48.930 align:middle line:84% district is majority minority and Randolph 00:54:48.930 --> 00:54:49.950 align:middle line:90% is majority minority. 00:54:49.950 --> 00:54:54.930 align:middle line:84% So that split, combining half of Milton with almost half 00:54:54.930 --> 00:54:58.080 align:middle line:84% of Randolph, makes it not majority minority. 00:54:58.080 --> 00:55:01.255 align:middle line:84% Similarly, the district-- just to give you the numbers. 00:55:01.255 --> 00:55:02.880 align:middle line:84% I heard you ask for the numbers before. 00:55:02.880 --> 00:55:08.100 align:middle line:84% That is the 7th Norfolk is Representative Bill Driscoll. 00:55:08.100 --> 00:55:10.650 align:middle line:84% First Norfolk is the same situation where, 00:55:10.650 --> 00:55:13.470 align:middle line:90% combined with Quincy-- 00:55:13.470 --> 00:55:17.370 align:middle line:84% this is now the East side of Randolph 00:55:17.370 --> 00:55:19.530 align:middle line:90% is combined with Quincy. 00:55:19.530 --> 00:55:21.900 align:middle line:84% This district, if you look at the map of it, 00:55:21.900 --> 00:55:23.220 align:middle line:90% looks like it's contiguous. 00:55:23.220 --> 00:55:25.690 align:middle line:84% In fact, it's not contiguous because there's the Blue Hill 00:55:25.690 --> 00:55:27.360 align:middle line:90% State Park in between. 00:55:27.360 --> 00:55:30.600 align:middle line:84% There's really two very distinct areas in question. 00:55:30.600 --> 00:55:32.470 align:middle line:84% The part of Randolph is in the district, 00:55:32.470 --> 00:55:35.700 align:middle line:84% which is several precincts, but not quite 00:55:35.700 --> 00:55:39.750 align:middle line:84% enough so that we have a dominant voice in the district. 00:55:39.750 --> 00:55:42.000 align:middle line:84% In other words, more than half the district is Quincy. 00:55:42.000 --> 00:55:44.160 align:middle line:84% And it's not the minority part of Quincy. 00:55:44.160 --> 00:55:47.040 align:middle line:84% It's the majority white part of Quincy near Marina Bay 00:55:47.040 --> 00:55:48.340 align:middle line:90% and so on. 00:55:48.340 --> 00:55:50.160 align:middle line:84% And because it's more Quincy than Randolph, 00:55:50.160 --> 00:55:51.785 align:middle line:84% we're outnumbered in that district too, 00:55:51.785 --> 00:55:54.210 align:middle line:84% and we can't get a representative elected 00:55:54.210 --> 00:55:55.650 align:middle line:90% in that district either. 00:55:55.650 --> 00:55:57.630 align:middle line:84% The contiguity problem, which I understand 00:55:57.630 --> 00:56:00.210 align:middle line:84% is one of the major purposes of redistricting, 00:56:00.210 --> 00:56:03.930 align:middle line:84% is not really true for the First Norfolk district. 00:56:03.930 --> 00:56:06.630 align:middle line:84% Because there's a large part of the Blue Hill State Park 00:56:06.630 --> 00:56:08.520 align:middle line:84% in the middle, there's really two sections 00:56:08.520 --> 00:56:10.470 align:middle line:84% of the district which are isolated 00:56:10.470 --> 00:56:12.840 align:middle line:84% from each other by a dozen miles. 00:56:12.840 --> 00:56:17.680 align:middle line:84% To drive to Marina Bay from Randolph takes a half an hour. 00:56:17.680 --> 00:56:18.930 align:middle line:90% There's no streets in between. 00:56:18.930 --> 00:56:20.305 align:middle line:84% There's no population in between. 00:56:20.305 --> 00:56:22.140 align:middle line:84% So it's really two distinct districts 00:56:22.140 --> 00:56:23.880 align:middle line:90% that are not contiguous at all. 00:56:23.880 --> 00:56:26.700 align:middle line:84% That is also true for the Seventh Norfolk 00:56:26.700 --> 00:56:28.020 align:middle line:90% district, the one I live in. 00:56:28.020 --> 00:56:30.010 align:middle line:84% But the separation is somewhat smaller. 00:56:30.010 --> 00:56:32.792 align:middle line:84% The Randolph section of the district and the Milton 00:56:32.792 --> 00:56:34.750 align:middle line:84% part of the district-- yes, they're contiguous. 00:56:34.750 --> 00:56:36.700 align:middle line:84% It's mostly Blue Hills in between. 00:56:36.700 --> 00:56:39.190 align:middle line:84% But for the Quincy district-- that's the First Norfolk-- 00:56:39.190 --> 00:56:41.140 align:middle line:84% it is entirely the Blue Hills in between. 00:56:41.140 --> 00:56:43.570 align:middle line:90% So it's entirely discontiguous. 00:56:43.570 --> 00:56:45.490 align:middle line:84% The third district is Fifth Norfolk. 00:56:45.490 --> 00:56:48.370 align:middle line:84% That's Representative Mark Cussack from Braintree. 00:56:48.370 --> 00:56:49.690 align:middle line:90% That's mostly Braintree. 00:56:49.690 --> 00:56:51.520 align:middle line:84% And we're outnumbered there, too. 00:56:51.520 --> 00:56:54.940 align:middle line:84% The point is that if we had a Randolph-centric state rep 00:56:54.940 --> 00:56:58.090 align:middle line:84% district, we would be, number one, able 00:56:58.090 --> 00:57:01.055 align:middle line:84% to elect a resident of Randolph as the state rep. 00:57:01.055 --> 00:57:03.430 align:middle line:84% And number two, it would be a majority minority district, 00:57:03.430 --> 00:57:05.830 align:middle line:84% which is, I believe, one of the primary purposes 00:57:05.830 --> 00:57:07.550 align:middle line:90% of redistricting. 00:57:07.550 --> 00:57:08.050 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:57:08.050 --> 00:57:10.930 align:middle line:90% 00:57:10.930 --> 00:57:14.080 align:middle line:90% OK, thank you. 00:57:14.080 --> 00:57:20.140 align:middle line:84% Jeff, I would just point out a couple of things for you. 00:57:20.140 --> 00:57:23.530 align:middle line:84% To the South of Randolph is Brockton. 00:57:23.530 --> 00:57:28.480 align:middle line:84% And that's the nearest place we can go on the map from a House 00:57:28.480 --> 00:57:33.820 align:middle line:84% perspective to gain some minorities to make Randolph 00:57:33.820 --> 00:57:36.280 align:middle line:90% a majority minority district. 00:57:36.280 --> 00:57:42.050 align:middle line:84% Randolph, as it sits itself, is 32,000 people, 00:57:42.050 --> 00:57:48.310 align:middle line:84% which would make it 11,000 short of being its own district. 00:57:48.310 --> 00:57:52.390 align:middle line:84% So if you were going to do that, you 00:57:52.390 --> 00:57:57.850 align:middle line:84% would have to go somewhere to add minorities to Randolph. 00:57:57.850 --> 00:58:02.110 align:middle line:84% And wherever you went, it would have to be a majority minority. 00:58:02.110 --> 00:58:04.090 align:middle line:84% And it's surrounded by Avon, which 00:58:04.090 --> 00:58:08.770 align:middle line:84% is no help, Stoughton and Canton and Milton, which is no help, 00:58:08.770 --> 00:58:10.240 align:middle line:90% and Braintree, which is no help. 00:58:10.240 --> 00:58:15.400 align:middle line:84% So to find population to add to Randolph-- 00:58:15.400 --> 00:58:18.010 align:middle line:84% because again, it's only 32,000, and it would 00:58:18.010 --> 00:58:21.700 align:middle line:90% need roughly 11,000 people-- 00:58:21.700 --> 00:58:26.170 align:middle line:84% there is none to make it a majority minority district. 00:58:26.170 --> 00:58:31.630 align:middle line:84% You're right in the fact that Randolph is a majority minority 00:58:31.630 --> 00:58:33.250 align:middle line:90% city. 00:58:33.250 --> 00:58:37.120 align:middle line:90% The problem is it's only 32,000. 00:58:37.120 --> 00:58:42.130 align:middle line:84% And it's slightly a majority minority city. 00:58:42.130 --> 00:58:44.650 align:middle line:84% It's not overwhelmingly a majority minority. 00:58:44.650 --> 00:58:48.370 align:middle line:84% So I only point that out to give you 00:58:48.370 --> 00:58:53.380 align:middle line:84% a front row seat to the complications when you're 00:58:53.380 --> 00:58:54.490 align:middle line:90% trying to do these things. 00:58:54.490 --> 00:58:57.580 align:middle line:90% 00:58:57.580 --> 00:58:59.650 align:middle line:84% I can only speak to the House map. 00:58:59.650 --> 00:59:03.110 align:middle line:84% It's not that that wasn't looked at all. 00:59:03.110 --> 00:59:08.800 align:middle line:84% It's just that when we did every opportunity we could have 00:59:08.800 --> 00:59:11.600 align:middle line:84% to draw minority majority districts 10 years ago, 00:59:11.600 --> 00:59:13.630 align:middle line:90% we could only get to 20. 00:59:13.630 --> 00:59:16.690 align:middle line:84% And the advocates were looking for 19. 00:59:16.690 --> 00:59:18.610 align:middle line:84% We found another one and got to 20. 00:59:18.610 --> 00:59:21.250 align:middle line:90% So we will look at it again. 00:59:21.250 --> 00:59:22.330 align:middle line:90% I give you my word. 00:59:22.330 --> 00:59:24.310 align:middle line:90% We will look at Randolph again. 00:59:24.310 --> 00:59:28.450 align:middle line:84% And who knows what's happened in the last 10 years. 00:59:28.450 --> 00:59:32.187 align:middle line:84% Maybe it's spiked in population more than we expect. 00:59:32.187 --> 00:59:34.270 align:middle line:84% And if it does, we will take a serious look at it. 00:59:34.270 --> 00:59:37.780 align:middle line:84% But I just wanted to at least give to you the methodology 00:59:37.780 --> 00:59:41.770 align:middle line:84% that we used 10 years ago the reasons why 00:59:41.770 --> 00:59:44.600 align:middle line:84% we can't make Randolph itself a majority minority district. 00:59:44.600 --> 00:59:45.640 align:middle line:90% Understood. 00:59:45.640 --> 00:59:46.150 align:middle line:90% All right? 00:59:46.150 --> 00:59:47.080 align:middle line:90% May I comment on it? 00:59:47.080 --> 00:59:47.320 align:middle line:90% Yeah. 00:59:47.320 --> 00:59:47.560 align:middle line:90% Sure. 00:59:47.560 --> 00:59:48.340 align:middle line:90% No problem, Jesse. 00:59:48.340 --> 00:59:51.970 align:middle line:84% So you're right on the fact that all 00:59:51.970 --> 00:59:55.360 align:middle line:84% of the immediately surrounding towns are majority white. 00:59:55.360 --> 00:59:57.340 align:middle line:84% However, if you look at particular precincts, 00:59:57.340 --> 00:59:59.200 align:middle line:90% that's not always true. 00:59:59.200 --> 01:00:02.410 align:middle line:84% And by the way, I expect that the Randolph population 01:00:02.410 --> 01:00:04.270 align:middle line:90% will increase to about 35,000. 01:00:04.270 --> 01:00:05.955 align:middle line:90% So we're not quite 11,000 short. 01:00:05.955 --> 01:00:07.330 align:middle line:84% It's more like 8,000 short, which 01:00:07.330 --> 01:00:10.180 align:middle line:84% means a precinct or two is really what needs to be added. 01:00:10.180 --> 01:00:13.870 align:middle line:84% In Milton in particular, there are majority minority precincts 01:00:13.870 --> 01:00:14.620 align:middle line:90% in Milton. 01:00:14.620 --> 01:00:16.600 align:middle line:84% In other words, if Milton were split 01:00:16.600 --> 01:00:22.390 align:middle line:84% along the right lines, which means precinct one and two, 01:00:22.390 --> 01:00:26.050 align:middle line:84% with Randolph, I think those are actually 01:00:26.050 --> 01:00:27.250 align:middle line:90% majority minority precincts. 01:00:27.250 --> 01:00:28.870 align:middle line:84% Depends on the census, of course. 01:00:28.870 --> 01:00:35.170 align:middle line:84% But that's the most minority dense area of Milton. 01:00:35.170 --> 01:00:36.220 align:middle line:90% So it is possible-- 01:00:36.220 --> 01:00:38.320 align:middle line:84% Let me tell you that those two majority minority 01:00:38.320 --> 01:00:40.720 align:middle line:84% precincts you're talking about are in the 12th Suffolk 01:00:40.720 --> 01:00:45.380 align:middle line:84% District, which is a majority minority district. 01:00:45.380 --> 01:00:45.880 align:middle line:90% I know. 01:00:45.880 --> 01:00:46.600 align:middle line:90% I understand. 01:00:46.600 --> 01:00:49.630 align:middle line:84% So that would be taking them away from another minority-- 01:00:49.630 --> 01:00:52.293 align:middle line:84% and you'd have to travel to a significant amount of Milton 01:00:52.293 --> 01:00:53.710 align:middle line:84% to get to those precincts, though. 01:00:53.710 --> 01:00:54.970 align:middle line:90% That's the only problem. 01:00:54.970 --> 01:01:00.450 align:middle line:84% You'd have to go through a fair amount of white precincts 01:01:00.450 --> 01:01:02.950 align:middle line:84% before you got to the majority minority districts. 01:01:02.950 --> 01:01:03.670 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:01:03.670 --> 01:01:05.080 align:middle line:90% Understood. 01:01:05.080 --> 01:01:08.380 align:middle line:84% The other part of what you said that it wouldn't help-- yes, 01:01:08.380 --> 01:01:12.040 align:middle line:84% it's true it wouldn't increase the majority minority 01:01:12.040 --> 01:01:13.570 align:middle line:90% population of the district. 01:01:13.570 --> 01:01:15.970 align:middle line:84% But it wouldn't hurt so much that we still 01:01:15.970 --> 01:01:17.600 align:middle line:90% wouldn't be majority minority. 01:01:17.600 --> 01:01:21.640 align:middle line:84% In other words, if we added the nearest precinct of Stoughton, 01:01:21.640 --> 01:01:25.390 align:middle line:84% Avon, and maybe even Holbrook to add one or two precincts, 01:01:25.390 --> 01:01:26.170 align:middle line:90% I think-- 01:01:26.170 --> 01:01:27.850 align:middle line:84% it depends exactly on what the census 01:01:27.850 --> 01:01:31.330 align:middle line:84% numbers are-- we would end up still being majority minority. 01:01:31.330 --> 01:01:35.020 align:middle line:84% Stoughton in particular, there is continuity reasons for that 01:01:35.020 --> 01:01:38.800 align:middle line:84% because some of Stoughton on the Randolph side of Route 24. 01:01:38.800 --> 01:01:43.180 align:middle line:84% That precinct is majority white, but it's not so majority white 01:01:43.180 --> 01:01:47.548 align:middle line:84% that it would swamp the majority minority content of Randolph. 01:01:47.548 --> 01:01:49.090 align:middle line:84% I think it's the same for Avon, that, 01:01:49.090 --> 01:01:50.410 align:middle line:90% yes, they're majority white. 01:01:50.410 --> 01:01:52.480 align:middle line:84% But they are not so overwhelmingly white 01:01:52.480 --> 01:01:55.460 align:middle line:84% that that data would overwhelm the majority minority 01:01:55.460 --> 01:01:56.710 align:middle line:90% if you added that to Randolph. 01:01:56.710 --> 01:01:57.910 align:middle line:84% So it wouldn't help, but it wouldn't 01:01:57.910 --> 01:02:00.285 align:middle line:84% hurt so much that we would lose majority minority status. 01:02:00.285 --> 01:02:02.020 align:middle line:90% Well, Jesse, I get your point. 01:02:02.020 --> 01:02:03.550 align:middle line:90% I hear where you're coming from. 01:02:03.550 --> 01:02:06.070 align:middle line:84% We are absolutely going to be looking at those things 01:02:06.070 --> 01:02:07.910 align:middle line:90% as we did 10 years ago. 01:02:07.910 --> 01:02:09.340 align:middle line:84% And I appreciate you drawing them 01:02:09.340 --> 01:02:10.810 align:middle line:84% to our attention in this testimony. 01:02:10.810 --> 01:02:16.247 align:middle line:84% And unless my committee members have a question, which 01:02:16.247 --> 01:02:18.080 align:middle line:84% I will offer right up right now-- if anybody 01:02:18.080 --> 01:02:20.530 align:middle line:90% has any questions for Jesse? 01:02:20.530 --> 01:02:21.030 align:middle line:90% Hey, Jesse. 01:02:21.030 --> 01:02:22.690 align:middle line:84% I just want to say it's nice to see you. 01:02:22.690 --> 01:02:24.570 align:middle line:84% Nice to see you, Representative Brownsberger. 01:02:24.570 --> 01:02:27.040 align:middle line:84% My former rep from North Cambridge. 01:02:27.040 --> 01:02:27.540 align:middle line:90% All right. 01:02:27.540 --> 01:02:29.400 align:middle line:84% Well, hearing no questions, thank 01:02:29.400 --> 01:02:30.700 align:middle line:90% you, Jesse, for your testimony. 01:02:30.700 --> 01:02:31.730 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much. 01:02:31.730 --> 01:02:34.230 align:middle line:84% Give me one second and I'm going to line up the next person. 01:02:34.230 --> 01:02:35.040 align:middle line:90% Hold on one sec. 01:02:35.040 --> 01:02:44.100 align:middle line:90% 01:02:44.100 --> 01:02:44.640 align:middle line:90% OK. 01:02:44.640 --> 01:02:47.220 align:middle line:84% So we have another elected that has joined us 01:02:47.220 --> 01:02:51.750 align:middle line:84% in Kelly Cobb from the Braintree School Committee. 01:02:51.750 --> 01:02:53.990 align:middle line:84% If you're with us, would you make yourself known 01:02:53.990 --> 01:02:54.490 align:middle line:90% and testify? 01:02:54.490 --> 01:03:04.040 align:middle line:90% 01:03:04.040 --> 01:03:04.640 align:middle line:90% Oh, hi. 01:03:04.640 --> 01:03:07.040 align:middle line:84% Thank you so much I just signed in about, 01:03:07.040 --> 01:03:09.980 align:middle line:84% but I didn't realize I was signing up to testify. 01:03:09.980 --> 01:03:10.700 align:middle line:90% No worries. 01:03:10.700 --> 01:03:12.350 align:middle line:84% If you'd like to testify, go ahead. 01:03:12.350 --> 01:03:14.460 align:middle line:90% If not, then we'll just move on. 01:03:14.460 --> 01:03:16.430 align:middle line:90% I'm just going to listen today. 01:03:16.430 --> 01:03:16.980 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:03:16.980 --> 01:03:17.480 align:middle line:90% All right. 01:03:17.480 --> 01:03:18.188 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Kelly. 01:03:18.188 --> 01:03:18.900 align:middle line:90% We appreciate it. 01:03:18.900 --> 01:03:19.400 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:03:19.400 --> 01:03:20.270 align:middle line:90% OK. 01:03:20.270 --> 01:03:24.620 align:middle line:84% So next, it looks like we have a panel 01:03:24.620 --> 01:03:29.123 align:middle line:84% of people that are from-- it looks like the JP Progressives. 01:03:29.123 --> 01:03:31.040 align:middle line:84% And that's the Jamaica Plain, for those of you 01:03:31.040 --> 01:03:33.260 align:middle line:90% who are not Boston people. 01:03:33.260 --> 01:03:38.630 align:middle line:84% We have Martha [INAUDIBLE],, Michael [INAUDIBLE],, 01:03:38.630 --> 01:03:43.080 align:middle line:90% Cindy Lou, and Melissa Beltran. 01:03:43.080 --> 01:03:48.536 align:middle line:84% And they're on here as the JP Progressive Organizations. 01:03:48.536 --> 01:03:52.320 align:middle line:84% Rep Moran, do you also have Zeba [INAUDIBLE] listed? 01:03:52.320 --> 01:03:54.210 align:middle line:90% I do, but she hadn't checked in. 01:03:54.210 --> 01:03:57.330 align:middle line:84% So maybe if she's here, she can also join us. 01:03:57.330 --> 01:03:58.800 align:middle line:90% I am here. 01:03:58.800 --> 01:03:59.370 align:middle line:90% Excellent. 01:03:59.370 --> 01:04:01.070 align:middle line:90% There you go. 01:04:01.070 --> 01:04:02.790 align:middle line:90% There you have it. 01:04:02.790 --> 01:04:07.040 align:middle line:84% So why don't I go to do in order that I have it? 01:04:07.040 --> 01:04:08.590 align:middle line:90% So why don't you go first, Zeba? 01:04:08.590 --> 01:04:09.090 align:middle line:90% Great. 01:04:09.090 --> 01:04:11.234 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much. 01:04:11.234 --> 01:04:13.320 align:middle line:90% Can you see me and hear me? 01:04:13.320 --> 01:04:13.820 align:middle line:90% Yes, right? 01:04:13.820 --> 01:04:14.945 align:middle line:90% Oh, I can you see you, yep. 01:04:14.945 --> 01:04:15.580 align:middle line:90% OK, great. 01:04:15.580 --> 01:04:19.680 align:middle line:84% So I'd just like to start by thanking the redistricting 01:04:19.680 --> 01:04:23.130 align:middle line:84% committee chairs, Rep Moran and Senator Williams Brownsberger 01:04:23.130 --> 01:04:25.960 align:middle line:84% and the rest of the committee for holding this hearing 01:04:25.960 --> 01:04:28.110 align:middle line:84% and just for engaging the community. 01:04:28.110 --> 01:04:31.200 align:middle line:84% It's impressive, I have to say, to hear your knowledge 01:04:31.200 --> 01:04:33.930 align:middle line:90% at the precinct level. 01:04:33.930 --> 01:04:35.430 align:middle line:84% My name is Zeba [? Kramer. ?] I'm 01:04:35.430 --> 01:04:37.830 align:middle line:84% the Co-chair of the Elections Committee for Jamaica Plain 01:04:37.830 --> 01:04:38.850 align:middle line:90% Progressives. 01:04:38.850 --> 01:04:41.700 align:middle line:84% We're a chapter of progressive Mass. 01:04:41.700 --> 01:04:44.130 align:middle line:84% I'm also the local Democratic ward committee. 01:04:44.130 --> 01:04:47.100 align:middle line:84% JP Progressive's an all volunteer grassroots community 01:04:47.100 --> 01:04:48.300 align:middle line:90% organization. 01:04:48.300 --> 01:04:50.460 align:middle line:84% We've been organizing for progressive candidates 01:04:50.460 --> 01:04:53.850 align:middle line:84% on issues in our neighborhood, in the city of Boston, 01:04:53.850 --> 01:04:56.280 align:middle line:90% and the state since 2009. 01:04:56.280 --> 01:05:00.810 align:middle line:84% We have over 5,000 members and about 200 active volunteers. 01:05:00.810 --> 01:05:03.480 align:middle line:84% And we're participating today also as a member of the Joint 01:05:03.480 --> 01:05:06.450 align:middle line:84% Democracy Coalition, which has done an amazing job organizing 01:05:06.450 --> 01:05:07.770 align:middle line:90% all of us. 01:05:07.770 --> 01:05:10.470 align:middle line:84% We believe that our members, in a sense, 01:05:10.470 --> 01:05:13.050 align:middle line:84% can constitute a community of interest 01:05:13.050 --> 01:05:15.390 align:middle line:84% from across the neighborhoods of Jamaica Plain 01:05:15.390 --> 01:05:17.790 align:middle line:90% and some of the bordering areas. 01:05:17.790 --> 01:05:20.087 align:middle line:84% I don't know the ward and precinct yet, 01:05:20.087 --> 01:05:21.420 align:middle line:90% but we can get this back to you. 01:05:21.420 --> 01:05:24.060 align:middle line:84% But the neighborhoods are Hyde Square, 01:05:24.060 --> 01:05:27.900 align:middle line:84% Jackson Square, Pondside, Woodbourne, Eggleston 01:05:27.900 --> 01:05:30.180 align:middle line:84% Square, Brookside, [? Sumner Hill, ?] 01:05:30.180 --> 01:05:34.200 align:middle line:84% Moss Hill, Jamaica Hills, JP South, Stony Brook, Park Side, 01:05:34.200 --> 01:05:36.607 align:middle line:90% Forest Hills, and Woodbourne. 01:05:36.607 --> 01:05:38.940 align:middle line:84% We also have some members from surrounding neighborhoods 01:05:38.940 --> 01:05:44.440 align:middle line:84% that share our issue priorities and shared elected officials, 01:05:44.440 --> 01:05:47.400 align:middle line:84% including in areas of Roslindale and parts of Mission Hill. 01:05:47.400 --> 01:05:49.560 align:middle line:84% So as many of you know, Jamaica Plain 01:05:49.560 --> 01:05:52.890 align:middle line:84% is incredibly diverse, racially and economically. 01:05:52.890 --> 01:05:56.220 align:middle line:84% But we have very aligned voting patterns. 01:05:56.220 --> 01:05:59.040 align:middle line:84% The Latinx community is particularly clearly strong. 01:05:59.040 --> 01:06:02.220 align:middle line:84% It has a large cultural influence in Jamaica Plain, 01:06:02.220 --> 01:06:03.510 align:middle line:90% as you'll hear from others. 01:06:03.510 --> 01:06:06.660 align:middle line:84% It makes up about 21% of the population. 01:06:06.660 --> 01:06:09.990 align:middle line:84% That's been consistent for the past 10 years 01:06:09.990 --> 01:06:14.280 align:middle line:84% in spite of pretty intense gentrification and skyrocketing 01:06:14.280 --> 01:06:15.600 align:middle line:90% rents. 01:06:15.600 --> 01:06:17.940 align:middle line:84% In terms of other demographics, the black community 01:06:17.940 --> 01:06:22.840 align:middle line:84% is also fairly strongly represented-- about 15%, 01:06:22.840 --> 01:06:24.480 align:middle line:90% but that's declined slightly. 01:06:24.480 --> 01:06:27.750 align:middle line:84% And the Asian population has increased slightly 01:06:27.750 --> 01:06:30.710 align:middle line:90% to just over 8%. 01:06:30.710 --> 01:06:36.090 align:middle line:84% So we are majority white, but we are host to the Latinx 01:06:36.090 --> 01:06:38.368 align:middle line:84% community particularly with a really strong influence 01:06:38.368 --> 01:06:39.910 align:middle line:84% in our neighborhood, and I would say, 01:06:39.910 --> 01:06:42.378 align:middle line:84% defining the culture of our neighborhood. 01:06:42.378 --> 01:06:44.670 align:middle line:84% So we are also a neighborhood with a lot of transients, 01:06:44.670 --> 01:06:47.430 align:middle line:90% again because of gentrification. 01:06:47.430 --> 01:06:53.010 align:middle line:84% We've grown about 5,000 people to 40,000 people in the last 10 01:06:53.010 --> 01:06:55.480 align:middle line:90% years. 01:06:55.480 --> 01:06:58.500 align:middle line:90% And so we're about 40,000. 01:06:58.500 --> 01:07:01.185 align:middle line:84% Where we're seeing a lot of pressure is in the home values. 01:07:01.185 --> 01:07:04.290 align:middle line:84% So since 2011, our home values have jumped 01:07:04.290 --> 01:07:08.730 align:middle line:90% from about 365,000 to 678,000-- 01:07:08.730 --> 01:07:15.130 align:middle line:84% our average home value, so over a $300,000 increase. 01:07:15.130 --> 01:07:18.420 align:middle line:84% The other big issue is and noticeable changes 01:07:18.420 --> 01:07:21.072 align:middle line:84% that are happening is the growth in wealth inequality. 01:07:21.072 --> 01:07:22.530 align:middle line:84% So the percentage of the population 01:07:22.530 --> 01:07:26.160 align:middle line:84% in the income bracket over 75,000 has grown by 12%. 01:07:26.160 --> 01:07:28.800 align:middle line:84% Now, this is putting a lot of pressure 01:07:28.800 --> 01:07:32.490 align:middle line:84% on especially the Latinx community and low [? income ?] 01:07:32.490 --> 01:07:35.160 align:middle line:84% renters communities that want to stay in this district. 01:07:35.160 --> 01:07:37.780 align:middle line:84% And we want to keep that breakdown. 01:07:37.780 --> 01:07:43.170 align:middle line:84% We're about 45-55 breakdown in terms of renters to homeowners. 01:07:43.170 --> 01:07:44.910 align:middle line:84% And it's creating situations like we're 01:07:44.910 --> 01:07:48.030 align:middle line:84% dealing with this week-- we have an expiring use building 01:07:48.030 --> 01:07:50.190 align:middle line:84% with affordability restrictions are expiring, 01:07:50.190 --> 01:07:53.400 align:middle line:84% where about 100 elderly residents in the Forbes 01:07:53.400 --> 01:07:56.220 align:middle line:84% building are at risk of losing their apartments. 01:07:56.220 --> 01:07:57.910 align:middle line:90% There's a rally this weekend. 01:07:57.910 --> 01:08:03.330 align:middle line:84% And I think that rally shows how we are a community of interest. 01:08:03.330 --> 01:08:06.870 align:middle line:84% In spite of all these changes in income and housing 01:08:06.870 --> 01:08:09.870 align:middle line:84% and gentrification, we still remain a cohesive community 01:08:09.870 --> 01:08:10.980 align:middle line:90% of activists. 01:08:10.980 --> 01:08:13.590 align:middle line:84% So back in the day in the late '60s, 01:08:13.590 --> 01:08:16.859 align:middle line:84% that community came together to prevent the highway that 01:08:16.859 --> 01:08:21.420 align:middle line:84% led ultimately to the creation of the Southwest Corridor Park. 01:08:21.420 --> 01:08:24.180 align:middle line:84% Later, and more recently 2016, that 01:08:24.180 --> 01:08:26.790 align:middle line:84% organizing an activist spirit led 01:08:26.790 --> 01:08:29.910 align:middle line:84% to the creation of Boston's official Latin Quarter, 01:08:29.910 --> 01:08:32.939 align:middle line:84% covering Center Street from Jackson Square to Hyde Square. 01:08:32.939 --> 01:08:37.620 align:middle line:84% And just to give you a sense of that strip there, 01:08:37.620 --> 01:08:41.529 align:middle line:84% 65% of more than 125 businesses along that street 01:08:41.529 --> 01:08:44.020 align:middle line:84% are owned by immigrants, mostly Latinx. 01:08:44.020 --> 01:08:47.950 align:middle line:84% And many of the most iconic businesses in our neighborhood 01:08:47.950 --> 01:08:49.990 align:middle line:90% are Latinx owned. 01:08:49.990 --> 01:08:56.920 align:middle line:84% So from the Oriental Cafe to Cacao, our new chocolate 01:08:56.920 --> 01:09:01.060 align:middle line:84% and nut place from Dominican chocolate-- 01:09:01.060 --> 01:09:03.910 align:middle line:84% it's a locally owned business-- and even our cannabis 01:09:03.910 --> 01:09:05.859 align:middle line:84% dispensary, our new cannabis dispensary. 01:09:05.859 --> 01:09:12.232 align:middle line:84% So there really is a strong spirit in our community. 01:09:12.232 --> 01:09:13.899 align:middle line:84% There's also alignment around the issues 01:09:13.899 --> 01:09:15.107 align:middle line:90% that we're activating around. 01:09:15.107 --> 01:09:18.279 align:middle line:84% So we do surveys every year of our 5,000 members. 01:09:18.279 --> 01:09:21.550 align:middle line:84% And the top issues across the board, across demographics 01:09:21.550 --> 01:09:25.149 align:middle line:84% are affordable housing, police reform, education equity, 01:09:25.149 --> 01:09:27.170 align:middle line:90% health, and equality. 01:09:27.170 --> 01:09:28.960 align:middle line:84% So our community shows up for each other 01:09:28.960 --> 01:09:32.350 align:middle line:84% not only in the political side but also in times of need. 01:09:32.350 --> 01:09:35.260 align:middle line:84% During COVID, a spontaneous mutual aid effort 01:09:35.260 --> 01:09:37.090 align:middle line:84% was launched to enable peer-to-peer support 01:09:37.090 --> 01:09:39.700 align:middle line:84% in our neighborhood, created a community fridge, 01:09:39.700 --> 01:09:44.620 align:middle line:84% and a peer-to-peer network of over 400 families 01:09:44.620 --> 01:09:47.020 align:middle line:84% that were being supported through just 01:09:47.020 --> 01:09:48.310 align:middle line:90% grassroots mobilization. 01:09:48.310 --> 01:09:51.460 align:middle line:84% I think that really shows how we operate. 01:09:51.460 --> 01:09:54.400 align:middle line:84% The food justice programs at the First Baptist church 01:09:54.400 --> 01:09:56.440 align:middle line:84% and the first church in JP are operating 01:09:56.440 --> 01:09:59.440 align:middle line:84% one of the largest food access programs residents in JP 01:09:59.440 --> 01:10:02.380 align:middle line:84% and extending all of the way to Roslindale, Hyde 01:10:02.380 --> 01:10:05.890 align:middle line:84% Park, a little bit of Roxbury and Mattapan. 01:10:05.890 --> 01:10:08.290 align:middle line:84% I do food delivery every Wednesday night. 01:10:08.290 --> 01:10:14.050 align:middle line:84% And I am shuttling between Hyde Park and Jamaica Plain. 01:10:14.050 --> 01:10:15.820 align:middle line:84% So for an activist community who is 01:10:15.820 --> 01:10:18.340 align:middle line:84% eager to have regular engagement with our elected officials, 01:10:18.340 --> 01:10:20.007 align:middle line:84% the fact that Jamaica Plain is currently 01:10:20.007 --> 01:10:22.090 align:middle line:84% represented by two different state house 01:10:22.090 --> 01:10:24.550 align:middle line:84% districts and two different congressional districts 01:10:24.550 --> 01:10:25.600 align:middle line:90% is frustrating. 01:10:25.600 --> 01:10:27.400 align:middle line:84% I'm responsible for data management 01:10:27.400 --> 01:10:28.990 align:middle line:90% in our little grassroots group. 01:10:28.990 --> 01:10:31.390 align:middle line:84% And I can tell you that I spent hours trying 01:10:31.390 --> 01:10:35.920 align:middle line:84% to categorize which member is belonging to which districts 01:10:35.920 --> 01:10:38.590 align:middle line:84% so that we can target our advocacy of our very 01:10:38.590 --> 01:10:39.860 align:middle line:90% engaged community. 01:10:39.860 --> 01:10:42.970 align:middle line:84% So in closing, as Congressman Lynch said, 01:10:42.970 --> 01:10:45.400 align:middle line:84% the 8th District is overweight a little. 01:10:45.400 --> 01:10:48.130 align:middle line:84% And in the process of redrawing boundaries, 01:10:48.130 --> 01:10:50.380 align:middle line:84% I'd like to just iterate that we'd like 01:10:50.380 --> 01:10:52.600 align:middle line:90% Jamaica Plain to be kept whole. 01:10:52.600 --> 01:10:55.960 align:middle line:84% Our Center Street Corridor and some of the neighborhoods 01:10:55.960 --> 01:10:58.600 align:middle line:84% that I mentioned are really important. 01:10:58.600 --> 01:10:59.980 align:middle line:90% And we are one community. 01:10:59.980 --> 01:11:02.710 align:middle line:84% And we want to be paired with communities that are like us 01:11:02.710 --> 01:11:04.870 align:middle line:84% and that share our values and our priority 01:11:04.870 --> 01:11:07.810 align:middle line:84% issues and want to prevent gentrification, 01:11:07.810 --> 01:11:09.430 align:middle line:84% and it will elect representatives 01:11:09.430 --> 01:11:11.260 align:middle line:90% that prioritize these issues. 01:11:11.260 --> 01:11:13.510 align:middle line:84% We would love to be in a district that includes cities 01:11:13.510 --> 01:11:19.270 align:middle line:84% like Hyde Park, where a lot of our displaced residents 01:11:19.270 --> 01:11:20.170 align:middle line:90% are moving. 01:11:20.170 --> 01:11:22.690 align:middle line:84% Brockton and Randolph-- we're also seeing a lot of movement 01:11:22.690 --> 01:11:23.630 align:middle line:90% to those communities. 01:11:23.630 --> 01:11:25.360 align:middle line:90% So I just wanted to share that. 01:11:25.360 --> 01:11:28.510 align:middle line:84% And I thank you again for welcoming our testimony today. 01:11:28.510 --> 01:11:31.210 align:middle line:90% 01:11:31.210 --> 01:11:33.660 align:middle line:84% Thank you very much for your testimony. 01:11:33.660 --> 01:11:35.820 align:middle line:84% I'm going to call everybody on the panel. 01:11:35.820 --> 01:11:41.220 align:middle line:84% And then I'm going to open it up for questions and discussion. 01:11:41.220 --> 01:11:43.650 align:middle line:90% Martha [INAUDIBLE]. 01:11:43.650 --> 01:11:46.710 align:middle line:84% I'm sorry I'm butchering your last name there. 01:11:46.710 --> 01:11:47.700 align:middle line:90% Are you with us? 01:11:47.700 --> 01:11:49.800 align:middle line:90% Martha [INAUDIBLE]. 01:11:49.800 --> 01:11:50.970 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 01:11:50.970 --> 01:11:57.120 align:middle line:84% Thank you so much for allowing me to present my testimony. 01:11:57.120 --> 01:12:01.350 align:middle line:84% I also am a member of the Jamaica Plain Progressives. 01:12:01.350 --> 01:12:06.450 align:middle line:84% I have lived in Jamaica Plain up by Franklin Park for 37 years. 01:12:06.450 --> 01:12:09.120 align:middle line:84% And I'm a past President of the Franklin Park 01:12:09.120 --> 01:12:11.700 align:middle line:90% Coalition, an advocacy group. 01:12:11.700 --> 01:12:15.060 align:middle line:84% I'm testifying today to request that the wonderful parks 01:12:15.060 --> 01:12:17.820 align:middle line:84% and green spaces, which are mostly in district seven 01:12:17.820 --> 01:12:20.700 align:middle line:84% but also in district eight, continue 01:12:20.700 --> 01:12:22.980 align:middle line:90% to be in the same district. 01:12:22.980 --> 01:12:26.700 align:middle line:84% Our green spaces are becoming ever more important places 01:12:26.700 --> 01:12:30.420 align:middle line:84% to congregate, play, share, protest, and celebrate. 01:12:30.420 --> 01:12:33.540 align:middle line:84% Franklin Park, Boston's largest park, 01:12:33.540 --> 01:12:37.440 align:middle line:84% designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, is in district seven 01:12:37.440 --> 01:12:39.390 align:middle line:84% and surrounded by four communities-- 01:12:39.390 --> 01:12:44.130 align:middle line:84% Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Dorchester, and Roxbury, also 01:12:44.130 --> 01:12:45.990 align:middle line:90% all in district seven. 01:12:45.990 --> 01:12:47.940 align:middle line:84% Residents from all these neighborhoods 01:12:47.940 --> 01:12:50.700 align:middle line:84% play cricket, soccer, softball, baseball. 01:12:50.700 --> 01:12:52.770 align:middle line:84% Many local schools from all sides 01:12:52.770 --> 01:12:56.130 align:middle line:84% of the park and their teams come to practice and play 01:12:56.130 --> 01:12:59.070 align:middle line:84% in White Stadium and on the [INAUDIBLE].. 01:12:59.070 --> 01:13:02.550 align:middle line:84% Birders, walkers, meanders, seekers of solitude 01:13:02.550 --> 01:13:06.150 align:middle line:84% wander the pass of the woodlands in Franklin Park. 01:13:06.150 --> 01:13:09.570 align:middle line:84% A year ago, after George Floyd's murder, 01:13:09.570 --> 01:13:13.890 align:middle line:84% thousands of multiracial multilingual demonstrators 01:13:13.890 --> 01:13:18.390 align:middle line:84% poured into Franklin Park, a welcoming space already known 01:13:18.390 --> 01:13:22.110 align:middle line:84% to many of those who needed to express their grief 01:13:22.110 --> 01:13:23.640 align:middle line:90% and outrage. 01:13:23.640 --> 01:13:26.130 align:middle line:84% We are lucky in Jamaica Plain to have 01:13:26.130 --> 01:13:28.230 align:middle line:84% multiple additional green spaces-- 01:13:28.230 --> 01:13:31.380 align:middle line:84% Jamaica Pond, the Emerald Necklace, the Arboretum, 01:13:31.380 --> 01:13:33.840 align:middle line:90% and Forest Hills Cemetery. 01:13:33.840 --> 01:13:35.970 align:middle line:84% However, there are many challenges 01:13:35.970 --> 01:13:40.390 align:middle line:84% to adequately maintaining and restoring these common areas. 01:13:40.390 --> 01:13:42.780 align:middle line:84% Advocacy was critical in restoring 01:13:42.780 --> 01:13:46.860 align:middle line:84% Jamaica Pond, the Emerald Necklace, and Franklin Park. 01:13:46.860 --> 01:13:49.560 align:middle line:84% The coalition of which I am past president 01:13:49.560 --> 01:13:52.710 align:middle line:84% still struggles to get adequate resources 01:13:52.710 --> 01:13:56.280 align:middle line:84% to maintain the park, nevermind restore many 01:13:56.280 --> 01:13:58.440 align:middle line:90% of its historical features. 01:13:58.440 --> 01:14:01.260 align:middle line:84% All these beautiful areas lie within the boundaries 01:14:01.260 --> 01:14:03.450 align:middle line:84% of district seven, except the arboretum, 01:14:03.450 --> 01:14:06.210 align:middle line:84% which is split between district 7 and 8. 01:14:06.210 --> 01:14:09.360 align:middle line:84% As many of you already know, the arboretum, 01:14:09.360 --> 01:14:12.360 align:middle line:84% while belonging to the city, is managed 01:14:12.360 --> 01:14:16.500 align:middle line:84% by Harvard University using its own financial resources. 01:14:16.500 --> 01:14:18.480 align:middle line:84% Compared with its sister parks, it 01:14:18.480 --> 01:14:22.230 align:middle line:84% is by far the most curated, cleaned, and restored. 01:14:22.230 --> 01:14:27.210 align:middle line:84% I want to strongly suggest that these beautiful green refuges, 01:14:27.210 --> 01:14:30.870 align:middle line:84% more critical to health and well-being than ever as global 01:14:30.870 --> 01:14:33.840 align:middle line:84% warming exacts its punishing toll, 01:14:33.840 --> 01:14:36.930 align:middle line:84% stay in the same district, along with their surrounding 01:14:36.930 --> 01:14:41.040 align:middle line:84% neighborhoods, which, especially in the case of Franklin Park, 01:14:41.040 --> 01:14:45.060 align:middle line:84% have learned to advocate together for adequate resources 01:14:45.060 --> 01:14:47.130 align:middle line:84% for beautification and maintenance. 01:14:47.130 --> 01:14:51.120 align:middle line:84% Please do not divide the arboretum into two districts. 01:14:51.120 --> 01:14:54.900 align:middle line:84% Harvard University is a powerful partner and advocate, 01:14:54.900 --> 01:14:58.020 align:middle line:84% making the arboretum a showcase and model 01:14:58.020 --> 01:15:00.090 align:middle line:84% to which park advocates can point, 01:15:00.090 --> 01:15:02.370 align:middle line:84% illustrating what needs to happen in all 01:15:02.370 --> 01:15:04.230 align:middle line:90% the parks in the district. 01:15:04.230 --> 01:15:07.890 align:middle line:84% I appreciate your time in allowing me to talk about one 01:15:07.890 --> 01:15:11.800 align:middle line:90% of my very favorite topics. 01:15:11.800 --> 01:15:12.300 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:15:12.300 --> 01:15:14.740 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much, Martha. 01:15:14.740 --> 01:15:17.770 align:middle line:84% I would like to introduce Michael [? Fishben ?] next. 01:15:17.770 --> 01:15:22.710 align:middle line:84% But before I do, one of my colleagues has joined us-- 01:15:22.710 --> 01:15:25.890 align:middle line:84% Representative Paul Frost from Auburn. 01:15:25.890 --> 01:15:28.020 align:middle line:84% He is the ranking minority member 01:15:28.020 --> 01:15:29.520 align:middle line:84% on the Committee on Redistricting. 01:15:29.520 --> 01:15:30.990 align:middle line:90% Welcome, Paul. 01:15:30.990 --> 01:15:34.260 align:middle line:90% Michael Fishbine, what say you? 01:15:34.260 --> 01:15:37.420 align:middle line:90% 01:15:37.420 --> 01:15:41.140 align:middle line:84% I say first and foremost, thank you, committee 01:15:41.140 --> 01:15:44.530 align:middle line:84% Chairs Brownsberger and Moran, members of the committee, 01:15:44.530 --> 01:15:46.630 align:middle line:84% for including us in this process. 01:15:46.630 --> 01:15:49.360 align:middle line:90% My name's Mike Fishbine. 01:15:49.360 --> 01:15:51.940 align:middle line:84% Proud to be joining with my colleagues 01:15:51.940 --> 01:15:54.070 align:middle line:90% to represent JP Progressives. 01:15:54.070 --> 01:15:56.860 align:middle line:84% I've been living in Jamaica Plain since 2005. 01:15:56.860 --> 01:16:00.130 align:middle line:84% And I commuted to work downtown and to the Longwood 01:16:00.130 --> 01:16:03.850 align:middle line:84% medical area from Forest Hills station on the orange line 01:16:03.850 --> 01:16:07.990 align:middle line:90% and by bus for many years. 01:16:07.990 --> 01:16:09.880 align:middle line:84% We believe that a community of interest 01:16:09.880 --> 01:16:13.777 align:middle line:84% exists across JP and into our neighboring areas, 01:16:13.777 --> 01:16:15.610 align:middle line:84% in addition to the ways you've already heard 01:16:15.610 --> 01:16:19.570 align:middle line:84% and will hear, also around our shared use of transportation 01:16:19.570 --> 01:16:21.490 align:middle line:90% resources. 01:16:21.490 --> 01:16:24.850 align:middle line:84% Forest Hills station, which sits at the busy convergence 01:16:24.850 --> 01:16:28.540 align:middle line:84% of Washington Street, Hyde Park Ave, the Arbor Way, and South 01:16:28.540 --> 01:16:31.510 align:middle line:84% Street in JP, is a major transportation hub 01:16:31.510 --> 01:16:34.000 align:middle line:90% for all of JP and our neighbors. 01:16:34.000 --> 01:16:36.100 align:middle line:84% It is the southern terminus of the orange line 01:16:36.100 --> 01:16:39.880 align:middle line:84% and a connection point for 17 bus lines and the commuter 01:16:39.880 --> 01:16:40.780 align:middle line:90% rail. 01:16:40.780 --> 01:16:44.710 align:middle line:84% Forest Hills buses travel Southwest through Roslindale 01:16:44.710 --> 01:16:48.220 align:middle line:84% and West Roxbury, directly South to Hyde Park 01:16:48.220 --> 01:16:51.310 align:middle line:84% and Southeast to Dorchester and Mattapan, and from there 01:16:51.310 --> 01:16:54.280 align:middle line:84% to Milton, Randolph, and Stoughton. 01:16:54.280 --> 01:16:57.160 align:middle line:84% Forest Hills gathers commuters from these areas 01:16:57.160 --> 01:16:59.530 align:middle line:84% with those from all over JP to travel 01:16:59.530 --> 01:17:02.063 align:middle line:90% north into Roxbury and beyond. 01:17:02.063 --> 01:17:06.010 align:middle line:84% For JP in particular, the 39 bus from Forest Hills 01:17:06.010 --> 01:17:09.730 align:middle line:84% which travels South Street, Center Street, and South 01:17:09.730 --> 01:17:12.490 align:middle line:84% Huntington Ave. on its way to Huntington Avenue and Back Bay 01:17:12.490 --> 01:17:16.630 align:middle line:84% station, connects residents from every part of JP on the way 01:17:16.630 --> 01:17:19.990 align:middle line:84% to and from the downtown areas of our city. 01:17:19.990 --> 01:17:22.480 align:middle line:84% In addition to buses and trains, Forest Hills station 01:17:22.480 --> 01:17:24.760 align:middle line:90% is a hub for JP cyclists. 01:17:24.760 --> 01:17:27.640 align:middle line:84% The popularity of bicycle travel in and around JP 01:17:27.640 --> 01:17:31.000 align:middle line:84% prompted the addition of a large bike cage 01:17:31.000 --> 01:17:33.490 align:middle line:84% at Forest Hills for the many residents who bike 01:17:33.490 --> 01:17:35.590 align:middle line:90% to the T or bike to the bus. 01:17:35.590 --> 01:17:38.170 align:middle line:84% There are also blue bike stations and Curtis Hall, 01:17:38.170 --> 01:17:40.060 align:middle line:84% Green Street Station, Stony Brook Station, 01:17:40.060 --> 01:17:43.390 align:middle line:84% Eggleston Square, Jackson Square Station, and Hyde Square, 01:17:43.390 --> 01:17:46.120 align:middle line:84% as well as two stations in Franklin Park. 01:17:46.120 --> 01:17:51.220 align:middle line:84% Recently, when updated car and bike lane lines 01:17:51.220 --> 01:17:54.860 align:middle line:84% coincided with very bad traffic on the Arbor Way around Murray 01:17:54.860 --> 01:17:57.490 align:middle line:84% Circle, which is the Arbor Way's intersection with Center 01:17:57.490 --> 01:18:01.330 align:middle line:84% Street and JP's busiest rotary, the website Jamaica Plain News 01:18:01.330 --> 01:18:04.810 align:middle line:84% reported on the enthusiastic support for those updates 01:18:04.810 --> 01:18:07.060 align:middle line:90% from JP's bicycle advocates. 01:18:07.060 --> 01:18:10.420 align:middle line:84% The Southwest corridor park bike lanes are always in use. 01:18:10.420 --> 01:18:12.670 align:middle line:84% And bikes are always present at JP gatherings 01:18:12.670 --> 01:18:14.920 align:middle line:84% like Thursdays on the Lawn at the [INAUDIBLE] 01:18:14.920 --> 01:18:19.450 align:middle line:84% House, which had become a summertime staple pre-pandemic. 01:18:19.450 --> 01:18:22.060 align:middle line:84% We ask that Jamaica Plain be kept whole when 01:18:22.060 --> 01:18:23.830 align:middle line:90% drawing district boundaries. 01:18:23.830 --> 01:18:26.740 align:middle line:84% JP residents should be able to work together 01:18:26.740 --> 01:18:30.040 align:middle line:84% to advocate regarding the transportation resources we 01:18:30.040 --> 01:18:31.600 align:middle line:90% all share. 01:18:31.600 --> 01:18:35.872 align:middle line:84% And JP as a whole should be able to partner with our neighbor 01:18:35.872 --> 01:18:37.330 align:middle line:84% communities to maintain and improve 01:18:37.330 --> 01:18:40.030 align:middle line:84% the vital transportation services that connect us. 01:18:40.030 --> 01:18:44.530 align:middle line:84% Thank you again to the whole committee for your work 01:18:44.530 --> 01:18:48.010 align:middle line:90% and for welcoming our testimony. 01:18:48.010 --> 01:18:49.260 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Michael. 01:18:49.260 --> 01:18:50.910 align:middle line:90% Much appreciated. 01:18:50.910 --> 01:18:55.970 align:middle line:84% Next we have Cindy Lou from Jamaica Plain. 01:18:55.970 --> 01:18:58.360 align:middle line:84% Oh, let me make one announcement, please. 01:18:58.360 --> 01:19:01.290 align:middle line:84% There are people who are listening. 01:19:01.290 --> 01:19:04.140 align:middle line:84% And if you would like to testify-- 01:19:04.140 --> 01:19:07.320 align:middle line:84% if you would like to testify today, you can do so. 01:19:07.320 --> 01:19:09.330 align:middle line:90% But we need you to go to MA-- 01:19:09.330 --> 01:19:11.810 align:middle line:90% so Mass-- legislature.gov. 01:19:11.810 --> 01:19:13.686 align:middle line:90% MAlegislature.gov. 01:19:13.686 --> 01:19:15.930 align:middle line:84% There is a link there for redistricting. 01:19:15.930 --> 01:19:20.190 align:middle line:84% And if you hit that link and follow the directions 01:19:20.190 --> 01:19:22.560 align:middle line:84% for hearing and events, you can testify 01:19:22.560 --> 01:19:24.240 align:middle line:90% and we can get you on today. 01:19:24.240 --> 01:19:26.340 align:middle line:84% When you testify, please use your name. 01:19:26.340 --> 01:19:28.260 align:middle line:90% Don't use your telephone number. 01:19:28.260 --> 01:19:31.790 align:middle line:84% So if anybody who's listening would like to testify, 01:19:31.790 --> 01:19:34.860 align:middle line:84% MAlegislature.gov, hit the redistricting link, 01:19:34.860 --> 01:19:38.940 align:middle line:84% and follow the directions for hearings and events. 01:19:38.940 --> 01:19:40.440 align:middle line:84% And you'll be able to testify and we 01:19:40.440 --> 01:19:43.170 align:middle line:90% can get you on here today. 01:19:43.170 --> 01:19:45.228 align:middle line:84% And if anyone is having any trouble with that, 01:19:45.228 --> 01:19:49.920 align:middle line:84% please either let us know in the chat or call my office. 01:19:49.920 --> 01:19:52.470 align:middle line:84% 722-2000-- Representative Moran's office. 01:19:52.470 --> 01:19:54.790 align:middle line:84% And we'll try and work you through it. 01:19:54.790 --> 01:19:55.290 align:middle line:90% OK. 01:19:55.290 --> 01:19:56.410 align:middle line:90% Next, Cindy Lou. 01:19:56.410 --> 01:19:59.000 align:middle line:90% What do you have to say to us? 01:19:59.000 --> 01:20:00.560 align:middle line:90% And welcome. 01:20:00.560 --> 01:20:03.290 align:middle line:84% Thank you so much for the opportunity to testify today. 01:20:03.290 --> 01:20:06.200 align:middle line:84% And thank you for making it so accessible and easy 01:20:06.200 --> 01:20:08.000 align:middle line:90% for us to hop on. 01:20:08.000 --> 01:20:09.530 align:middle line:90% So I am an artist. 01:20:09.530 --> 01:20:13.050 align:middle line:84% I've lived in Jamaica Plain for almost 15 years. 01:20:13.050 --> 01:20:15.680 align:middle line:84% And one of the reasons I was drawn to this neighborhood 01:20:15.680 --> 01:20:18.260 align:middle line:84% is the really vibrant arts community. 01:20:18.260 --> 01:20:20.510 align:middle line:84% There have been wonderful art installations 01:20:20.510 --> 01:20:23.270 align:middle line:84% in Franklin Park and organizations 01:20:23.270 --> 01:20:25.760 align:middle line:84% like Spontaneous Celebrations and the Elliott School 01:20:25.760 --> 01:20:29.990 align:middle line:84% have really united JP through the arts for decades. 01:20:29.990 --> 01:20:33.170 align:middle line:84% And artists across all of JP are connected to one another 01:20:33.170 --> 01:20:36.890 align:middle line:84% through organizations like the JP Artists Association 01:20:36.890 --> 01:20:40.670 align:middle line:84% as well as the JP Arts Council, which puts on the JP Open 01:20:40.670 --> 01:20:42.570 align:middle line:90% Studios every year. 01:20:42.570 --> 01:20:45.950 align:middle line:84% But as you may know, in the past 10 to 15 years, 01:20:45.950 --> 01:20:48.260 align:middle line:84% artists and arts organizations have really 01:20:48.260 --> 01:20:53.000 align:middle line:84% been increasingly displaced from JP through gentrification. 01:20:53.000 --> 01:20:56.600 align:middle line:84% And for example, the [INAUDIBLE] Street Studios 01:20:56.600 --> 01:20:58.940 align:middle line:84% used to be able to provide affordable 01:20:58.940 --> 01:21:02.395 align:middle line:84% workspace for more than 50 artists, which was amazing. 01:21:02.395 --> 01:21:03.770 align:middle line:84% But they were all kicked out when 01:21:03.770 --> 01:21:06.320 align:middle line:84% the building got bought out by a developer 01:21:06.320 --> 01:21:07.820 align:middle line:90% more than 10 years ago. 01:21:07.820 --> 01:21:10.640 align:middle line:84% And then more recently, artists at the Brookside Studios 01:21:10.640 --> 01:21:13.850 align:middle line:84% were evicted when the building was sold to a developer. 01:21:13.850 --> 01:21:15.980 align:middle line:84% And now with the pandemic, this has 01:21:15.980 --> 01:21:18.050 align:middle line:90% created a lot more pressures. 01:21:18.050 --> 01:21:24.050 align:middle line:84% JP used to be home to the Urbano Project at the Brewery Complex. 01:21:24.050 --> 01:21:26.120 align:middle line:84% And they provided a lot of opportunities 01:21:26.120 --> 01:21:29.240 align:middle line:84% for underrepresented artists, particularly artists 01:21:29.240 --> 01:21:33.140 align:middle line:84% and youth of color, in part through their studio 01:21:33.140 --> 01:21:34.250 align:middle line:90% and exhibition space. 01:21:34.250 --> 01:21:38.420 align:middle line:84% They were really an important part of the art scene in JP. 01:21:38.420 --> 01:21:41.000 align:middle line:84% But last year, with all the financial pressures 01:21:41.000 --> 01:21:44.300 align:middle line:84% and high cost of rents, [INAUDIBLE] 01:21:44.300 --> 01:21:46.580 align:middle line:84% had to move out of the brewery and shift 01:21:46.580 --> 01:21:49.585 align:middle line:84% to an online format, which I think was just 01:21:49.585 --> 01:21:52.100 align:middle line:90% an enormous loss for JP. 01:21:52.100 --> 01:21:54.890 align:middle line:84% Other places that we last lost were the [? Avery ?] Gallery 01:21:54.890 --> 01:21:56.420 align:middle line:90% on South Street. 01:21:56.420 --> 01:21:58.100 align:middle line:84% These are just a few examples, but this 01:21:58.100 --> 01:22:01.380 align:middle line:84% is a story that's really happened over and over again 01:22:01.380 --> 01:22:04.730 align:middle line:84% with artists and arts organizations being priced out 01:22:04.730 --> 01:22:05.780 align:middle line:90% of the neighborhood. 01:22:05.780 --> 01:22:07.940 align:middle line:84% I live in JP, and I would have loved 01:22:07.940 --> 01:22:10.700 align:middle line:84% to have had studio space in my own neighborhood. 01:22:10.700 --> 01:22:12.480 align:middle line:84% But it really just isn't affordable. 01:22:12.480 --> 01:22:15.260 align:middle line:84% So I currently have studio space in Hyde Park 01:22:15.260 --> 01:22:17.960 align:middle line:84% along with the community of other artists 01:22:17.960 --> 01:22:22.130 align:middle line:84% who predominantly live in JP, Roslindale, Hyde Park, 01:22:22.130 --> 01:22:24.530 align:middle line:84% and other surrounding communities extending down 01:22:24.530 --> 01:22:26.090 align:middle line:90% to Brockton. 01:22:26.090 --> 01:22:28.520 align:middle line:84% And a lot of my studiomates used to live in JP 01:22:28.520 --> 01:22:30.860 align:middle line:84% but then had to move out when they couldn't afford it 01:22:30.860 --> 01:22:31.800 align:middle line:90% anymore. 01:22:31.800 --> 01:22:35.480 align:middle line:84% And so as artists keep getting pushed further and further out, 01:22:35.480 --> 01:22:38.300 align:middle line:84% we're still connected across these neighborhoods, as with 01:22:38.300 --> 01:22:39.740 align:middle line:90% my studio collective. 01:22:39.740 --> 01:22:42.890 align:middle line:84% But also during the pandemic, another collective 01:22:42.890 --> 01:22:47.270 align:middle line:84% of women artists in JP, Roslindale, and Hyde 01:22:47.270 --> 01:22:50.870 align:middle line:84% Park were able to raise money through [INAUDIBLE] 01:22:50.870 --> 01:22:52.760 align:middle line:84% [? online ?] for the Poor People's Campaign. 01:22:52.760 --> 01:22:55.040 align:middle line:84% They also organize to distribute food 01:22:55.040 --> 01:22:58.380 align:middle line:84% to families in these neighborhoods. 01:22:58.380 --> 01:23:01.700 align:middle line:84% So I think that if we really want to keep a vibrant arts 01:23:01.700 --> 01:23:04.310 align:middle line:84% community in the Boston area, artists 01:23:04.310 --> 01:23:07.190 align:middle line:84% need to keep a common voice across these neighborhoods 01:23:07.190 --> 01:23:07.820 align:middle line:90% and towns. 01:23:07.820 --> 01:23:10.460 align:middle line:84% And so I would like to see us make sure 01:23:10.460 --> 01:23:13.140 align:middle line:84% that JP is kept together and not split, 01:23:13.140 --> 01:23:15.590 align:middle line:84% including the neighborhood abutting Franklin Park, which 01:23:15.590 --> 01:23:19.160 align:middle line:84% is such a great space for outdoor exhibits, 01:23:19.160 --> 01:23:22.040 align:middle line:84% and also recognizing the existing connections 01:23:22.040 --> 01:23:25.670 align:middle line:84% and common interests between artists communities stretching 01:23:25.670 --> 01:23:30.290 align:middle line:84% from JP through Roslindale, Hyde Park, and down to Brockton. 01:23:30.290 --> 01:23:30.790 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:23:30.790 --> 01:23:33.590 align:middle line:90% 01:23:33.590 --> 01:23:35.750 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Cindy. 01:23:35.750 --> 01:23:38.060 align:middle line:84% You can always come over to my neighborhood in Allston 01:23:38.060 --> 01:23:39.290 align:middle line:90% and join our arts community. 01:23:39.290 --> 01:23:41.040 align:middle line:84% We have plenty of artists over where I am. 01:23:41.040 --> 01:23:44.690 align:middle line:84% So I'm sure they'd love to have you in Lower Austin, so. 01:23:44.690 --> 01:23:50.150 align:middle line:84% But anyways, last on this panel would be Melissa Beltran. 01:23:50.150 --> 01:23:52.560 align:middle line:84% Melissa is from Roxbury, and she is also a member 01:23:52.560 --> 01:23:53.570 align:middle line:90% of the JP Progressives. 01:23:53.570 --> 01:23:56.670 align:middle line:84% Melissa, what do you have to say for us? 01:23:56.670 --> 01:23:57.170 align:middle line:90% Hi. 01:23:57.170 --> 01:23:58.650 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:23:58.650 --> 01:24:01.850 align:middle line:84% First off, I would like to thank the redistricting committee 01:24:01.850 --> 01:24:04.550 align:middle line:84% chair Senator William Brownsberger and Representative 01:24:04.550 --> 01:24:07.580 align:middle line:84% Mike Moran and the other members of the committee 01:24:07.580 --> 01:24:10.520 align:middle line:84% for holding this hearing and for giving us an opportunity 01:24:10.520 --> 01:24:13.280 align:middle line:84% to shape the future of our district. 01:24:13.280 --> 01:24:14.720 align:middle line:90% My name is Melissa Beltran. 01:24:14.720 --> 01:24:17.600 align:middle line:84% I grew up in a Dominican community in Jamaica Plain, 01:24:17.600 --> 01:24:20.090 align:middle line:84% specifically in the Stony Brook neighborhood 01:24:20.090 --> 01:24:23.270 align:middle line:84% between Washington Street and the Southwest corridor. 01:24:23.270 --> 01:24:25.310 align:middle line:84% I am also a first generation college 01:24:25.310 --> 01:24:26.720 align:middle line:90% student and youth activist. 01:24:26.720 --> 01:24:29.680 align:middle line:84% And I'm passionate about making sure education 01:24:29.680 --> 01:24:31.910 align:middle line:84% and affordable housing is accessible to people 01:24:31.910 --> 01:24:33.030 align:middle line:90% in my community. 01:24:33.030 --> 01:24:36.590 align:middle line:84% And that is why I am here to talk to you today. 01:24:36.590 --> 01:24:38.365 align:middle line:84% My mom has been a Jamaica Plain renter 01:24:38.365 --> 01:24:40.760 align:middle line:84% since coming to this country in the '80s, 01:24:40.760 --> 01:24:43.370 align:middle line:84% following in the footsteps of the tens [? of ?] thousands 01:24:43.370 --> 01:24:46.460 align:middle line:84% of other Hispanic immigrants who settled in the neighborhood 01:24:46.460 --> 01:24:48.560 align:middle line:90% for over the past 60 years. 01:24:48.560 --> 01:24:51.510 align:middle line:84% For a time, she lived near Green Street and [? Lamartine. ?] 01:24:51.510 --> 01:24:53.570 align:middle line:84% She later moved to a Stop and Shop 01:24:53.570 --> 01:24:55.760 align:middle line:84% on Center Street, which is another hub 01:24:55.760 --> 01:24:58.670 align:middle line:84% for the Dominican community in Jamaica Plain. 01:24:58.670 --> 01:25:01.760 align:middle line:84% I also went to the ABCD Daycare Center Street, 01:25:01.760 --> 01:25:04.790 align:middle line:84% which coincidentally became my first summer 01:25:04.790 --> 01:25:06.560 align:middle line:90% job as a 14-year-old. 01:25:06.560 --> 01:25:10.130 align:middle line:84% And later, I attended the John F. Kennedy Elementary School 01:25:10.130 --> 01:25:12.680 align:middle line:90% also in the neighborhood. 01:25:12.680 --> 01:25:14.840 align:middle line:84% My family shop at the [? High Low ?] grocery 01:25:14.840 --> 01:25:18.650 align:middle line:84% store on Center Street, which was more than a grocery store. 01:25:18.650 --> 01:25:20.300 align:middle line:84% It was a meeting place for members 01:25:20.300 --> 01:25:23.240 align:middle line:84% of my community with affordable Hispanic foods, which 01:25:23.240 --> 01:25:25.700 align:middle line:90% is now a Whole Foods. 01:25:25.700 --> 01:25:28.280 align:middle line:84% The neighborhood has been rapidly gentrifying 01:25:28.280 --> 01:25:29.630 align:middle line:90% over the past 10 years. 01:25:29.630 --> 01:25:31.220 align:middle line:90% Rent has been skyrocketing. 01:25:31.220 --> 01:25:33.950 align:middle line:84% Even people with vouchers can't afford 01:25:33.950 --> 01:25:35.900 align:middle line:84% to rent in the neighborhood anymore. 01:25:35.900 --> 01:25:38.270 align:middle line:84% Jamaica Plain has become so expensive, 01:25:38.270 --> 01:25:41.840 align:middle line:84% from the local corner store to the daily bus ride. 01:25:41.840 --> 01:25:47.840 align:middle line:84% Personally, our rent went from 750 to $1,200 to $1,800 01:25:47.840 --> 01:25:51.290 align:middle line:84% for a three bedroom over the time we have lived here. 01:25:51.290 --> 01:25:54.350 align:middle line:84% We are able to stay because of the Section 8 vouchers, 01:25:54.350 --> 01:25:56.600 align:middle line:84% but we are not able to financially prosper 01:25:56.600 --> 01:25:59.330 align:middle line:84% because of the constraints of the regulations 01:25:59.330 --> 01:26:01.310 align:middle line:90% around affordable housing. 01:26:01.310 --> 01:26:03.830 align:middle line:84% My childhood friends and family members 01:26:03.830 --> 01:26:05.510 align:middle line:84% are moving out of the neighborhood, 01:26:05.510 --> 01:26:07.430 align:middle line:84% mostly to Brockton, where they are 01:26:07.430 --> 01:26:10.010 align:middle line:84% able to purchase homes for the same price 01:26:10.010 --> 01:26:13.100 align:middle line:84% as subsidized housing in Jamaica Plain. 01:26:13.100 --> 01:26:15.980 align:middle line:84% Data from the census shows that in 2011, 01:26:15.980 --> 01:26:21.050 align:middle line:84% 34% of foreign-born renters were paying more than 30% 01:26:21.050 --> 01:26:22.410 align:middle line:90% of their income on rent. 01:26:22.410 --> 01:26:26.660 align:middle line:84% And today, that has skyrocketed to 56%. 01:26:26.660 --> 01:26:29.150 align:middle line:84% Families like mine need to be kept together 01:26:29.150 --> 01:26:32.900 align:middle line:84% and need representatives who understand these pressures. 01:26:32.900 --> 01:26:35.660 align:middle line:84% And we need neighbors who will join together 01:26:35.660 --> 01:26:37.730 align:middle line:84% to advocate to keep our communities 01:26:37.730 --> 01:26:39.330 align:middle line:90% in the neighborhood. 01:26:39.330 --> 01:26:42.980 align:middle line:84% We have a lot of young people who are graduating from RCC. 01:26:42.980 --> 01:26:44.960 align:middle line:90% I am an RCC alumni. 01:26:44.960 --> 01:26:49.010 align:middle line:84% And other community colleges are going into four year degrees 01:26:49.010 --> 01:26:51.290 align:middle line:84% and wants to come back to the neighborhood. 01:26:51.290 --> 01:26:52.700 align:middle line:90% But they can't afford to. 01:26:52.700 --> 01:26:55.970 align:middle line:84% We need to be in a district with other people 01:26:55.970 --> 01:26:58.580 align:middle line:84% who are prioritizing housing affordability 01:26:58.580 --> 01:27:01.520 align:middle line:84% and who are represented by elected officials who 01:27:01.520 --> 01:27:05.150 align:middle line:84% will fight to keep our community together in Boston. 01:27:05.150 --> 01:27:08.780 align:middle line:84% And lastly, in closing, my request to the committee 01:27:08.780 --> 01:27:11.780 align:middle line:84% is to keep JP whole so that the different hubs 01:27:11.780 --> 01:27:14.600 align:middle line:84% of the Hispanic community can be kept together. 01:27:14.600 --> 01:27:18.110 align:middle line:84% These hubs are along Washington Street and Eggleston, 01:27:18.110 --> 01:27:21.860 align:middle line:84% along Center street from Jackson Square to Hyde Square. 01:27:21.860 --> 01:27:24.920 align:middle line:84% And we want to remain part of a complete Jamaica Plain 01:27:24.920 --> 01:27:29.120 align:middle line:84% whose strong advocacy community gives us a fighting chance 01:27:29.120 --> 01:27:33.240 align:middle line:84% to save the small number of us who remain in this community. 01:27:33.240 --> 01:27:37.100 align:middle line:84% And again, I just want to thank the co-chairs and my partners. 01:27:37.100 --> 01:27:39.470 align:middle line:84% And I hope you will keep Jamaica Plain together 01:27:39.470 --> 01:27:42.080 align:middle line:84% in a way that prioritizes my community 01:27:42.080 --> 01:27:47.270 align:middle line:84% and prevents continued displacement. 01:27:47.270 --> 01:27:49.490 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much, Melissa. 01:27:49.490 --> 01:27:53.210 align:middle line:84% And thank you to the members of this panel. 01:27:53.210 --> 01:27:55.400 align:middle line:84% I would just like to make one brief statement, 01:27:55.400 --> 01:27:58.040 align:middle line:84% and then I will open it up to my committee 01:27:58.040 --> 01:28:00.260 align:middle line:90% members for questions. 01:28:00.260 --> 01:28:04.550 align:middle line:84% I just want to be very clear in the methodology we 01:28:04.550 --> 01:28:08.210 align:middle line:84% used 10 years ago to draw the districts that 01:28:08.210 --> 01:28:11.060 align:middle line:90% are the 7th and 8th. 01:28:11.060 --> 01:28:15.770 align:middle line:84% The primary concern we had was drawing the strongest majority 01:28:15.770 --> 01:28:18.280 align:middle line:90% minority district we could draw. 01:28:18.280 --> 01:28:22.610 align:middle line:84% That was the overriding concern we had. 01:28:22.610 --> 01:28:26.420 align:middle line:84% When we did that, the lines ended up 01:28:26.420 --> 01:28:28.893 align:middle line:90% where the lines ended up. 01:28:28.893 --> 01:28:30.560 align:middle line:84% What you're talking about-- a lot of you 01:28:30.560 --> 01:28:34.070 align:middle line:84% guys are talking about communities of interest. 01:28:34.070 --> 01:28:37.820 align:middle line:84% I can only tell you 10 years ago that drawing a strong majority 01:28:37.820 --> 01:28:41.840 align:middle line:84% minority district trumped communities of interest. 01:28:41.840 --> 01:28:46.160 align:middle line:84% I can't speak for myself or Senator Brownsberger 01:28:46.160 --> 01:28:48.560 align:middle line:84% this time around, but I would imagine 01:28:48.560 --> 01:28:52.860 align:middle line:84% we take a serious look at that majority minority number again. 01:28:52.860 --> 01:28:58.010 align:middle line:84% And it could in fact trump a community of interest. 01:28:58.010 --> 01:29:00.920 align:middle line:84% I just tell you that as a way for you 01:29:00.920 --> 01:29:04.920 align:middle line:84% to understand how we look at this. 01:29:04.920 --> 01:29:07.040 align:middle line:84% And I think most of you testifying 01:29:07.040 --> 01:29:11.570 align:middle line:84% would agree that drawing a majority minority district that 01:29:11.570 --> 01:29:14.720 align:middle line:84% is strong and that provides people with a voice who 01:29:14.720 --> 01:29:18.290 align:middle line:84% may have been disenfranchised in years past 01:29:18.290 --> 01:29:20.510 align:middle line:90% is an important thing. 01:29:20.510 --> 01:29:23.490 align:middle line:84% And where it rubs up against things like community 01:29:23.490 --> 01:29:27.170 align:middle line:84% of interest, obviously it's kind of frustrating for us 01:29:27.170 --> 01:29:27.890 align:middle line:90% to do that. 01:29:27.890 --> 01:29:31.310 align:middle line:84% But 10 years ago, it was the feeling 01:29:31.310 --> 01:29:35.480 align:middle line:84% that the community of interest portion of a [? principal ?] 01:29:35.480 --> 01:29:39.440 align:middle line:84% redistricting was more important than a-- 01:29:39.440 --> 01:29:43.053 align:middle line:84% sorry, the majority minority issue [INAUDIBLE] 01:29:43.053 --> 01:29:44.970 align:middle line:84% was more important than community of interest. 01:29:44.970 --> 01:29:48.410 align:middle line:84% So I say that just so you have an idea of why 01:29:48.410 --> 01:29:51.800 align:middle line:84% we did what we did and what may, in fact, draw 01:29:51.800 --> 01:29:53.960 align:middle line:84% us to do a similar thing again depending 01:29:53.960 --> 01:29:55.400 align:middle line:90% upon when the numbers come in. 01:29:55.400 --> 01:29:58.520 align:middle line:84% So that being said, I have no questions. 01:29:58.520 --> 01:30:00.290 align:middle line:84% I'd love to open it up to my colleagues 01:30:00.290 --> 01:30:01.850 align:middle line:84% and see if they have any questions. 01:30:01.850 --> 01:30:05.360 align:middle line:84% Any members of the committee have any questions? 01:30:05.360 --> 01:30:06.980 align:middle line:90% Mr. Chairman. 01:30:06.980 --> 01:30:08.690 align:middle line:90% Senator Brownsberger. 01:30:08.690 --> 01:30:09.710 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:30:09.710 --> 01:30:10.850 align:middle line:90% I appreciate the testimony. 01:30:10.850 --> 01:30:13.220 align:middle line:84% And I appreciate the organization of it, 01:30:13.220 --> 01:30:18.968 align:middle line:84% which I heard as activism, transportation. 01:30:18.968 --> 01:30:20.510 align:middle line:84% Actually, I stepped away for a minute 01:30:20.510 --> 01:30:21.920 align:middle line:84% during your testimony, Cindy Lou. 01:30:21.920 --> 01:30:23.070 align:middle line:90% I apologize. 01:30:23.070 --> 01:30:24.840 align:middle line:90% So I'm not sure I picked up-- 01:30:24.840 --> 01:30:27.050 align:middle line:84% there was a unifying theme there. 01:30:27.050 --> 01:30:29.678 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] tenant theme. 01:30:29.678 --> 01:30:30.470 align:middle line:90% It was around arts. 01:30:30.470 --> 01:30:31.040 align:middle line:90% It was arts. 01:30:31.040 --> 01:30:32.375 align:middle line:84% I thought [INAUDIBLE] beginning there. 01:30:32.375 --> 01:30:32.875 align:middle line:90% OK. 01:30:32.875 --> 01:30:38.750 align:middle line:84% So I guess it would be helpful if you wanted to-- 01:30:38.750 --> 01:30:41.150 align:middle line:84% in the open space dimension, if you wanted to, 01:30:41.150 --> 01:30:43.910 align:middle line:84% like I asked the earlier testimony about Roslindale, 01:30:43.910 --> 01:30:47.443 align:middle line:84% when you say JP, tell me wards and precincts. 01:30:47.443 --> 01:30:50.350 align:middle line:90% 01:30:50.350 --> 01:30:52.130 align:middle line:90% I know where JP. 01:30:52.130 --> 01:30:53.770 align:middle line:90% I know where JP is. 01:30:53.770 --> 01:30:56.290 align:middle line:84% But I want to know what you mean by-- exactly what you 01:30:56.290 --> 01:30:57.940 align:middle line:90% think of as JP. 01:30:57.940 --> 01:31:03.880 align:middle line:84% And I'm going to guess-- and evoked several different themes 01:31:03.880 --> 01:31:06.460 align:middle line:84% and said, these are all reasons to keep JP together. 01:31:06.460 --> 01:31:11.133 align:middle line:84% But those themes are potentially different as to how they might 01:31:11.133 --> 01:31:11.800 align:middle line:90% group districts. 01:31:11.800 --> 01:31:14.980 align:middle line:84% So maybe if you can think about, well, 01:31:14.980 --> 01:31:17.140 align:middle line:84% on the transportation dimension, this 01:31:17.140 --> 01:31:19.300 align:middle line:84% is what we think of as the larger JP. 01:31:19.300 --> 01:31:22.318 align:middle line:84% On the open space dimension, we think this. 01:31:22.318 --> 01:31:23.860 align:middle line:84% On the arts dimension, we think this. 01:31:23.860 --> 01:31:28.780 align:middle line:84% On the Hispanic dimension or the tenant dimension, 01:31:28.780 --> 01:31:30.130 align:middle line:90% we think this. 01:31:30.130 --> 01:31:31.930 align:middle line:84% Give us something a little more specific 01:31:31.930 --> 01:31:33.640 align:middle line:90% with geographical boundaries. 01:31:33.640 --> 01:31:36.670 align:middle line:84% That would help us make the most of the very good points 01:31:36.670 --> 01:31:39.030 align:middle line:90% that you've made. 01:31:39.030 --> 01:31:42.570 align:middle line:84% And I would also add, similar to the Roslindale, 01:31:42.570 --> 01:31:44.970 align:middle line:84% when using redistricting, it would be helpful 01:31:44.970 --> 01:31:51.990 align:middle line:84% if you delineated that or told us those boundaries in terms 01:31:51.990 --> 01:31:52.950 align:middle line:90% of wards and precincts. 01:31:52.950 --> 01:31:54.720 align:middle line:90% That would be very helpful. 01:31:54.720 --> 01:31:59.790 align:middle line:84% I know ward 19 is what-- most of JP is in ward 19. 01:31:59.790 --> 01:32:05.550 align:middle line:84% But I'd be curious to see what you think because knowingly 01:32:05.550 --> 01:32:09.450 align:middle line:84% or unknowingly, those boundaries change over time. 01:32:09.450 --> 01:32:12.310 align:middle line:84% So it would be helpful to us if you could do that. 01:32:12.310 --> 01:32:16.390 align:middle line:84% And we have time, so whoever wants to champion that and send 01:32:16.390 --> 01:32:21.400 align:middle line:84% it to us either in written testimony through our website 01:32:21.400 --> 01:32:24.400 align:middle line:84% or maybe at another hearing if you chose 01:32:24.400 --> 01:32:30.280 align:middle line:84% to come to another hearing, maybe the hearing 01:32:30.280 --> 01:32:33.100 align:middle line:84% which will include the 7th district, which would be some 01:32:33.100 --> 01:32:35.730 align:middle line:90% overlap there. 01:32:35.730 --> 01:32:39.090 align:middle line:84% I think we'll have to follow up with a more detailed map, 01:32:39.090 --> 01:32:47.040 align:middle line:84% but it's definitely parts of-- it's most of 19, parts of 10, 01:32:47.040 --> 01:32:49.770 align:middle line:90% a lot of 11. 01:32:49.770 --> 01:32:51.510 align:middle line:90% I think it's 20. 01:32:51.510 --> 01:32:54.000 align:middle line:84% Once we start getting south, my numbers 01:32:54.000 --> 01:32:55.110 align:middle line:90% get a little bit wobbly. 01:32:55.110 --> 01:32:56.370 align:middle line:90% But we'll follow up. 01:32:56.370 --> 01:32:59.070 align:middle line:84% I would say from the hubs, it's really-- 01:32:59.070 --> 01:33:01.660 align:middle line:84% Center Street, South Street is critical. 01:33:01.660 --> 01:33:04.320 align:middle line:84% A lot of Washington [? Street ?] is critical. 01:33:04.320 --> 01:33:06.090 align:middle line:84% When you think about housing developments, 01:33:06.090 --> 01:33:08.440 align:middle line:84% when you think about the Latinx community, 01:33:08.440 --> 01:33:10.820 align:middle line:84% when you think about the diversity of JP-- 01:33:10.820 --> 01:33:13.830 align:middle line:84% getting back to, I think we are 100% 01:33:13.830 --> 01:33:18.000 align:middle line:84% in line with the goal of minority majority minority 01:33:18.000 --> 01:33:18.930 align:middle line:90% districts. 01:33:18.930 --> 01:33:23.040 align:middle line:84% And I think we think a lot of JP-- the majority of JP, 01:33:23.040 --> 01:33:24.870 align:middle line:84% maybe all of JP would have get really 01:33:24.870 --> 01:33:30.300 align:middle line:84% specific on the precinct's vote in support of those interests. 01:33:30.300 --> 01:33:32.850 align:middle line:84% And that is what we're trying to get at with the activism. 01:33:32.850 --> 01:33:35.400 align:middle line:84% And then we think about the green spaces, 01:33:35.400 --> 01:33:37.590 align:middle line:84% they follow those similar corridors 01:33:37.590 --> 01:33:41.007 align:middle line:84% that we might add the Jamaica Way as another piece of that. 01:33:41.007 --> 01:33:43.590 align:middle line:84% So we'll get back to you, but I just wanted to highlight that. 01:33:43.590 --> 01:33:46.710 align:middle line:84% And my colleagues can also jump in. 01:33:46.710 --> 01:33:50.020 align:middle line:90% 01:33:50.020 --> 01:33:51.430 align:middle line:90% Listen, thank you to this panel. 01:33:51.430 --> 01:33:54.680 align:middle line:84% And having no questions and no more testimony, 01:33:54.680 --> 01:33:57.797 align:middle line:84% we'll dismiss you of your duty here today. 01:33:57.797 --> 01:33:58.630 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much. 01:33:58.630 --> 01:33:59.463 align:middle line:90% [INTERPOSING VOICES] 01:33:59.463 --> 01:34:01.930 align:middle line:84% Rep Moran, we had one member that had signed up 01:34:01.930 --> 01:34:04.180 align:middle line:84% that was supposed to be on another panel-- 01:34:04.180 --> 01:34:07.440 align:middle line:90% Muhammad Dar. 01:34:07.440 --> 01:34:09.910 align:middle line:90% Hold on a second. 01:34:09.910 --> 01:34:12.580 align:middle line:90% But it was a panel on CD8. 01:34:12.580 --> 01:34:16.360 align:middle line:84% Beth [? Hoyne ?] had set it up, [? who's ?] also here. 01:34:16.360 --> 01:34:18.425 align:middle line:84% If he can testify, that'd be great. 01:34:18.425 --> 01:34:21.420 align:middle line:90% 01:34:21.420 --> 01:34:21.920 align:middle line:90% All right. 01:34:21.920 --> 01:34:24.430 align:middle line:84% I believe Amanda in my office just put her in. 01:34:24.430 --> 01:34:27.915 align:middle line:84% So if she wanted to testify right now and-- 01:34:27.915 --> 01:34:29.540 align:middle line:84% can you give me her name again, please? 01:34:29.540 --> 01:34:31.405 align:middle line:90% It's Muhammad Dar. 01:34:31.405 --> 01:34:34.570 align:middle line:90% 01:34:34.570 --> 01:34:36.580 align:middle line:90% How do you spell the last name? 01:34:36.580 --> 01:34:40.940 align:middle line:84% D-A-R. And the first name is Muhammad. 01:34:40.940 --> 01:34:43.440 align:middle line:90% So they are on a panel-- 01:34:43.440 --> 01:34:46.170 align:middle line:84% they're on a panel that's after the next person, so. 01:34:46.170 --> 01:34:46.670 align:middle line:90% Oh. 01:34:46.670 --> 01:34:47.170 align:middle line:90% Got it. 01:34:47.170 --> 01:34:48.410 align:middle line:90% OK, I thought you were-- 01:34:48.410 --> 01:34:53.570 align:middle line:84% They're on a panel that includes [INAUDIBLE] ACLU [INAUDIBLE] 01:34:53.570 --> 01:34:57.410 align:middle line:84% voters and the Asian-American Resource Workshop. 01:34:57.410 --> 01:34:59.510 align:middle line:84% So they'll be coming after the person who 01:34:59.510 --> 01:35:01.038 align:middle line:90% is testifying next, OK? 01:35:01.038 --> 01:35:01.580 align:middle line:90% That's great. 01:35:01.580 --> 01:35:03.020 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:35:03.020 --> 01:35:06.290 align:middle line:84% So next to testify is the gentleman 01:35:06.290 --> 01:35:08.500 align:middle line:84% from the New Democracy Coalition-- 01:35:08.500 --> 01:35:09.125 align:middle line:90% Kevin Peterson. 01:35:09.125 --> 01:35:26.150 align:middle line:90% 01:35:26.150 --> 01:35:27.773 align:middle line:90% OK. 01:35:27.773 --> 01:35:28.440 align:middle line:90% Can you hear me? 01:35:28.440 --> 01:35:31.910 align:middle line:90% 01:35:31.910 --> 01:35:32.960 align:middle line:90% I cannot hear you. 01:35:32.960 --> 01:35:35.250 align:middle line:90% 01:35:35.250 --> 01:35:35.750 align:middle line:90% Hold on. 01:35:35.750 --> 01:35:36.490 align:middle line:90% Are you there? 01:35:36.490 --> 01:35:37.040 align:middle line:90% I got you. 01:35:37.040 --> 01:35:37.560 align:middle line:90% Yeah. 01:35:37.560 --> 01:35:38.060 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 01:35:38.060 --> 01:35:40.180 align:middle line:90% [INTERPOSING VOICES] 01:35:40.180 --> 01:35:44.830 align:middle line:84% Chairman Michael Moran, chairman William Brownsberger 01:35:44.830 --> 01:35:47.410 align:middle line:84% and members of the joint redistricting committee, 01:35:47.410 --> 01:35:51.340 align:middle line:84% thank you for convening this hearing on this afternoon. 01:35:51.340 --> 01:35:55.120 align:middle line:84% I'm submitting this brief and focused testimony in hope 01:35:55.120 --> 01:35:58.330 align:middle line:84% that I'll have an opportunity to speak at least once 01:35:58.330 --> 01:36:01.510 align:middle line:84% more during this process of bringing greater 01:36:01.510 --> 01:36:05.230 align:middle line:84% democracy to the Commonwealth, especially as democracy 01:36:05.230 --> 01:36:07.900 align:middle line:84% pertains to the plight of historically disenfranchised 01:36:07.900 --> 01:36:11.140 align:middle line:90% groups across the state. 01:36:11.140 --> 01:36:15.970 align:middle line:84% Redistricting is the DNA that propels public life 01:36:15.970 --> 01:36:18.860 align:middle line:84% in our Commonwealth and our nation. 01:36:18.860 --> 01:36:21.550 align:middle line:84% It is ground zero at which where we 01:36:21.550 --> 01:36:25.090 align:middle line:84% build fundamental commitments towards common life 01:36:25.090 --> 01:36:28.280 align:middle line:90% and our common civic ambitions. 01:36:28.280 --> 01:36:31.120 align:middle line:84% [INAUDIBLE] Doctor Kevin C Peterson. 01:36:31.120 --> 01:36:33.100 align:middle line:84% I'm founder of the New Democracy Coalition 01:36:33.100 --> 01:36:36.070 align:middle line:84% and Organization that focuses in the area 01:36:36.070 --> 01:36:40.910 align:middle line:84% of civic literacy, civic policy, and electoral justice. 01:36:40.910 --> 01:36:43.220 align:middle line:84% I've also had the privilege of leading the Mass Black 01:36:43.220 --> 01:36:45.110 align:middle line:84% Empowerment Coalition, which played 01:36:45.110 --> 01:36:48.230 align:middle line:84% a major role in the Massachusetts redistricting 01:36:48.230 --> 01:36:50.790 align:middle line:90% process 10 years ago. 01:36:50.790 --> 01:36:54.710 align:middle line:84% I'd be the first to admit that the process, while not 01:36:54.710 --> 01:36:59.540 align:middle line:84% flawless, allowed us to achieve something extraordinary. 01:36:59.540 --> 01:37:01.980 align:middle line:84% I'm pleased to say that under the leadership of the Mass 01:37:01.980 --> 01:37:05.540 align:middle line:84% Black Empowerment Coalition and the New Democracy Coalition, 01:37:05.540 --> 01:37:09.770 align:middle line:84% we achieved doubling the number of so-called majority minority 01:37:09.770 --> 01:37:11.840 align:middle line:90% seats in the House. 01:37:11.840 --> 01:37:13.580 align:middle line:84% We were also pleased to work closely 01:37:13.580 --> 01:37:17.150 align:middle line:84% with Chairman Moran and former Senator Stan Roosevelt 01:37:17.150 --> 01:37:19.610 align:middle line:84% and key members of the Joint Committee, 01:37:19.610 --> 01:37:22.940 align:middle line:84% including members of the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus 01:37:22.940 --> 01:37:24.750 align:middle line:90% of Massachusetts. 01:37:24.750 --> 01:37:26.450 align:middle line:84% With their help and faithful guidance, 01:37:26.450 --> 01:37:30.320 align:middle line:84% we created the first majority minority congressional seat 01:37:30.320 --> 01:37:33.300 align:middle line:90% in the state, a historic event. 01:37:33.300 --> 01:37:36.030 align:middle line:84% Our coalition has not publicly taken as much credit 01:37:36.030 --> 01:37:37.470 align:middle line:84% as we should have regarding this, 01:37:37.470 --> 01:37:39.990 align:middle line:84% but we were pleased to have engaged 01:37:39.990 --> 01:37:42.660 align:middle line:84% in powerful and fruitful strategic partnerships 01:37:42.660 --> 01:37:47.510 align:middle line:84% and work in coalition with the Joint Redistricting Committee. 01:37:47.510 --> 01:37:52.350 align:middle line:84% I'm proud to say that I possess and cherish the signing pen 01:37:52.350 --> 01:37:54.990 align:middle line:84% that Governor Deval Patrick gave me 01:37:54.990 --> 01:37:58.410 align:middle line:84% at the assigned to historic redistricting legislation 01:37:58.410 --> 01:38:01.740 align:middle line:90% into law a decade ago. 01:38:01.740 --> 01:38:04.590 align:middle line:84% After having achieved all the successes in partnerships 01:38:04.590 --> 01:38:07.770 align:middle line:84% with the Joint Redistricting Committee and other leadership 01:38:07.770 --> 01:38:10.770 align:middle line:84% across the state, I had had no interest 01:38:10.770 --> 01:38:15.480 align:middle line:84% in returning to the redistrict process this cycle. 01:38:15.480 --> 01:38:20.400 align:middle line:84% Yet as I surveyed the work accomplished 10 years ago, 01:38:20.400 --> 01:38:24.900 align:middle line:84% I conclude that more needs to be done. 01:38:24.900 --> 01:38:28.110 align:middle line:84% Chairman, 10 years ago, the New Democracy Coalition, 01:38:28.110 --> 01:38:30.630 align:middle line:84% the Mass Black Empowerment Coalition 01:38:30.630 --> 01:38:33.720 align:middle line:84% specifically urged the Joint Redistricting Committee 01:38:33.720 --> 01:38:37.800 align:middle line:84% to create a district from which an African-American Senate 01:38:37.800 --> 01:38:40.680 align:middle line:84% candidate could be elected in Boston. 01:38:40.680 --> 01:38:43.650 align:middle line:84% While the committee created two African-American influenced 01:38:43.650 --> 01:38:46.830 align:middle line:84% Senate district seats in Boston, the goal 01:38:46.830 --> 01:38:49.470 align:middle line:84% of achieving a district that successfully elected 01:38:49.470 --> 01:38:52.140 align:middle line:84% an African-American has not been achieved 01:38:52.140 --> 01:38:55.890 align:middle line:84% despite growing [? BAP ?] demography that would likely 01:38:55.890 --> 01:38:58.440 align:middle line:90% produce such a reality. 01:38:58.440 --> 01:39:01.110 align:middle line:84% In essence, the districts created 01:39:01.110 --> 01:39:02.520 align:middle line:84% that would have been favorable to 01:39:02.520 --> 01:39:05.490 align:middle line:84% an African-American candidate in the Senate 01:39:05.490 --> 01:39:07.530 align:middle line:90% has not been realized. 01:39:07.530 --> 01:39:12.420 align:middle line:84% As the Senate map currently stands in 2021, 01:39:12.420 --> 01:39:15.180 align:middle line:84% the Black community of Boston is cracked. 01:39:15.180 --> 01:39:16.110 align:middle line:90% It is divided. 01:39:16.110 --> 01:39:16.950 align:middle line:90% It is splintered. 01:39:16.950 --> 01:39:20.460 align:middle line:84% Its electoral strength and cohesion is weakened. 01:39:20.460 --> 01:39:23.640 align:middle line:84% Given this, there are no African-Americans 01:39:23.640 --> 01:39:25.680 align:middle line:90% in the Massachusetts Senate. 01:39:25.680 --> 01:39:27.300 align:middle line:90% This is untenable. 01:39:27.300 --> 01:39:28.630 align:middle line:90% This is unacceptable. 01:39:28.630 --> 01:39:30.720 align:middle line:84% This represents the uncompleted work 01:39:30.720 --> 01:39:34.650 align:middle line:84% that requires our full collective attention. 01:39:34.650 --> 01:39:39.330 align:middle line:84% We must resolve to rectify this electoral imbalance in order 01:39:39.330 --> 01:39:42.960 align:middle line:84% to achieve the good outcomes we seek in the redistricting 01:39:42.960 --> 01:39:46.470 align:middle line:90% process, voting equity for all. 01:39:46.470 --> 01:39:48.630 align:middle line:84% As you know, there are at least three Senate seats 01:39:48.630 --> 01:39:51.360 align:middle line:84% held by non African-Americans where, 01:39:51.360 --> 01:39:54.630 align:middle line:84% indeed, African-Americans can be elected and have 01:39:54.630 --> 01:39:57.090 align:middle line:84% more sway in power in the process of governance 01:39:57.090 --> 01:39:58.710 align:middle line:90% in the Commonwealth. 01:39:58.710 --> 01:40:01.230 align:middle line:84% These current Senate district seats 01:40:01.230 --> 01:40:04.860 align:middle line:84% can be reimagined and reorganized and repurposed 01:40:04.860 --> 01:40:07.830 align:middle line:84% in such ways as to create the following district 01:40:07.830 --> 01:40:09.660 align:middle line:90% seats in Boston-- 01:40:09.660 --> 01:40:13.320 align:middle line:84% one, a singular, strong, and consolidated African-American 01:40:13.320 --> 01:40:14.670 align:middle line:90% Senate district. 01:40:14.670 --> 01:40:19.050 align:middle line:84% Two, two strong majority minority districts 01:40:19.050 --> 01:40:22.320 align:middle line:84% where an African-American, a Latinx, an Asian, 01:40:22.320 --> 01:40:25.770 align:middle line:84% or Cape Verdean person can be elected into the state Senate. 01:40:25.770 --> 01:40:28.830 align:middle line:84% And three, an opportunity to create yet 01:40:28.830 --> 01:40:31.620 align:middle line:84% another strong majority minority Senate 01:40:31.620 --> 01:40:34.110 align:middle line:90% seat in Springfield, Mass. 01:40:34.110 --> 01:40:37.320 align:middle line:84% along with the continuous electoral and ethnic 01:40:37.320 --> 01:40:39.730 align:middle line:90% communities of interest there. 01:40:39.730 --> 01:40:42.150 align:middle line:84% Additionally, we still have work to do regarding 01:40:42.150 --> 01:40:44.220 align:middle line:90% prison-based gerrymandering. 01:40:44.220 --> 01:40:46.530 align:middle line:84% We must end prison-based gerrymandering 01:40:46.530 --> 01:40:49.470 align:middle line:84% so that the incarcerated are counted 01:40:49.470 --> 01:40:52.950 align:middle line:84% as citizens in their home communities and not in jail. 01:40:52.950 --> 01:40:56.610 align:middle line:84% Through prison-based gerrymandering, 01:40:56.610 --> 01:40:59.880 align:middle line:84% communities like Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, 01:40:59.880 --> 01:41:02.880 align:middle line:84% and Boston, and in cities like Springfield-- those communities 01:41:02.880 --> 01:41:08.430 align:middle line:84% are robbed of precious financial resources aided 01:41:08.430 --> 01:41:09.930 align:middle line:90% by the federal government. 01:41:09.930 --> 01:41:12.900 align:middle line:84% As I conclude, members of the Joint Committee, 01:41:12.900 --> 01:41:15.870 align:middle line:84% I proffer that, at the minimum, we 01:41:15.870 --> 01:41:19.470 align:middle line:84% must return an African-American to the Massachusetts Senate 01:41:19.470 --> 01:41:22.770 align:middle line:84% so that specific needs within discrete communities 01:41:22.770 --> 01:41:25.490 align:middle line:84% are met with urgency and knowing. 01:41:25.490 --> 01:41:28.860 align:middle line:84% We must also ensure that the growing democracy of the state 01:41:28.860 --> 01:41:31.140 align:middle line:84% is considered as we craft district 01:41:31.140 --> 01:41:34.630 align:middle line:90% lines during this process. 01:41:34.630 --> 01:41:39.000 align:middle line:84% On some level, in the wake of the George Floyd murder saga, 01:41:39.000 --> 01:41:43.110 align:middle line:84% redistricting Massachusetts must be a kind of racial reckoning. 01:41:43.110 --> 01:41:45.960 align:middle line:84% And this is as much a commitment to our democracy 01:41:45.960 --> 01:41:50.250 align:middle line:84% locally as it is our embrace of the goal of fostering 01:41:50.250 --> 01:41:54.060 align:middle line:84% human flourishing, fairness, and freedom. 01:41:54.060 --> 01:41:57.120 align:middle line:84% With this as the context, the Mass Black Empowerment 01:41:57.120 --> 01:42:00.130 align:middle line:84% Coalition and the New Democracy Coalition 01:42:00.130 --> 01:42:04.030 align:middle line:84% calls for a special redistricting hearing-- 01:42:04.030 --> 01:42:07.120 align:middle line:84% or hearings-- in Boston and Springfield 01:42:07.120 --> 01:42:10.870 align:middle line:84% to specifically engage these concerns. 01:42:10.870 --> 01:42:14.620 align:middle line:84% We ask that these hearings be held in the fall of 2021 01:42:14.620 --> 01:42:16.570 align:middle line:84% so that groups have time to organize 01:42:16.570 --> 01:42:18.760 align:middle line:90% during the course of the summer. 01:42:18.760 --> 01:42:23.020 align:middle line:84% We ask that this hearing be held in person, or perhaps outdoor. 01:42:23.020 --> 01:42:27.040 align:middle line:84% I look forward to a response from you committee members 01:42:27.040 --> 01:42:28.202 align:middle line:90% on this matter. 01:42:28.202 --> 01:42:33.610 align:middle line:84% Please consider these comments as portion of more extensive 01:42:33.610 --> 01:42:35.260 align:middle line:90% remarks to follow. 01:42:35.260 --> 01:42:37.941 align:middle line:84% Thank you kindly for your listening. 01:42:37.941 --> 01:42:41.170 align:middle line:90% 01:42:41.170 --> 01:42:42.970 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Kevin. 01:42:42.970 --> 01:42:43.960 align:middle line:90% Much appreciated. 01:42:43.960 --> 01:42:48.670 align:middle line:84% And it's not lost on me the work that your organization did 01:42:48.670 --> 01:42:51.540 align:middle line:84% 10 years ago, along with many organizations 01:42:51.540 --> 01:42:57.670 align:middle line:84% that I think maybe saw a transparency that maybe they 01:42:57.670 --> 01:42:59.500 align:middle line:84% hadn't seen before in this process. 01:42:59.500 --> 01:43:00.070 align:middle line:90% That's right. 01:43:00.070 --> 01:43:01.630 align:middle line:90% And I'm very proud of-- 01:43:01.630 --> 01:43:04.270 align:middle line:84% when I look at some of the results from that. 01:43:04.270 --> 01:43:07.060 align:middle line:84% You have Ayanna Pressley serving in Congress. 01:43:07.060 --> 01:43:09.880 align:middle line:84% You have a gentleman named Randy [? Wong ?] up in Lowell, 01:43:09.880 --> 01:43:13.060 align:middle line:84% first Southeast Asian to serve in the legislature 01:43:13.060 --> 01:43:14.530 align:middle line:90% anywhere in this country. 01:43:14.530 --> 01:43:15.130 align:middle line:90% That's right. 01:43:15.130 --> 01:43:17.740 align:middle line:84% You have Frank Moran from the Dominican Republic. 01:43:17.740 --> 01:43:21.670 align:middle line:84% So what do they say, progress is incremental? 01:43:21.670 --> 01:43:24.262 align:middle line:84% And it's wise and smart that you should 01:43:24.262 --> 01:43:26.470 align:middle line:84% be involved in this because we did make some strides. 01:43:26.470 --> 01:43:29.050 align:middle line:84% But there are still strides that we need to make. 01:43:29.050 --> 01:43:32.020 align:middle line:84% And I know you have my commitment as a Senator, 01:43:32.020 --> 01:43:36.160 align:middle line:84% Brownsberger as well, to do as best we can in the areas 01:43:36.160 --> 01:43:38.340 align:middle line:90% that you're concerned about. 01:43:38.340 --> 01:43:41.980 align:middle line:84% So I have no additional questions for Kevin. 01:43:41.980 --> 01:43:44.470 align:middle line:84% But if any of my colleagues or members of the committee 01:43:44.470 --> 01:43:49.820 align:middle line:84% have any questions for Kevin, I'd invite them to do so now. 01:43:49.820 --> 01:43:51.890 align:middle line:90% Let me jump in, Mr. Chairman. 01:43:51.890 --> 01:43:53.730 align:middle line:90% Senator Brownsberger. 01:43:53.730 --> 01:43:54.230 align:middle line:90% Hey. 01:43:54.230 --> 01:43:56.250 align:middle line:90% No, I'm glad to hear from you. 01:43:56.250 --> 01:43:59.690 align:middle line:84% I'm glad that you're joining into the process now. 01:43:59.690 --> 01:44:03.500 align:middle line:84% I am very conscious of the issues you're raising. 01:44:03.500 --> 01:44:08.450 align:middle line:84% I'd like to connect with you in a lot more depth 01:44:08.450 --> 01:44:12.200 align:middle line:84% right away because we haven't really engaged before. 01:44:12.200 --> 01:44:17.480 align:middle line:84% And we have been listening to a lot of folks, 01:44:17.480 --> 01:44:19.090 align:middle line:84% but you and I haven't talked yet. 01:44:19.090 --> 01:44:23.440 align:middle line:84% So I want to open that line of communication very directly. 01:44:23.440 --> 01:44:25.360 align:middle line:84% Why don't we make sure that we just do that? 01:44:25.360 --> 01:44:28.040 align:middle line:90% 01:44:28.040 --> 01:44:31.000 align:middle line:84% Do you mind putting your cell phone in the chat or just 01:44:31.000 --> 01:44:33.100 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 01:44:33.100 --> 01:44:34.660 align:middle line:90% I do not mind. 01:44:34.660 --> 01:44:38.040 align:middle line:90% I can do that now. 01:44:38.040 --> 01:44:39.512 align:middle line:90% Are you able to chat? 01:44:39.512 --> 01:44:40.470 align:middle line:90% Does that work for you? 01:44:40.470 --> 01:44:43.320 align:middle line:90% Or is there a Q&A or something? 01:44:43.320 --> 01:44:48.290 align:middle line:84% It is working, so I'm putting my phone number in now. 01:44:48.290 --> 01:44:48.790 align:middle line:90% All right. 01:44:48.790 --> 01:44:51.010 align:middle line:84% And by the way, I put my mind on the web, too. 01:44:51.010 --> 01:44:53.800 align:middle line:90% So I'll just say it. 01:44:53.800 --> 01:44:54.710 align:middle line:90% It's OK. 01:44:54.710 --> 01:44:56.080 align:middle line:90% It's OK. 01:44:56.080 --> 01:44:58.400 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] OK, good. 01:44:58.400 --> 01:44:59.590 align:middle line:90% I got you. 01:44:59.590 --> 01:45:07.360 align:middle line:84% And Senator, I look forward to speaking with you post-haste. 01:45:07.360 --> 01:45:13.090 align:middle line:84% We did raise this issue around a clear majority minority Senate 01:45:13.090 --> 01:45:14.530 align:middle line:90% district 10 years ago. 01:45:14.530 --> 01:45:17.590 align:middle line:84% And unfortunately, it did not happen. 01:45:17.590 --> 01:45:21.310 align:middle line:84% We settled for the African-American influence 01:45:21.310 --> 01:45:23.770 align:middle line:90% seats that currently exist. 01:45:23.770 --> 01:45:29.530 align:middle line:84% It has not materialized an African-American Senator. 01:45:29.530 --> 01:45:34.240 align:middle line:84% As you may know, we elected the first African-American Senator 01:45:34.240 --> 01:45:38.320 align:middle line:84% in the Commonwealth over three decades ago with Bill Owens. 01:45:38.320 --> 01:45:41.170 align:middle line:84% And [? Royal ?] Boland followed, and then Senator Dianne 01:45:41.170 --> 01:45:42.040 align:middle line:90% Wilkerson. 01:45:42.040 --> 01:45:48.610 align:middle line:84% The community now feels an absence of that representation 01:45:48.610 --> 01:45:49.930 align:middle line:90% on Beacon Hill. 01:45:49.930 --> 01:45:53.200 align:middle line:84% And so we would like for the redistricting-- 01:45:53.200 --> 01:45:56.440 align:middle line:84% the seat to be reconsolidated, reimagined 01:45:56.440 --> 01:46:01.330 align:middle line:84% so that those purposes are achieved. 01:46:01.330 --> 01:46:08.920 align:middle line:84% We are so grateful of the work that was done 10 years ago. 01:46:08.920 --> 01:46:13.870 align:middle line:84% We're proud of the progressive mindedness of the redistricting 01:46:13.870 --> 01:46:19.300 align:middle line:84% committee then and now, and look forward to addressing these 01:46:19.300 --> 01:46:24.200 align:middle line:84% dire issues that will reflect in-- it is our hope-- 01:46:24.200 --> 01:46:27.550 align:middle line:84% the creation of these new Senate seats, but also 01:46:27.550 --> 01:46:30.730 align:middle line:84% our interest in re-addressing the issue 01:46:30.730 --> 01:46:32.530 align:middle line:90% of prison-based gerrymandering. 01:46:32.530 --> 01:46:40.180 align:middle line:84% It is not clear to us that this issue has been finalized. 01:46:40.180 --> 01:46:44.530 align:middle line:84% Unfortunately, so many young men and women from communities 01:46:44.530 --> 01:46:48.040 align:middle line:84% of color, poor communities, the inner city urban communities 01:46:48.040 --> 01:46:50.660 align:middle line:84% are forced to go to spend time in jail. 01:46:50.660 --> 01:46:52.390 align:middle line:90% That's unfortunate. 01:46:52.390 --> 01:46:55.630 align:middle line:84% That unfortunate situation is compounded 01:46:55.630 --> 01:46:59.620 align:middle line:84% when those individuals are counted 01:46:59.620 --> 01:47:04.870 align:middle line:84% as citizens in communities in which they do not really live. 01:47:04.870 --> 01:47:08.530 align:middle line:84% If they are arrested and convicted from Roxbury, 01:47:08.530 --> 01:47:12.430 align:middle line:84% say, they are counted perhaps in Arlington or Abbington 01:47:12.430 --> 01:47:16.510 align:middle line:84% or wherever that jail or place of correction is. 01:47:16.510 --> 01:47:22.220 align:middle line:84% That needs to be corrected so that apportionment is achieved. 01:47:22.220 --> 01:47:25.000 align:middle line:84% So I know we made some appeal to the census 01:47:25.000 --> 01:47:26.140 align:middle line:90% around this the last time. 01:47:26.140 --> 01:47:31.180 align:middle line:84% I would like to follow up using the voice of the Joint 01:47:31.180 --> 01:47:33.790 align:middle line:90% Committee to rectify this issue. 01:47:33.790 --> 01:47:37.330 align:middle line:84% Also, I look forward to the engaging with you soon, 01:47:37.330 --> 01:47:40.850 align:middle line:84% Senator, and members of the Joint Committee. 01:47:40.850 --> 01:47:43.090 align:middle line:90% We're going to do that. 01:47:43.090 --> 01:47:43.630 align:middle line:90% OK. 01:47:43.630 --> 01:47:46.870 align:middle line:84% Thank you, [? KP, ?] for your testimony. 01:47:46.870 --> 01:47:49.990 align:middle line:84% Looks like we have two panels left. 01:47:49.990 --> 01:47:51.580 align:middle line:90% And I made a mistake. 01:47:51.580 --> 01:47:53.960 align:middle line:90% And I apologize to Muhammad Dar. 01:47:53.960 --> 01:47:55.690 align:middle line:84% I said that that panel will be next, 01:47:55.690 --> 01:47:58.450 align:middle line:84% but my staff told me that the Quincy panel was next. 01:47:58.450 --> 01:48:02.590 align:middle line:84% So if you could just sit tight, there's only two panels left. 01:48:02.590 --> 01:48:07.690 align:middle line:84% So we got Mary Lou, Philip Chong, and David [? Zhu. ?] 01:48:07.690 --> 01:48:10.990 align:middle line:84% Mary is from the Asian Community Development Corporation 01:48:10.990 --> 01:48:11.920 align:middle line:90% in Quincy. 01:48:11.920 --> 01:48:15.820 align:middle line:84% And looks like Phillip is from the Quincy Asian Resources 01:48:15.820 --> 01:48:18.520 align:middle line:90% Incorporated, also of Quincy. 01:48:18.520 --> 01:48:20.500 align:middle line:90% So are they on the line? 01:48:20.500 --> 01:48:22.490 align:middle line:84% Can we get them to testify in order? 01:48:22.490 --> 01:48:24.280 align:middle line:84% We'll have Mary-- sorry, not Mary. 01:48:24.280 --> 01:48:25.720 align:middle line:90% May first. 01:48:25.720 --> 01:48:27.390 align:middle line:90% May? 01:48:27.390 --> 01:48:29.320 align:middle line:90% You're correct. 01:48:29.320 --> 01:48:33.910 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] to the mic. 01:48:33.910 --> 01:48:34.810 align:middle line:90% Yeah. 01:48:34.810 --> 01:48:36.240 align:middle line:90% Love your swing. 01:48:36.240 --> 01:48:39.660 align:middle line:84% Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you. 01:48:39.660 --> 01:48:48.180 align:middle line:84% So we just installed this in our organizations property 01:48:48.180 --> 01:48:50.340 align:middle line:90% in [INAUDIBLE]. 01:48:50.340 --> 01:48:53.050 align:middle line:84% But [INAUDIBLE] temporary for 18 months. 01:48:53.050 --> 01:48:58.020 align:middle line:84% So we were [INAUDIBLE] we want to see the park. 01:48:58.020 --> 01:49:00.920 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] we did it. 01:49:00.920 --> 01:49:02.040 align:middle line:90% So happy. 01:49:02.040 --> 01:49:03.840 align:middle line:90% My name is May Liu. 01:49:03.840 --> 01:49:06.725 align:middle line:84% I'm the [? person ?] and engagement coordinator in Asian 01:49:06.725 --> 01:49:08.100 align:middle line:84% [? community ?] [? development ?] 01:49:08.100 --> 01:49:12.130 align:middle line:84% [? corporation. ?] And also I'm the [INAUDIBLE] as well. 01:49:12.130 --> 01:49:14.460 align:middle line:90% So I live in Quincy. 01:49:14.460 --> 01:49:17.880 align:middle line:84% [INAUDIBLE] metro in Boston to help 01:49:17.880 --> 01:49:21.990 align:middle line:84% people with language barriers to apply [? when ?] 01:49:21.990 --> 01:49:23.780 align:middle line:90% assistance in Quincy. 01:49:23.780 --> 01:49:27.990 align:middle line:84% So you can see the demographic is very different right now-- 01:49:27.990 --> 01:49:31.590 align:middle line:90% so many Asian Chinese move in. 01:49:31.590 --> 01:49:33.930 align:middle line:84% So they speak Mandarin and Cantonese. 01:49:33.930 --> 01:49:38.765 align:middle line:84% And actually, [INAUDIBLE] they don't know much about English. 01:49:38.765 --> 01:49:40.950 align:middle line:90% And so they need really help. 01:49:40.950 --> 01:49:43.470 align:middle line:84% And I help them to apply for the rental assistance. 01:49:43.470 --> 01:49:48.240 align:middle line:84% And most of them actually come from Quincy. 01:49:48.240 --> 01:49:51.590 align:middle line:84% So my jobs are helping to [INAUDIBLE] greater Boston 01:49:51.590 --> 01:49:52.090 align:middle line:90% area. 01:49:52.090 --> 01:49:55.510 align:middle line:84% But my clients most have come from Quincy. 01:49:55.510 --> 01:49:59.190 align:middle line:84% And the pandemic has affected their lives. 01:49:59.190 --> 01:50:02.130 align:middle line:84% [INAUDIBLE] and also most of them-- they lost jobs. 01:50:02.130 --> 01:50:04.920 align:middle line:84% Their life have become more difficult and challenging. 01:50:04.920 --> 01:50:11.790 align:middle line:84% And also, my organization work with Quincy Asian-- 01:50:11.790 --> 01:50:18.270 align:middle line:84% I don't know [INAUDIBLE] engagement for the past five 01:50:18.270 --> 01:50:18.810 align:middle line:90% years. 01:50:18.810 --> 01:50:24.360 align:middle line:84% And also, we did a voter registration drive. 01:50:24.360 --> 01:50:29.190 align:middle line:84% We're holding voter education workshop. 01:50:29.190 --> 01:50:33.420 align:middle line:84% But actually, the people didn't know who they can vote for. 01:50:33.420 --> 01:50:39.510 align:middle line:84% So we [INAUDIBLE] created this forum candidates [INAUDIBLE].. 01:50:39.510 --> 01:50:44.970 align:middle line:84% And then after the [INAUDIBLE] who they can vote for. 01:50:44.970 --> 01:50:51.330 align:middle line:84% And I think [INAUDIBLE] in our [INAUDIBLE] is very important. 01:50:51.330 --> 01:50:55.620 align:middle line:84% We need [INAUDIBLE] that we [INAUDIBLE] 01:50:55.620 --> 01:50:58.480 align:middle line:84% help our community to understand their needs. 01:50:58.480 --> 01:51:03.420 align:middle line:84% Especially during the pandemic, most [INAUDIBLE] a lot. 01:51:03.420 --> 01:51:06.450 align:middle line:84% And then most of them [INAUDIBLE] 01:51:06.450 --> 01:51:08.400 align:middle line:90% on their unemployment benefits. 01:51:08.400 --> 01:51:11.850 align:middle line:84% But actually, there [INAUDIBLE] not that much [? money. ?] 01:51:11.850 --> 01:51:15.120 align:middle line:84% Some people [INAUDIBLE] under 200 a week. 01:51:15.120 --> 01:51:17.640 align:middle line:84% Yeah, so right now, it's very hard for them 01:51:17.640 --> 01:51:19.920 align:middle line:84% to go for the jobs because outside, the economy 01:51:19.920 --> 01:51:20.880 align:middle line:90% is not that good. 01:51:20.880 --> 01:51:25.230 align:middle line:84% And also they shouldn't [? just ?] stay home, 01:51:25.230 --> 01:51:29.190 align:middle line:84% have online [? class ?] car so they have to stay home, 01:51:29.190 --> 01:51:31.260 align:middle line:84% and they can't go to work that much. 01:51:31.260 --> 01:51:37.260 align:middle line:84% So I hope [INAUDIBLE] understand our situation. 01:51:37.260 --> 01:51:46.000 align:middle line:84% And then we try to use this opportunity that we [INAUDIBLE] 01:51:46.000 --> 01:51:52.290 align:middle line:84% to [INAUDIBLE] can be heard and also can understand more 01:51:52.290 --> 01:51:53.790 align:middle line:84% about our [? communities ?] and then 01:51:53.790 --> 01:51:58.350 align:middle line:90% can really do something for us. 01:51:58.350 --> 01:51:59.070 align:middle line:90% Thank you, May. 01:51:59.070 --> 01:52:00.570 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much. 01:52:00.570 --> 01:52:04.768 align:middle line:84% Again, I'm going to ask every member of this panel to speak. 01:52:04.768 --> 01:52:07.060 align:middle line:84% And then at the end, we'll have comments and questions. 01:52:07.060 --> 01:52:10.200 align:middle line:84% So if Philip Chong-- if you could go next, Philip. 01:52:10.200 --> 01:52:13.950 align:middle line:84% [INAUDIBLE] redistricting hearing, so. 01:52:13.950 --> 01:52:15.243 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Chair. 01:52:15.243 --> 01:52:17.160 align:middle line:84% I'm just going to leave that there and pretend 01:52:17.160 --> 01:52:19.276 align:middle line:90% I'm still in the hearing. 01:52:19.276 --> 01:52:19.995 align:middle line:90% Hey, Tricia! 01:52:19.995 --> 01:52:24.316 align:middle line:90% 01:52:24.316 --> 01:52:26.310 align:middle line:90% Go ahead, Philip. 01:52:26.310 --> 01:52:27.390 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Chair. 01:52:27.390 --> 01:52:28.710 align:middle line:90% I think that was-- 01:52:28.710 --> 01:52:29.850 align:middle line:90% I'm good. 01:52:29.850 --> 01:52:32.880 align:middle line:84% Thank you to all the Congressmen, Senators, 01:52:32.880 --> 01:52:34.290 align:middle line:90% Vice Chair, Committee. 01:52:34.290 --> 01:52:35.970 align:middle line:84% My name is Philip Chong, President CEO 01:52:35.970 --> 01:52:37.980 align:middle line:90% of Quincy Asian Resources. 01:52:37.980 --> 01:52:42.020 align:middle line:84% We call ourselves the acronym, QARI. 01:52:42.020 --> 01:52:43.470 align:middle line:90% A little background about QARI. 01:52:43.470 --> 01:52:45.570 align:middle line:84% QARI's work has been providing work 01:52:45.570 --> 01:52:49.170 align:middle line:84% around immigrant social services to the Asian community 01:52:49.170 --> 01:52:51.450 align:middle line:84% in Quincy and [INAUDIBLE] South Shore area 01:52:51.450 --> 01:52:53.260 align:middle line:90% for the last 20 years. 01:52:53.260 --> 01:52:56.340 align:middle line:84% With over 30% of the Asian population in Quincy, 01:52:56.340 --> 01:52:58.590 align:middle line:84% our mission's dedicated to providing 01:52:58.590 --> 01:53:02.820 align:middle line:84% services and programs that are culturally and linguistically 01:53:02.820 --> 01:53:03.780 align:middle line:90% competent. 01:53:03.780 --> 01:53:06.390 align:middle line:84% We build trust with our clients with an open door 01:53:06.390 --> 01:53:11.290 align:middle line:84% policy which they can come to us with any questions and help. 01:53:11.290 --> 01:53:13.800 align:middle line:84% And many newcomers to the city will first 01:53:13.800 --> 01:53:17.880 align:middle line:84% come to us for support such as their children's school 01:53:17.880 --> 01:53:22.320 align:middle line:84% registration, finding doctors, public housing applications, 01:53:22.320 --> 01:53:24.960 align:middle line:90% elder services, or finding jobs. 01:53:24.960 --> 01:53:26.940 align:middle line:84% Like many of us, they came to this country 01:53:26.940 --> 01:53:28.920 align:middle line:90% to pursue the American dream. 01:53:28.920 --> 01:53:32.440 align:middle line:84% They are hard-working and care about their family, 01:53:32.440 --> 01:53:36.630 align:middle line:84% their children, and their children's education. 01:53:36.630 --> 01:53:39.810 align:middle line:84% I'm immigrant and Asian-American myself-- 01:53:39.810 --> 01:53:40.990 align:middle line:90% Chinese-American. 01:53:40.990 --> 01:53:43.950 align:middle line:84% I came to this country when I was 16 years old. 01:53:43.950 --> 01:53:45.250 align:middle line:90% I'm 45 years old. 01:53:45.250 --> 01:53:47.760 align:middle line:90% So I've been in this country-- 01:53:47.760 --> 01:53:50.370 align:middle line:84% oh, challenge me on the math right now-- 01:53:50.370 --> 01:53:53.460 align:middle line:90% 01:53:53.460 --> 01:53:55.660 align:middle line:90% almost 30 years. 01:53:55.660 --> 01:53:59.040 align:middle line:84% I grew up in Hong Kong before the handover. 01:53:59.040 --> 01:54:06.360 align:middle line:84% So I'm bilingual in Chinese, Cantonese, and [INAUDIBLE].. 01:54:06.360 --> 01:54:07.800 align:middle line:84% When I first came to this country, 01:54:07.800 --> 01:54:12.570 align:middle line:84% I landed in Boston and Boston and different towns-- 01:54:12.570 --> 01:54:16.980 align:middle line:84% Brookline and Quincy and the South Shore area. 01:54:16.980 --> 01:54:22.110 align:middle line:84% But speaking of other languages, about 30 years ago, 01:54:22.110 --> 01:54:25.860 align:middle line:84% when I came here, the dominant speaking language, 01:54:25.860 --> 01:54:28.620 align:middle line:90% the dialect was Cantonese. 01:54:28.620 --> 01:54:31.870 align:middle line:84% But as we have seen for the last 20 years, 01:54:31.870 --> 01:54:33.960 align:middle line:90% we've seen the change. 01:54:33.960 --> 01:54:38.790 align:middle line:84% The dominant language for the dialect especially 01:54:38.790 --> 01:54:42.720 align:middle line:84% in Quincy and South Shore area is Mandarin. 01:54:42.720 --> 01:54:46.320 align:middle line:84% Most of our clients that we serve, from youth services, 01:54:46.320 --> 01:54:50.940 align:middle line:84% from elder services, family and community support, workforce, 01:54:50.940 --> 01:54:55.020 align:middle line:90% adult education, a lot of them-- 01:54:55.020 --> 01:54:58.290 align:middle line:84% for Asian, and then a lot of the majority are Chinese. 01:54:58.290 --> 01:55:03.780 align:middle line:84% And many of them-- mostly, they speak Mandarin. 01:55:03.780 --> 01:55:08.880 align:middle line:84% And as previous testimony was speaking, we know that-- 01:55:08.880 --> 01:55:10.080 align:middle line:90% we seen the migration. 01:55:10.080 --> 01:55:12.550 align:middle line:84% We see a change in terms of the population. 01:55:12.550 --> 01:55:15.510 align:middle line:84% And one of the reasons that-- the driving 01:55:15.510 --> 01:55:17.880 align:middle line:84% force for the increase of the population, 01:55:17.880 --> 01:55:21.150 align:middle line:84% especially the Asian community outside Boston, 01:55:21.150 --> 01:55:25.290 align:middle line:84% is definitely unaffordable in terms 01:55:25.290 --> 01:55:27.180 align:middle line:90% of pricing of the housing. 01:55:27.180 --> 01:55:32.790 align:middle line:84% But at the same time, many of our community of our clients-- 01:55:32.790 --> 01:55:35.580 align:middle line:84% they're looking for pursuing the American dream, have 01:55:35.580 --> 01:55:39.820 align:middle line:84% their own single housing, pursuing for the education. 01:55:39.820 --> 01:55:41.760 align:middle line:90% So we've seen that migration. 01:55:41.760 --> 01:55:45.540 align:middle line:84% And Quincy definitely is a very ideal location. 01:55:45.540 --> 01:55:49.650 align:middle line:84% And we have seen that growing for the last 30 years. 01:55:49.650 --> 01:55:52.500 align:middle line:84% And then for the last 20 years, it's tremendous growth 01:55:52.500 --> 01:55:55.470 align:middle line:84% and then have drawn to Quincy become 01:55:55.470 --> 01:56:00.030 align:middle line:84% the largest Asian population per capita in Massachusetts. 01:56:00.030 --> 01:56:02.010 align:middle line:84% Besides Quincy, we also serve Braintree. 01:56:02.010 --> 01:56:03.930 align:middle line:90% We also serve Weymouth. 01:56:03.930 --> 01:56:06.090 align:middle line:84% And I would say that for the last 10 years, 01:56:06.090 --> 01:56:08.670 align:middle line:84% from the data perspective, Quincy also 01:56:08.670 --> 01:56:12.210 align:middle line:84% become quite unaffordable for lots of newcomers, especially 01:56:12.210 --> 01:56:13.740 align:middle line:90% working-class immigrants. 01:56:13.740 --> 01:56:17.940 align:middle line:84% And many of them looking outward of Braintree, Weymouth. 01:56:17.940 --> 01:56:21.180 align:middle line:84% And then another town that we serve is Randolph. 01:56:21.180 --> 01:56:26.400 align:middle line:84% Randolph right now have close to 50% of the Asian population. 01:56:26.400 --> 01:56:29.400 align:middle line:84% And in Randolph, we partner with the town and also 01:56:29.400 --> 01:56:31.350 align:middle line:90% the Randolph public school. 01:56:31.350 --> 01:56:34.680 align:middle line:84% We serve the youth programs, adult education in English 01:56:34.680 --> 01:56:36.930 align:middle line:84% and citizenship, workforce, [INAUDIBLE] 01:56:36.930 --> 01:56:40.870 align:middle line:90% security, and elder services. 01:56:40.870 --> 01:56:45.450 align:middle line:84% One thing that I will ask the Chair and the panel 01:56:45.450 --> 01:56:49.350 align:middle line:84% to really consider the unity of the representation 01:56:49.350 --> 01:56:52.050 align:middle line:90% of our legislators. 01:56:52.050 --> 01:56:53.700 align:middle line:84% We have been working very closely 01:56:53.700 --> 01:56:58.080 align:middle line:84% with the legislators with Senator Keenan, Congressman 01:56:58.080 --> 01:56:58.890 align:middle line:90% Lynch. 01:56:58.890 --> 01:57:01.050 align:middle line:84% They've been very supportive and approachable. 01:57:01.050 --> 01:57:04.230 align:middle line:84% And they always there to hear our feedback. 01:57:04.230 --> 01:57:06.480 align:middle line:90% And they listen to us. 01:57:06.480 --> 01:57:08.590 align:middle line:90% They understand the pain points. 01:57:08.590 --> 01:57:10.860 align:middle line:84% And we see that the importance of the unity 01:57:10.860 --> 01:57:14.730 align:middle line:84% of the representation from the Senate and Congress level. 01:57:14.730 --> 01:57:17.760 align:middle line:90% And what I want to-- 01:57:17.760 --> 01:57:20.340 align:middle line:84% what I want to say is the importance 01:57:20.340 --> 01:57:23.490 align:middle line:84% of the diversity of the community what 01:57:23.490 --> 01:57:25.530 align:middle line:84% we were presenting-- at the same time 01:57:25.530 --> 01:57:28.397 align:middle line:84% the support from the legislator from the government side. 01:57:28.397 --> 01:57:29.730 align:middle line:90% Thank you so much for having me. 01:57:29.730 --> 01:57:30.855 align:middle line:90% Appreciate your time today. 01:57:30.855 --> 01:57:34.060 align:middle line:90% 01:57:34.060 --> 01:57:34.890 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Philip. 01:57:34.890 --> 01:57:37.500 align:middle line:90% I appreciate your time. 01:57:37.500 --> 01:57:40.050 align:middle line:84% Next, and the last person on this panel, 01:57:40.050 --> 01:57:44.440 align:middle line:90% is David [? Zhu ?] from Quincy. 01:57:44.440 --> 01:57:44.940 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:57:44.940 --> 01:57:45.440 align:middle line:90% Hi. 01:57:45.440 --> 01:57:46.110 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:57:46.110 --> 01:57:48.490 align:middle line:90% And good afternoon, everyone. 01:57:48.490 --> 01:57:51.520 align:middle line:84% My name is David [? Zhu. ?] I'm from Quincy. 01:57:51.520 --> 01:57:54.410 align:middle line:84% I'm also the board member of Quincy Asian Resource 01:57:54.410 --> 01:57:55.440 align:middle line:90% with Philip Chong. 01:57:55.440 --> 01:58:00.100 align:middle line:84% And he just briefly introduced our organization. 01:58:00.100 --> 01:58:03.210 align:middle line:84% So I'll just give you some background based 01:58:03.210 --> 01:58:05.730 align:middle line:90% on my experience about Quincy. 01:58:05.730 --> 01:58:08.040 align:middle line:84% So I'm the first generation immigrant. 01:58:08.040 --> 01:58:10.800 align:middle line:90% I settle in Quincy in 1983. 01:58:10.800 --> 01:58:14.670 align:middle line:84% And during that time, in 1983, Quincy probably 01:58:14.670 --> 01:58:19.470 align:middle line:84% around 300 Asian-Americans living in Quincy. 01:58:19.470 --> 01:58:22.230 align:middle line:90% So today, Quincy has over 30%-- 01:58:22.230 --> 01:58:26.520 align:middle line:84% over 30,000 Asian-- living in Quincy. 01:58:26.520 --> 01:58:32.670 align:middle line:84% And doing the 1980 and '90, and primarily speaking 01:58:32.670 --> 01:58:35.190 align:middle line:84% of the Chinese in Quincy are Cantonese. 01:58:35.190 --> 01:58:38.560 align:middle line:84% And we're now 20 years, and it's been changed. 01:58:38.560 --> 01:58:43.860 align:middle line:84% So we are now primarily language speaking among Asian community 01:58:43.860 --> 01:58:45.660 align:middle line:90% is Mandarin. 01:58:45.660 --> 01:58:50.790 align:middle line:84% And also, [INAUDIBLE] first immigrant move into Quincy 01:58:50.790 --> 01:58:52.620 align:middle line:90% because the location. 01:58:52.620 --> 01:58:55.020 align:middle line:84% Quincy is very convenient [? in ?] BTA. 01:58:55.020 --> 01:58:59.040 align:middle line:84% And Quincy have many organizations provide service 01:58:59.040 --> 01:59:01.020 align:middle line:90% to the new immigrants. 01:59:01.020 --> 01:59:03.510 align:middle line:84% But after people living in Quincy for a few years, 01:59:03.510 --> 01:59:06.300 align:middle line:84% after they settle down, they are [? spending ?] moving out 01:59:06.300 --> 01:59:07.000 align:middle line:90% of Quincy. 01:59:07.000 --> 01:59:10.260 align:middle line:84% And they go to Braintree, Weymouth, Randolph. 01:59:10.260 --> 01:59:13.440 align:middle line:84% So over the last 10 years, we can see another changing. 01:59:13.440 --> 01:59:15.690 align:middle line:84% In Braintree, Weymouth, and Randolph, 01:59:15.690 --> 01:59:18.550 align:middle line:84% the Asian population [INAUDIBLE] increase. 01:59:18.550 --> 01:59:21.990 align:middle line:84% As Philip mentioned earlier, it go to 10%, 01:59:21.990 --> 01:59:26.490 align:middle line:84% 15% [INAUDIBLE] surrounding Quincy-- 01:59:26.490 --> 01:59:32.340 align:middle line:84% the towns-- because people want to get away from city. 01:59:32.340 --> 01:59:33.840 align:middle line:84% And they want to away from the city. 01:59:33.840 --> 01:59:37.630 align:middle line:84% And also, the housing is more affordable. 01:59:37.630 --> 01:59:39.420 align:middle line:90% So Quincy is a very unique area. 01:59:39.420 --> 01:59:42.460 align:middle line:90% And it's very diverse. 01:59:42.460 --> 01:59:48.150 align:middle line:84% And so I want to thank you for providing opportunity for us 01:59:48.150 --> 01:59:49.650 align:middle line:90% here to testify. 01:59:49.650 --> 01:59:54.070 align:middle line:90% And we hope that you can-- 01:59:54.070 --> 01:59:56.260 align:middle line:84% the Asian population in Quincy is growing. 01:59:56.260 --> 02:00:00.460 align:middle line:84% And hopefully, people can listen for our needs 02:00:00.460 --> 02:00:02.780 align:middle line:90% for these communities. 02:00:02.780 --> 02:00:05.150 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 02:00:05.150 --> 02:00:06.090 align:middle line:90% Thank you, David. 02:00:06.090 --> 02:00:07.820 align:middle line:90% I appreciate your testimony. 02:00:07.820 --> 02:00:12.650 align:middle line:84% Your delegation from the House, Representative Hunt, 02:00:12.650 --> 02:00:15.937 align:middle line:84% Representative [INAUDIBLE],, Representative Jackie Chan, 02:00:15.937 --> 02:00:18.395 align:middle line:84% and let's not forget the Speaker of the House, Ron Mariana, 02:00:18.395 --> 02:00:19.310 align:middle line:90% are from Quincy. 02:00:19.310 --> 02:00:22.280 align:middle line:84% So I feel like you've got good representation 02:00:22.280 --> 02:00:24.230 align:middle line:90% from the House in Quincy. 02:00:24.230 --> 02:00:28.970 align:middle line:84% But we are very interested to look, at least on the House 02:00:28.970 --> 02:00:32.390 align:middle line:84% side, on the growth in the Asian population, 02:00:32.390 --> 02:00:35.930 align:middle line:84% not just in Quincy but other places. 02:00:35.930 --> 02:00:40.100 align:middle line:84% There seems to be some interesting stuff going on 02:00:40.100 --> 02:00:42.530 align:middle line:90% with that specific population. 02:00:42.530 --> 02:00:44.870 align:middle line:84% And it's something that we're going 02:00:44.870 --> 02:00:48.920 align:middle line:84% to take a serious look at in House districts. 02:00:48.920 --> 02:00:55.340 align:middle line:84% And where we can bring that voice out and make it larger, 02:00:55.340 --> 02:01:01.820 align:middle line:84% we intend to, and make sure that you have your right 02:01:01.820 --> 02:01:02.660 align:middle line:90% to have a voice. 02:01:02.660 --> 02:01:04.535 align:middle line:84% And that's essentially what it comes down to. 02:01:04.535 --> 02:01:08.420 align:middle line:84% So I have no questions, just that comment. 02:01:08.420 --> 02:01:10.340 align:middle line:84% I would ask my colleagues on the committee 02:01:10.340 --> 02:01:13.260 align:middle line:84% if they have any questions for this panel? 02:01:13.260 --> 02:01:15.380 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 02:01:15.380 --> 02:01:17.540 align:middle line:90% Representative Hunt. 02:01:17.540 --> 02:01:18.860 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 02:01:18.860 --> 02:01:24.740 align:middle line:84% I just want to say, as someone that represents parts of Quincy 02:01:24.740 --> 02:01:27.930 align:middle line:84% and the Field Corner in our community, 02:01:27.930 --> 02:01:32.900 align:middle line:84% I am extremely proud of the Asian-American community. 02:01:32.900 --> 02:01:35.240 align:middle line:84% There are a lot of Vietnamese population 02:01:35.240 --> 02:01:37.500 align:middle line:84% and Chinese [INAUDIBLE] population in Fields Corner, 02:01:37.500 --> 02:01:40.370 align:middle line:84% and especially Chinese in Quincy. 02:01:40.370 --> 02:01:43.820 align:middle line:84% And I see that Senator Nick Collins has joined us. 02:01:43.820 --> 02:01:48.020 align:middle line:84% And we worked together to create the Little Saigon business 02:01:48.020 --> 02:01:49.190 align:middle line:90% district in Fields Corner. 02:01:49.190 --> 02:01:51.110 align:middle line:90% That was a great success. 02:01:51.110 --> 02:01:55.550 align:middle line:84% But as you said, Mr. Chairman, I know that the entire delegation 02:01:55.550 --> 02:01:58.730 align:middle line:84% embraces and supports fully the Asian-American community 02:01:58.730 --> 02:02:03.620 align:middle line:84% and our proud of the culture that they bring to our city 02:02:03.620 --> 02:02:05.150 align:middle line:90% to enrich it so much. 02:02:05.150 --> 02:02:06.148 align:middle line:90% So thank you. 02:02:06.148 --> 02:02:07.440 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Representative Hunt. 02:02:07.440 --> 02:02:11.860 align:middle line:84% Any other members of the committee have any questions? 02:02:11.860 --> 02:02:12.360 align:middle line:90% OK. 02:02:12.360 --> 02:02:15.280 align:middle line:84% I want to thank this panel for their testimony. 02:02:15.280 --> 02:02:18.780 align:middle line:84% And Dan Hunt just noticed, and I did as well, 02:02:18.780 --> 02:02:21.330 align:middle line:84% that Senator Collins has joined us. 02:02:21.330 --> 02:02:23.580 align:middle line:84% I don't know if Senator Collins would like to testify. 02:02:23.580 --> 02:02:25.150 align:middle line:90% Senator Collins? 02:02:25.150 --> 02:02:26.510 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 02:02:26.510 --> 02:02:29.214 align:middle line:90% Yes, thank you, Chairman Moran. 02:02:29.214 --> 02:02:30.210 align:middle line:90% Welcome. 02:02:30.210 --> 02:02:31.290 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 02:02:31.290 --> 02:02:33.960 align:middle line:84% And Chair Brownsberger, I want to echo 02:02:33.960 --> 02:02:38.310 align:middle line:84% the comments of my colleague, Rep Hunt, who spoke before. 02:02:38.310 --> 02:02:40.470 align:middle line:84% And as you said, Mr. Chairman, to other colleagues 02:02:40.470 --> 02:02:44.640 align:middle line:84% in the House, we'll proudly represent the Asian community 02:02:44.640 --> 02:02:46.020 align:middle line:90% throughout Massachusetts. 02:02:46.020 --> 02:02:48.360 align:middle line:84% And our Congressman Stephen Lynch, who I think 02:02:48.360 --> 02:02:52.800 align:middle line:84% is getting somewhere around 70% in the districts who I think-- 02:02:52.800 --> 02:02:55.860 align:middle line:84% he's representing us well and the diversity 02:02:55.860 --> 02:02:58.490 align:middle line:90% of the district in Washington. 02:02:58.490 --> 02:03:01.530 align:middle line:84% He mentioned earlier, I feel like you probably [INAUDIBLE] 02:03:01.530 --> 02:03:04.440 align:middle line:84% town council and representative and State 02:03:04.440 --> 02:03:07.260 align:middle line:84% Senator can say that they have a good working 02:03:07.260 --> 02:03:08.880 align:middle line:84% relationship with-- he and his office 02:03:08.880 --> 02:03:11.220 align:middle line:84% is very hands on in helping us try 02:03:11.220 --> 02:03:15.000 align:middle line:84% to solve local issues with his support and vice versa, 02:03:15.000 --> 02:03:18.030 align:middle line:84% educating him on issues that are coming from the grassroots up. 02:03:18.030 --> 02:03:22.320 align:middle line:84% And this community did great work 02:03:22.320 --> 02:03:26.070 align:middle line:84% 10 years ago under your leadership, Chairman Moran. 02:03:26.070 --> 02:03:29.910 align:middle line:84% And we know we've given you our best in the Senate 02:03:29.910 --> 02:03:31.920 align:middle line:84% and feel like this is a great opportunity 02:03:31.920 --> 02:03:36.060 align:middle line:90% to have a discussion. 02:03:36.060 --> 02:03:38.100 align:middle line:84% And it's also exciting, given the work 02:03:38.100 --> 02:03:40.620 align:middle line:84% that most of the members of this committee 02:03:40.620 --> 02:03:43.040 align:middle line:84% did with a lot of the people who have testified today 02:03:43.040 --> 02:03:45.180 align:middle line:90% on our efforts for the census. 02:03:45.180 --> 02:03:49.137 align:middle line:84% So while we're debating some challenging issues 02:03:49.137 --> 02:03:50.970 align:middle line:84% and dynamics, I think it's through a hopeful 02:03:50.970 --> 02:03:52.680 align:middle line:84% lens and a positive lens that we've grown 02:03:52.680 --> 02:03:55.560 align:middle line:84% and we've protected our seats in Congress. 02:03:55.560 --> 02:03:57.480 align:middle line:84% And I have seen growth in certain areas, 02:03:57.480 --> 02:03:59.147 align:middle line:84% particularly in the immigrant community. 02:03:59.147 --> 02:04:02.110 align:middle line:84% So that means good things for our state and our economy. 02:04:02.110 --> 02:04:04.080 align:middle line:84% So thanks letting me join you today. 02:04:04.080 --> 02:04:05.430 align:middle line:90% And keep up the great work. 02:04:05.430 --> 02:04:08.230 align:middle line:84% And looking forward to future discussions. 02:04:08.230 --> 02:04:11.790 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Senator Collins, very much for your testimony. 02:04:11.790 --> 02:04:16.680 align:middle line:84% I think now we are going to move to our last panel. 02:04:16.680 --> 02:04:22.440 align:middle line:84% On it is Elizabeth Foster Nolan, Rahsaan Hall, Muhammad Dar, 02:04:22.440 --> 02:04:24.630 align:middle line:90% and Carolyn Chow. 02:04:24.630 --> 02:04:28.680 align:middle line:84% That would be the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts. 02:04:28.680 --> 02:04:31.890 align:middle line:84% Rahsaan is with the ACLU of Massachusetts. 02:04:31.890 --> 02:04:34.320 align:middle line:84% Muhammad Dar is with Jamaica Plain Progressives. 02:04:34.320 --> 02:04:37.770 align:middle line:84% And Carolyn Chow is with the Asian-American Resource 02:04:37.770 --> 02:04:38.500 align:middle line:90% Workshop. 02:04:38.500 --> 02:04:40.620 align:middle line:90% So that will be the next panel. 02:04:40.620 --> 02:04:43.050 align:middle line:84% We welcome you to join us for your testimony. 02:04:43.050 --> 02:04:49.190 align:middle line:90% 02:04:49.190 --> 02:04:49.690 align:middle line:90% Hello. 02:04:49.690 --> 02:04:50.840 align:middle line:90% Can you hear me? 02:04:50.840 --> 02:04:51.940 align:middle line:90% Yes, we can. 02:04:51.940 --> 02:04:53.640 align:middle line:90% Great. 02:04:53.640 --> 02:04:55.210 align:middle line:84% My name is Elizabeth Foster Nolan. 02:04:55.210 --> 02:04:56.890 align:middle line:84% And I am actually today testifying 02:04:56.890 --> 02:04:58.780 align:middle line:90% as a resident of Weymouth. 02:04:58.780 --> 02:05:00.830 align:middle line:84% I've lived in Weymouth for over 20 years, 02:05:00.830 --> 02:05:04.000 align:middle line:84% but I am a member at large of the League of Women Voters. 02:05:04.000 --> 02:05:07.570 align:middle line:84% I would like to thank the Joint Committee and Senator 02:05:07.570 --> 02:05:11.860 align:middle line:84% Brownsberger and Representative Moran for holding this hearing 02:05:11.860 --> 02:05:16.210 align:middle line:84% and for their commitment to engaging the communities 02:05:16.210 --> 02:05:21.040 align:middle line:84% in this process, which I know is a difficult process and not 02:05:21.040 --> 02:05:22.340 align:middle line:90% easy. 02:05:22.340 --> 02:05:26.320 align:middle line:84% But it is wonderful to see the transparency 02:05:26.320 --> 02:05:29.710 align:middle line:84% and the thoughtfulness that is going into this. 02:05:29.710 --> 02:05:35.350 align:middle line:84% I was involved in our town's 2020 census. 02:05:35.350 --> 02:05:40.240 align:middle line:84% And what it brought to light for me, working in the town, 02:05:40.240 --> 02:05:44.260 align:middle line:84% was how the town has changed over the last 10 years 02:05:44.260 --> 02:05:48.730 align:middle line:84% in terms of our population and in terms of specifically 02:05:48.730 --> 02:05:53.260 align:middle line:84% the various populations that I was actually 02:05:53.260 --> 02:05:55.990 align:middle line:84% surprised in terms of our top three 02:05:55.990 --> 02:05:59.620 align:middle line:84% populations for our schools and what languages we needed 02:05:59.620 --> 02:06:02.890 align:middle line:84% to use to get the census out there 02:06:02.890 --> 02:06:07.090 align:middle line:84% and to get the communities involved 02:06:07.090 --> 02:06:09.400 align:middle line:84% in Weymouth to make sure we could get a good count 02:06:09.400 --> 02:06:10.840 align:middle line:90% in Weymouth. 02:06:10.840 --> 02:06:13.480 align:middle line:84% And the three languages that we ended up 02:06:13.480 --> 02:06:16.660 align:middle line:84% identifying through our schools were Arabic, Portuguese, 02:06:16.660 --> 02:06:18.700 align:middle line:90% and Spanish. 02:06:18.700 --> 02:06:21.460 align:middle line:84% And we provided all of our census information 02:06:21.460 --> 02:06:23.720 align:middle line:90% in three languages. 02:06:23.720 --> 02:06:28.810 align:middle line:84% And I think it's very important for this 8th Congressional 02:06:28.810 --> 02:06:34.600 align:middle line:84% District that the communities of interest are kept together. 02:06:34.600 --> 02:06:39.310 align:middle line:84% And I think Quincy and Weymouth, as has been discussed earlier-- 02:06:39.310 --> 02:06:41.170 align:middle line:84% they do have some commonalities with people 02:06:41.170 --> 02:06:44.380 align:middle line:84% moving from the Quincy area into Weymouth. 02:06:44.380 --> 02:06:48.880 align:middle line:84% So I think making sure that those areas are kept together 02:06:48.880 --> 02:06:50.110 align:middle line:90% in terms of the district-- 02:06:50.110 --> 02:06:54.880 align:middle line:84% I think Quincy and Weymouth have worked well together in terms 02:06:54.880 --> 02:06:59.020 align:middle line:90% of working on issues here. 02:06:59.020 --> 02:07:02.590 align:middle line:84% And I think it's a strong relationship between those two 02:07:02.590 --> 02:07:03.940 align:middle line:90% towns. 02:07:03.940 --> 02:07:09.320 align:middle line:84% And I would encourage keeping those two towns together. 02:07:09.320 --> 02:07:11.470 align:middle line:84% And I also just want to emphasize 02:07:11.470 --> 02:07:13.750 align:middle line:84% that I want to make sure there's continued 02:07:13.750 --> 02:07:16.330 align:middle line:90% outreach in other languages. 02:07:16.330 --> 02:07:18.340 align:middle line:84% And I know you are planning other hearings 02:07:18.340 --> 02:07:19.690 align:middle line:90% in other languages. 02:07:19.690 --> 02:07:24.520 align:middle line:84% And I just would like to encourage that advertisement, 02:07:24.520 --> 02:07:26.920 align:middle line:84% the outreach to the communities so 02:07:26.920 --> 02:07:29.410 align:middle line:84% that you can hear from the communities of interest 02:07:29.410 --> 02:07:33.550 align:middle line:84% in their native languages and have translation available. 02:07:33.550 --> 02:07:34.850 align:middle line:90% I think that is key. 02:07:34.850 --> 02:07:36.910 align:middle line:90% I commend you for doing that. 02:07:36.910 --> 02:07:40.030 align:middle line:84% And I just would like to make sure 02:07:40.030 --> 02:07:42.760 align:middle line:84% that we continue to have communities of interest 02:07:42.760 --> 02:07:45.940 align:middle line:84% together so that we can have fair and equitable 02:07:45.940 --> 02:07:49.360 align:middle line:84% representation in the congressional district, which 02:07:49.360 --> 02:07:51.310 align:middle line:84% obviously then rolls out as you are 02:07:51.310 --> 02:07:58.690 align:middle line:84% looking at the state Rep and the state Senate for Massachusetts. 02:07:58.690 --> 02:08:00.610 align:middle line:84% And we have been fortunate in Weymouth 02:08:00.610 --> 02:08:03.520 align:middle line:90% to have great representation. 02:08:03.520 --> 02:08:07.450 align:middle line:84% We are split a bit between Representative Murphy 02:08:07.450 --> 02:08:09.820 align:middle line:90% and Representative Mariano. 02:08:09.820 --> 02:08:13.180 align:middle line:84% But both of them still are very good for the town of Weymouth. 02:08:13.180 --> 02:08:16.180 align:middle line:84% And Senator O'Connor-- his district. 02:08:16.180 --> 02:08:22.647 align:middle line:84% He has been excellent, as has Congressman Lynch working 02:08:22.647 --> 02:08:23.230 align:middle line:90% with Weymouth. 02:08:23.230 --> 02:08:25.480 align:middle line:84% And again, he has worked well with Weymouth and Quincy 02:08:25.480 --> 02:08:28.090 align:middle line:90% on some local issues. 02:08:28.090 --> 02:08:31.420 align:middle line:84% Not surprisingly, we're connected, unfortunately, 02:08:31.420 --> 02:08:32.560 align:middle line:90% by the compressor station. 02:08:32.560 --> 02:08:36.850 align:middle line:84% But it has shown a good working relationship 02:08:36.850 --> 02:08:38.200 align:middle line:90% between the two towns. 02:08:38.200 --> 02:08:40.600 align:middle line:84% So I thank you for the transparency 02:08:40.600 --> 02:08:45.790 align:middle line:84% that you are providing to people and appreciate the opportunity 02:08:45.790 --> 02:08:47.950 align:middle line:90% to testify today. 02:08:47.950 --> 02:08:49.480 align:middle line:84% And thank all the committee members 02:08:49.480 --> 02:08:53.680 align:middle line:84% and wish you well in your endeavor, 02:08:53.680 --> 02:08:56.230 align:middle line:84% as it is not an enviable position to be in. 02:08:56.230 --> 02:08:58.030 align:middle line:84% But I do appreciate that you are really 02:08:58.030 --> 02:09:00.460 align:middle line:84% looking at this very closely and trying 02:09:00.460 --> 02:09:03.670 align:middle line:84% to do the best for the citizens of Massachusetts. 02:09:03.670 --> 02:09:04.180 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 02:09:04.180 --> 02:09:05.410 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Elizabeth. 02:09:05.410 --> 02:09:07.210 align:middle line:84% And you touched on it, but we are 02:09:07.210 --> 02:09:09.490 align:middle line:84% committed to some way of figuring out 02:09:09.490 --> 02:09:16.840 align:middle line:84% how to accommodate as many language issues 02:09:16.840 --> 02:09:19.580 align:middle line:84% as we possibly can in the best way we can. 02:09:19.580 --> 02:09:21.073 align:middle line:90% So we're working through that. 02:09:21.073 --> 02:09:22.990 align:middle line:84% And you guys are helping us work through that. 02:09:22.990 --> 02:09:25.060 align:middle line:90% And we appreciate that, so. 02:09:25.060 --> 02:09:28.420 align:middle line:84% Next would be Rahsaan Hall from the ACLU. 02:09:28.420 --> 02:09:30.340 align:middle line:90% Rahsaan? 02:09:30.340 --> 02:09:35.290 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Chair Moran and Chair Brownsberger and to the members 02:09:35.290 --> 02:09:37.990 align:middle line:84% of this committee, for holding this hearing 02:09:37.990 --> 02:09:40.210 align:middle line:84% and for all the work that you have done up 02:09:40.210 --> 02:09:43.750 align:middle line:84% to this point and the work that you will continue to do. 02:09:43.750 --> 02:09:44.830 align:middle line:90% My name's Rahsaan Hall. 02:09:44.830 --> 02:09:46.900 align:middle line:84% I am the Director of the Racial Justice Program 02:09:46.900 --> 02:09:49.150 align:middle line:90% for the ACLU of Massachusetts. 02:09:49.150 --> 02:09:53.410 align:middle line:84% And I'm also a proud Brockton resident. 02:09:53.410 --> 02:09:55.570 align:middle line:84% The ACLU, as I'm sure you all know, 02:09:55.570 --> 02:09:57.880 align:middle line:84% is a member of the Drawing Democracy coalition. 02:09:57.880 --> 02:10:01.960 align:middle line:84% And the emphasis of the coalition 02:10:01.960 --> 02:10:04.930 align:middle line:84% is to increase political power in communities of color 02:10:04.930 --> 02:10:06.310 align:middle line:90% and low income communities. 02:10:06.310 --> 02:10:11.500 align:middle line:84% And to that end, the concern with congressional district 02:10:11.500 --> 02:10:18.370 align:middle line:84% eight in that it houses Brockton, which is a majority 02:10:18.370 --> 02:10:21.580 align:middle line:84% minority city, has the distinction of being 02:10:21.580 --> 02:10:24.220 align:middle line:84% the blackest city in the Commonwealth, 02:10:24.220 --> 02:10:27.520 align:middle line:84% followed closely only by Randolph. 02:10:27.520 --> 02:10:30.940 align:middle line:84% And when we begin to talk about communities of interest, 02:10:30.940 --> 02:10:34.390 align:middle line:84% I'm reminded of a Boston Globe article 02:10:34.390 --> 02:10:40.630 align:middle line:84% that I saw last year that talked about the correlation 02:10:40.630 --> 02:10:43.360 align:middle line:84% or the connection that these two municipalities had. 02:10:43.360 --> 02:10:47.170 align:middle line:84% And unfortunately, it was the high rates of COVID infection. 02:10:47.170 --> 02:10:49.750 align:middle line:84% And what it explored and what is known 02:10:49.750 --> 02:10:53.530 align:middle line:84% by a lot of people in part is because that there 02:10:53.530 --> 02:10:57.520 align:middle line:84% are pockets in enclaves in both of these cities 02:10:57.520 --> 02:11:01.660 align:middle line:84% that have significant concentrations of people who 02:11:01.660 --> 02:11:04.540 align:middle line:84% are low income but also people who 02:11:04.540 --> 02:11:08.020 align:middle line:84% are service workers, people who are working in the health 02:11:08.020 --> 02:11:09.100 align:middle line:90% industry. 02:11:09.100 --> 02:11:14.220 align:middle line:84% And those connections there are significant. 02:11:14.220 --> 02:11:17.020 align:middle line:84% They're significant across racial lines. 02:11:17.020 --> 02:11:22.450 align:middle line:84% They are also significant across ethnic lines. 02:11:22.450 --> 02:11:26.470 align:middle line:84% There is a strong and vibrant Haitian community 02:11:26.470 --> 02:11:29.290 align:middle line:84% here in Brockton, as you've heard some people testify to, 02:11:29.290 --> 02:11:32.170 align:middle line:90% as well as Randolph-- 02:11:32.170 --> 02:11:34.600 align:middle line:84% a growing Asian-American community 02:11:34.600 --> 02:11:38.350 align:middle line:84% here in Brockton and a significantly larger one 02:11:38.350 --> 02:11:39.160 align:middle line:90% in Randolph. 02:11:39.160 --> 02:11:43.420 align:middle line:84% And another thing that these municipalities have in common-- 02:11:43.420 --> 02:11:47.110 align:middle line:84% and this is interesting for me because 10 years ago, 02:11:47.110 --> 02:11:49.870 align:middle line:84% when I was a part of the Drawing Democracy coalition 02:11:49.870 --> 02:11:52.120 align:middle line:84% but working at the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights, 02:11:52.120 --> 02:11:57.130 align:middle line:84% I remember Former Chairman Rosenberg asked me about a map 02:11:57.130 --> 02:11:59.110 align:middle line:84% and whether or not Brockton should be included 02:11:59.110 --> 02:12:02.170 align:middle line:84% in the congressional district seven map 02:12:02.170 --> 02:12:03.940 align:middle line:90% and what the connections were. 02:12:03.940 --> 02:12:07.360 align:middle line:90% And I testify against that. 02:12:07.360 --> 02:12:10.310 align:middle line:84% Things have changed in those 10 years. 02:12:10.310 --> 02:12:12.340 align:middle line:84% And there are a significant number 02:12:12.340 --> 02:12:15.700 align:middle line:84% of people who are living in Brockton and Randolph 02:12:15.700 --> 02:12:20.350 align:middle line:84% and Stoughton and Avon and Holbrook who 02:12:20.350 --> 02:12:23.320 align:middle line:84% have been priced out of the city of Boston 02:12:23.320 --> 02:12:26.320 align:middle line:84% but have those ties to not only Boston 02:12:26.320 --> 02:12:29.420 align:middle line:84% but within those municipalities as well. 02:12:29.420 --> 02:12:33.790 align:middle line:84% And so not that you could make congressional district 02:12:33.790 --> 02:12:36.010 align:middle line:84% eight a majority minority district 02:12:36.010 --> 02:12:38.920 align:middle line:84% as it is currently comprised, but I 02:12:38.920 --> 02:12:41.680 align:middle line:84% think there is a unique opportunity with some 02:12:41.680 --> 02:12:44.710 align:middle line:84% of the parts of congressional district seven that 02:12:44.710 --> 02:12:48.250 align:middle line:84% have significant concentrations of people of color 02:12:48.250 --> 02:12:50.620 align:middle line:84% to create a [INAUDIBLE] district where 02:12:50.620 --> 02:12:52.240 align:middle line:84% Brockton and Randolph, that share many 02:12:52.240 --> 02:12:55.150 align:middle line:84% of these similarities, would be able to have 02:12:55.150 --> 02:12:58.390 align:middle line:84% representation and elect a candidate of choice 02:12:58.390 --> 02:13:01.225 align:middle line:84% for these two majority minority cities 02:13:01.225 --> 02:13:03.100 align:middle line:84% that are surrounded by some other cities that 02:13:03.100 --> 02:13:05.450 align:middle line:90% have growing Black population. 02:13:05.450 --> 02:13:08.860 align:middle line:84% So I thank you for, again, the work up 02:13:08.860 --> 02:13:11.080 align:middle line:84% to this point and the continuing work. 02:13:11.080 --> 02:13:13.840 align:middle line:84% And look forward to continuing to engage and take 02:13:13.840 --> 02:13:16.450 align:middle line:84% the deeper dives into some of these issues. 02:13:16.450 --> 02:13:19.330 align:middle line:84% And as a passing shot, I'll just say, 02:13:19.330 --> 02:13:22.273 align:middle line:84% even though I'm not primarily concerned about it right now, 02:13:22.273 --> 02:13:24.940 align:middle line:84% I do think that there's a unique opportunity in the State Senate 02:13:24.940 --> 02:13:27.880 align:middle line:84% district as well to connect Brockton and Randolph. 02:13:27.880 --> 02:13:30.650 align:middle line:90% 02:13:30.650 --> 02:13:31.610 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Rahsaan. 02:13:31.610 --> 02:13:33.980 align:middle line:90% I appreciate your testimony. 02:13:33.980 --> 02:13:35.525 align:middle line:90% Next up is Muhammad Dar. 02:13:35.525 --> 02:13:38.140 align:middle line:90% 02:13:38.140 --> 02:13:39.650 align:middle line:90% Hello, everyone. 02:13:39.650 --> 02:13:43.150 align:middle line:84% I want to say a big thank you to the Redistricting Committee 02:13:43.150 --> 02:13:45.970 align:middle line:84% Chair, Senator Brownsberger, and Representative Moran, 02:13:45.970 --> 02:13:48.670 align:middle line:84% and all the other members of this committee for holding 02:13:48.670 --> 02:13:50.560 align:middle line:84% this hearing, listening to our voices, 02:13:50.560 --> 02:13:52.700 align:middle line:84% and allowing us this space today. 02:13:52.700 --> 02:13:54.160 align:middle line:90% My name is Muhammad Dar. 02:13:54.160 --> 02:13:56.230 align:middle line:84% I'm a physician living in Jamaica Plain. 02:13:56.230 --> 02:13:59.170 align:middle line:84% I serve our veterans throughout the three sites of the Boston 02:13:59.170 --> 02:14:01.000 align:middle line:90% VA system in CDA-- 02:14:01.000 --> 02:14:04.060 align:middle line:84% in Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury, and Brockton. 02:14:04.060 --> 02:14:07.630 align:middle line:84% I also do work on health policy at One Ashburton nearby 02:14:07.630 --> 02:14:08.680 align:middle line:90% to your offices. 02:14:08.680 --> 02:14:12.190 align:middle line:84% And across this pandemic, I've been up and down the state, 02:14:12.190 --> 02:14:16.540 align:middle line:84% whether working on response at West Roxbury VA, the Holyoke 02:14:16.540 --> 02:14:19.780 align:middle line:84% Soldiers' Home, or working on increasing vaccination 02:14:19.780 --> 02:14:21.400 align:middle line:90% rates across the state. 02:14:21.400 --> 02:14:24.490 align:middle line:84% And I've seen how the pandemic has affected the communities 02:14:24.490 --> 02:14:26.800 align:middle line:90% within CDA and others. 02:14:26.800 --> 02:14:29.320 align:middle line:84% You heard from my colleagues in the Jamaica Plain group 02:14:29.320 --> 02:14:32.410 align:middle line:84% about how the strong community there exists. 02:14:32.410 --> 02:14:34.900 align:middle line:84% And more so, with how diverse it is, 02:14:34.900 --> 02:14:38.440 align:middle line:84% they still have a strong commonality that run within it. 02:14:38.440 --> 02:14:42.100 align:middle line:84% You also heard from them about the diaspora of communities, 02:14:42.100 --> 02:14:45.370 align:middle line:84% of how, as others are priced out of communities like Jamaica 02:14:45.370 --> 02:14:47.710 align:middle line:84% Plain, they expand into communities 02:14:47.710 --> 02:14:51.520 align:middle line:84% like West Roxbury, Roslindale, Hyde Park, Randolph, 02:14:51.520 --> 02:14:53.140 align:middle line:90% and Brockton. 02:14:53.140 --> 02:14:55.660 align:middle line:84% Though there is that movement going on, and much of it 02:14:55.660 --> 02:14:58.690 align:middle line:84% has happened in the last 10 years, threads of connection 02:14:58.690 --> 02:14:59.602 align:middle line:90% remain strong. 02:14:59.602 --> 02:15:01.060 align:middle line:84% And I want to talk to you about how 02:15:01.060 --> 02:15:04.750 align:middle line:84% so many of those communities are tied together in health. 02:15:04.750 --> 02:15:08.050 align:middle line:84% It is no secret that health care has consolidated here 02:15:08.050 --> 02:15:10.750 align:middle line:84% in Boston and in Massachusetts itself. 02:15:10.750 --> 02:15:13.490 align:middle line:84% More community hospitals and sites have closed. 02:15:13.490 --> 02:15:15.010 align:middle line:84% And what remains has been laid out 02:15:15.010 --> 02:15:18.280 align:middle line:84% in patterns that reflect socioeconomic biases 02:15:18.280 --> 02:15:20.140 align:middle line:90% in the market. 02:15:20.140 --> 02:15:23.090 align:middle line:84% New centers go up in affluent neighborhoods-- 02:15:23.090 --> 02:15:25.900 align:middle line:84% concierge centers, new urgent care centers. 02:15:25.900 --> 02:15:28.300 align:middle line:84% But meanwhile, it's the community health centers 02:15:28.300 --> 02:15:30.700 align:middle line:84% that hold together the needs of those communities that 02:15:30.700 --> 02:15:31.960 align:middle line:90% would be otherwise ignored. 02:15:31.960 --> 02:15:34.000 align:middle line:84% And these health centers represent-- 02:15:34.000 --> 02:15:35.320 align:middle line:90% and moreover serve-- 02:15:35.320 --> 02:15:37.090 align:middle line:90% communities of interest. 02:15:37.090 --> 02:15:40.450 align:middle line:84% For the current CDA populations in Milton, Jamaica Plain, 02:15:40.450 --> 02:15:42.430 align:middle line:84% and others, those needs are served 02:15:42.430 --> 02:15:45.220 align:middle line:84% by centers like Brookside Community Health Center, Martha 02:15:45.220 --> 02:15:47.530 align:middle line:84% Elliot Health Center, Southern Jamaica Plain Health 02:15:47.530 --> 02:15:49.030 align:middle line:90% Center, and others. 02:15:49.030 --> 02:15:51.520 align:middle line:84% These sites are full of mission-driven providers who 02:15:51.520 --> 02:15:54.820 align:middle line:84% seek to serve their communities, address disparities, and do so 02:15:54.820 --> 02:15:56.200 align:middle line:90% with love. 02:15:56.200 --> 02:16:00.340 align:middle line:84% And yet two of the three centers I just spoke to you of 02:16:00.340 --> 02:16:03.250 align:middle line:84% are but a few blocks outside of the district, 02:16:03.250 --> 02:16:05.860 align:middle line:84% despite the incredible anchors that they provide 02:16:05.860 --> 02:16:07.750 align:middle line:84% to the communities within the district 02:16:07.750 --> 02:16:10.270 align:middle line:90% and just abutting it as well. 02:16:10.270 --> 02:16:12.370 align:middle line:84% This demonstrates a bifurcation that 02:16:12.370 --> 02:16:16.330 align:middle line:84% exists not only in my community of Jamaica Plain but in others. 02:16:16.330 --> 02:16:19.000 align:middle line:84% JP is incredibly diverse, and yet it's 02:16:19.000 --> 02:16:20.680 align:middle line:90% united in its advocacy. 02:16:20.680 --> 02:16:23.230 align:middle line:84% And yet, as you heard from the group, 02:16:23.230 --> 02:16:25.270 align:middle line:84% it is currently split in half across two 02:16:25.270 --> 02:16:26.770 align:middle line:90% congressional districts. 02:16:26.770 --> 02:16:29.470 align:middle line:84% And yet the community that spreads from us 02:16:29.470 --> 02:16:33.412 align:middle line:84% and outward to West Roxbury in one direction is in CDA, 02:16:33.412 --> 02:16:35.620 align:middle line:84% and [INAUDIBLE] other stretching in another direction 02:16:35.620 --> 02:16:38.980 align:middle line:84% towards Hyde Park or Randolph are [INAUDIBLE] CD7. 02:16:38.980 --> 02:16:41.709 align:middle line:84% Brockton is thankfully united, but further split 02:16:41.709 --> 02:16:44.410 align:middle line:90% from the towns just north of it. 02:16:44.410 --> 02:16:47.260 align:middle line:84% Very well understand the reasoning 10 years ago 02:16:47.260 --> 02:16:50.719 align:middle line:84% to create the districts in the way they are. 02:16:50.719 --> 02:16:53.980 align:middle line:84% But we do think changes happened in the next 10 years. 02:16:53.980 --> 02:16:56.879 align:middle line:84% And we are asking that these cut outs 02:16:56.879 --> 02:16:58.840 align:middle line:84% separate communities who advocate 02:16:58.840 --> 02:17:00.670 align:middle line:90% together, organize together. 02:17:00.670 --> 02:17:04.180 align:middle line:84% In this pandemic, do food banks together, vaccination drives, 02:17:04.180 --> 02:17:06.910 align:middle line:84% parades and artistry events, communities 02:17:06.910 --> 02:17:10.120 align:middle line:84% that seek culturally informed health care together. 02:17:10.120 --> 02:17:15.250 align:middle line:84% To give a real salient example of how these issues intersect, 02:17:15.250 --> 02:17:18.129 align:middle line:84% some of how you know how nearly two decades ago the federal 02:17:18.129 --> 02:17:21.400 align:middle line:84% government sought to potentially close some of the three Boston 02:17:21.400 --> 02:17:24.790 align:middle line:84% VA sites in the mid-2000s, those same sites that I care 02:17:24.790 --> 02:17:25.870 align:middle line:90% for patients today-- 02:17:25.870 --> 02:17:28.570 align:middle line:84% Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury, and Brockton, 02:17:28.570 --> 02:17:31.809 align:middle line:84% which is classified as part of the Boston VA network. 02:17:31.809 --> 02:17:34.030 align:middle line:84% Now, these three sites are distinct. 02:17:34.030 --> 02:17:36.490 align:middle line:84% And they don't overlap in services. 02:17:36.490 --> 02:17:39.639 align:middle line:84% You may go see your doc in clinic 02:17:39.639 --> 02:17:41.049 align:middle line:90% at any of the three sites. 02:17:41.049 --> 02:17:43.870 align:middle line:84% But one specifically provides mental and long term health 02:17:43.870 --> 02:17:46.450 align:middle line:90% care and urgent care 24/7. 02:17:46.450 --> 02:17:48.559 align:middle line:84% Another is a clinical specialty site. 02:17:48.559 --> 02:17:50.680 align:middle line:84% Another one is the core hospital. 02:17:50.680 --> 02:17:52.090 align:middle line:90% But they are one network. 02:17:52.090 --> 02:17:54.340 align:middle line:84% They take care of that entire region. 02:17:54.340 --> 02:17:56.709 align:middle line:84% And because they were in a unified district, 02:17:56.709 --> 02:18:00.010 align:middle line:84% they had a unified defense to keep the sites open 02:18:00.010 --> 02:18:03.969 align:middle line:84% and keep all of those services here in Massachusetts. 02:18:03.969 --> 02:18:05.889 align:middle line:84% Today, they take care of our veterans 02:18:05.889 --> 02:18:09.340 align:middle line:84% as distinct sites with distinct functions working together 02:18:09.340 --> 02:18:11.080 align:middle line:90% as a unified network. 02:18:11.080 --> 02:18:13.930 align:middle line:84% And so these towns and communities I've spoken to-- 02:18:13.930 --> 02:18:17.889 align:middle line:84% all of Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury, Randolph, Milton, 02:18:17.889 --> 02:18:21.580 align:middle line:84% Hyde Park, all of Brockton-- and the communities around 02:18:21.580 --> 02:18:22.660 align:middle line:90% Brookside Health Center-- 02:18:22.660 --> 02:18:25.299 align:middle line:84% Martha Elliot, Southern Jamaica Plain Health Center-- 02:18:25.299 --> 02:18:27.020 align:middle line:90% they deserve to be together. 02:18:27.020 --> 02:18:28.270 align:middle line:90% They speak one voice. 02:18:28.270 --> 02:18:31.870 align:middle line:84% And when we split that voice, it loses its dignity. 02:18:31.870 --> 02:18:33.837 align:middle line:84% And these communities deserve that. 02:18:33.837 --> 02:18:35.170 align:middle line:90% Thank you so much for your time. 02:18:35.170 --> 02:18:39.240 align:middle line:90% 02:18:39.240 --> 02:18:41.020 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Muhammad. 02:18:41.020 --> 02:18:46.309 align:middle line:84% Before I introduce Carol Chow, there is one more panel 02:18:46.309 --> 02:18:48.139 align:middle line:84% before we get to individual testimony. 02:18:48.139 --> 02:18:50.125 align:middle line:84% And that's the Brockton interfaith community. 02:18:50.125 --> 02:18:51.500 align:middle line:84% So if you're out there listening, 02:18:51.500 --> 02:18:54.450 align:middle line:84% you will be called after this panel was done. 02:18:54.450 --> 02:19:00.139 align:middle line:84% Last on this panel is Carolyn Chow from the Asian-American 02:19:00.139 --> 02:19:01.100 align:middle line:90% Research Workshop. 02:19:01.100 --> 02:19:02.780 align:middle line:90% Carolyn? 02:19:02.780 --> 02:19:04.309 align:middle line:90% Thank you so much. 02:19:04.309 --> 02:19:06.530 align:middle line:84% And thank you all for having this event 02:19:06.530 --> 02:19:09.440 align:middle line:90% and for allowing us to testify. 02:19:09.440 --> 02:19:14.270 align:middle line:84% I am calling from Dorchester, from Representative Hunt's 02:19:14.270 --> 02:19:17.420 align:middle line:90% and Senator Collins' districts. 02:19:17.420 --> 02:19:24.059 align:middle line:84% And I wanted to just build on what has been shares 02:19:24.059 --> 02:19:27.299 align:middle line:84% thus far by Rahsaan and other folks from Quincy 02:19:27.299 --> 02:19:31.150 align:middle line:84% and share also what we're seeing in the Vietnamese community. 02:19:31.150 --> 02:19:33.030 align:middle line:84% So the Asian-American Research Workshop-- 02:19:33.030 --> 02:19:35.879 align:middle line:84% we're a pan-Asian community organizing group 02:19:35.879 --> 02:19:39.690 align:middle line:84% focused on issues of housing, deportation, immigration 02:19:39.690 --> 02:19:41.700 align:middle line:90% reform, and criminalization. 02:19:41.700 --> 02:19:45.450 align:middle line:84% And we see a diverse group of Asian-American communities. 02:19:45.450 --> 02:19:47.760 align:middle line:84% But we particularly have been doing 02:19:47.760 --> 02:19:51.090 align:middle line:84% work in the Vietnamese community here in Fields Corner 02:19:51.090 --> 02:19:52.890 align:middle line:90% and across the area. 02:19:52.890 --> 02:19:57.720 align:middle line:84% And through our COVID response work and so much else, 02:19:57.720 --> 02:20:02.040 align:middle line:84% we're really seeing the spread as gentrification impacts 02:20:02.040 --> 02:20:05.160 align:middle line:84% Dorchester, impacts precincts like mine, 02:20:05.160 --> 02:20:09.990 align:middle line:84% [? 16-6, ?] that folks are moving out of the city and out 02:20:09.990 --> 02:20:10.680 align:middle line:90% of Dorchester. 02:20:10.680 --> 02:20:14.640 align:middle line:84% And folks are moving to Quincy and to Randolph. 02:20:14.640 --> 02:20:17.880 align:middle line:84% And I think as Dorchester folks, we 02:20:17.880 --> 02:20:20.730 align:middle line:84% know we love living in such a diverse neighborhood. 02:20:20.730 --> 02:20:24.300 align:middle line:84% And we see Brockton as well, as Rahsaan was talking about, 02:20:24.300 --> 02:20:28.200 align:middle line:84% as a hub of many other immigrant communities, and more and more 02:20:28.200 --> 02:20:30.130 align:middle line:90% Vietnamese immigrants as well. 02:20:30.130 --> 02:20:33.630 align:middle line:84% And so I don't have a lot more to add that folks haven't said, 02:20:33.630 --> 02:20:38.220 align:middle line:84% but I think that there is a real possibility in CD8 to bring 02:20:38.220 --> 02:20:40.350 align:middle line:84% some of these immigrant communities 02:20:40.350 --> 02:20:42.780 align:middle line:84% and communities of color together 02:20:42.780 --> 02:20:45.420 align:middle line:84% and for us to make sure language access 02:20:45.420 --> 02:20:50.340 align:middle line:84% and accessibility are at the forefront of the conversation, 02:20:50.340 --> 02:20:56.070 align:middle line:84% and I think also to explore the line in Dorchester 02:20:56.070 --> 02:20:58.870 align:middle line:84% and see how the numbers are looking. 02:20:58.870 --> 02:21:03.990 align:middle line:84% But when we do food delivery to 125 families, 02:21:03.990 --> 02:21:05.940 align:middle line:90% maybe 75 are in Dorchester. 02:21:05.940 --> 02:21:07.890 align:middle line:84% But almost all of the other ones are 02:21:07.890 --> 02:21:12.120 align:middle line:84% in Quincy, Braintree, Weymouth, Randolph, and Brockton. 02:21:12.120 --> 02:21:14.730 align:middle line:84% And so I think that's just important to note 02:21:14.730 --> 02:21:17.593 align:middle line:84% as we move forward and to share what we're seeing 02:21:17.593 --> 02:21:18.760 align:middle line:90% in the Vietnamese community. 02:21:18.760 --> 02:21:19.635 align:middle line:90% So thank you so much. 02:21:19.635 --> 02:21:22.460 align:middle line:84% And I won't take any more of your time. 02:21:22.460 --> 02:21:23.960 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Carolyn. 02:21:23.960 --> 02:21:25.020 align:middle line:90% Much appreciated. 02:21:25.020 --> 02:21:27.350 align:middle line:84% I heard the many issues that this panel touched on, 02:21:27.350 --> 02:21:31.430 align:middle line:84% from communities of interest to language issues 02:21:31.430 --> 02:21:35.580 align:middle line:84% to the Asian community in particular. 02:21:35.580 --> 02:21:36.860 align:middle line:90% So all those have been heard. 02:21:36.860 --> 02:21:40.220 align:middle line:84% And I can assure you we're going to be considering all of those 02:21:40.220 --> 02:21:41.953 align:middle line:90% as we move forward. 02:21:41.953 --> 02:21:43.370 align:middle line:84% I have no questions for the panel, 02:21:43.370 --> 02:21:46.321 align:middle line:84% but let me open it up to my co-chair 02:21:46.321 --> 02:21:48.654 align:middle line:84% and members of the committee if they have any questions? 02:21:48.654 --> 02:21:52.830 align:middle line:90% 02:21:52.830 --> 02:21:53.400 align:middle line:90% OK. 02:21:53.400 --> 02:21:57.180 align:middle line:84% Hearing none, I want to thank you all for your testimony. 02:21:57.180 --> 02:21:58.110 align:middle line:90% Very much appreciated. 02:21:58.110 --> 02:22:00.600 align:middle line:90% And enjoy the rest of your day. 02:22:00.600 --> 02:22:03.300 align:middle line:90% Next, we have the last panel. 02:22:03.300 --> 02:22:06.870 align:middle line:84% My staff has told me this is absolutely the last panel. 02:22:06.870 --> 02:22:10.500 align:middle line:84% But it's people from the Brockton interfaith community-- 02:22:10.500 --> 02:22:12.960 align:middle line:84% Annabelle Santiago, Cindy Williams, 02:22:12.960 --> 02:22:16.680 align:middle line:84% Gene [? Watton, ?] and [? Eugene ?] Cavanaugh. 02:22:16.680 --> 02:22:18.270 align:middle line:90% Welcome to all of you. 02:22:18.270 --> 02:22:20.400 align:middle line:84% And why don't we start from the top. 02:22:20.400 --> 02:22:22.270 align:middle line:90% Annabelle Sanchez, would you-- 02:22:22.270 --> 02:22:22.770 align:middle line:90% sorry. 02:22:22.770 --> 02:22:26.280 align:middle line:90% Annabelle Santiago-- sorry. 02:22:26.280 --> 02:22:31.320 align:middle line:84% Would you please testify in front of the committee? 02:22:31.320 --> 02:22:35.410 align:middle line:84% Representative Moran, if we can start with Cindy Williams? 02:22:35.410 --> 02:22:36.000 align:middle line:90% All right. 02:22:36.000 --> 02:22:36.810 align:middle line:90% Sure. 02:22:36.810 --> 02:22:37.632 align:middle line:90% Cindy Williams. 02:22:37.632 --> 02:22:39.090 align:middle line:84% Who would go next then after Cindy? 02:22:39.090 --> 02:22:40.560 align:middle line:90% Just so I'm-- 02:22:40.560 --> 02:22:43.770 align:middle line:84% It will be me and then [? Eugenie ?] Cavanaugh Gene 02:22:43.770 --> 02:22:45.270 align:middle line:90% has not joined us today. 02:22:45.270 --> 02:22:45.820 align:middle line:90% Gene, OK. 02:22:45.820 --> 02:22:46.680 align:middle line:90% So the three of you. 02:22:46.680 --> 02:22:47.180 align:middle line:90% OK. 02:22:47.180 --> 02:22:48.150 align:middle line:90% So Gene is not here. 02:22:48.150 --> 02:22:49.492 align:middle line:90% That's right. 02:22:49.492 --> 02:22:51.450 align:middle line:84% My office is better than I am because they told 02:22:51.450 --> 02:22:52.617 align:middle line:90% me that and I didn't listen. 02:22:52.617 --> 02:22:55.980 align:middle line:84% So Cindy Williams, please join us. 02:22:55.980 --> 02:22:56.580 align:middle line:90% And welcome. 02:22:56.580 --> 02:22:59.070 align:middle line:84% And tell us what you're thinking. 02:22:59.070 --> 02:22:59.760 align:middle line:90% Good afternoon. 02:22:59.760 --> 02:23:01.780 align:middle line:84% Can everybody see me and hear me? 02:23:01.780 --> 02:23:02.790 align:middle line:90% Yes, we can. 02:23:02.790 --> 02:23:03.420 align:middle line:90% OK. 02:23:03.420 --> 02:23:05.250 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 02:23:05.250 --> 02:23:08.610 align:middle line:84% I'd like to start off by thanking the Redistricting 02:23:08.610 --> 02:23:13.140 align:middle line:84% Committee Chair, Senator William Brownsberger and Representative 02:23:13.140 --> 02:23:17.130 align:middle line:84% Mike Moran, as well as the other members of the committee, 02:23:17.130 --> 02:23:20.490 align:middle line:84% for hosting this public hearing and for their continued 02:23:20.490 --> 02:23:24.930 align:middle line:84% commitment to engage with the grassroots organizations 02:23:24.930 --> 02:23:27.630 align:middle line:84% and residents throughout this process. 02:23:27.630 --> 02:23:29.290 align:middle line:90% My name is Cynthia Williams. 02:23:29.290 --> 02:23:32.310 align:middle line:84% My husband and I, along with our two daughters, 02:23:32.310 --> 02:23:35.190 align:middle line:84% have lived in Brockton for 21 years now. 02:23:35.190 --> 02:23:39.150 align:middle line:84% I am an active member of Restoration Community Church. 02:23:39.150 --> 02:23:42.060 align:middle line:84% And my association as a community leader 02:23:42.060 --> 02:23:46.020 align:middle line:84% is with Brockton interfaith community. 02:23:46.020 --> 02:23:49.410 align:middle line:84% I'm here this afternoon with other Brockton residents 02:23:49.410 --> 02:23:53.280 align:middle line:84% and Brockton interfaith leaders to speak with you briefly 02:23:53.280 --> 02:23:54.655 align:middle line:90% on the heart of Brockton. 02:23:54.655 --> 02:23:57.270 align:middle line:90% 02:23:57.270 --> 02:24:02.640 align:middle line:84% Brockton is a suburb of Boston with a population of about 02:24:02.640 --> 02:24:05.040 align:middle line:90% 93,000 plus. 02:24:05.040 --> 02:24:08.760 align:middle line:84% And out of that number, the racial makeup of the city 02:24:08.760 --> 02:24:13.680 align:middle line:84% is about 27.3% white, [? 50.9% ?] 02:24:13.680 --> 02:24:19.470 align:middle line:84% African-American, 2% Native American. 02:24:19.470 --> 02:24:23.700 align:middle line:84% And 2.2% is from two or more races. 02:24:23.700 --> 02:24:32.130 align:middle line:84% And the Hispanic or Latino of any race make up 11.9%. 02:24:32.130 --> 02:24:36.120 align:middle line:84% With that diversity comes a lot of culture and flavor 02:24:36.120 --> 02:24:38.890 align:middle line:90% to the city. 02:24:38.890 --> 02:24:42.180 align:middle line:84% The issue that I see is that many of the residents 02:24:42.180 --> 02:24:46.410 align:middle line:84% are finding it more difficult to live and raise their children 02:24:46.410 --> 02:24:48.000 align:middle line:90% in the Brockton area. 02:24:48.000 --> 02:24:52.110 align:middle line:84% In spite of many obstacles, the people of Brockton 02:24:52.110 --> 02:24:55.200 align:middle line:84% are hardworking, family-centered, 02:24:55.200 --> 02:24:58.140 align:middle line:90% and resilient in perseverance. 02:24:58.140 --> 02:25:01.290 align:middle line:84% Brockton was dubbed "The City of Champions" 02:25:01.290 --> 02:25:08.447 align:middle line:84% because of the great fighters like Rocky Marciano-- 02:25:08.447 --> 02:25:10.030 align:middle line:84% I know I just butchered you that name; 02:25:10.030 --> 02:25:13.680 align:middle line:90% forgive me-- and Marvin Hagler. 02:25:13.680 --> 02:25:17.430 align:middle line:84% I mentioned those great fighters to give you 02:25:17.430 --> 02:25:21.780 align:middle line:84% a sense of the type of people who live in Brockton. 02:25:21.780 --> 02:25:26.610 align:middle line:84% We may seem downtrodden, but we are fighters at heart. 02:25:26.610 --> 02:25:30.120 align:middle line:84% And today, we asked you to consider expanding the Senate 02:25:30.120 --> 02:25:33.180 align:middle line:84% district to reflect the heart of our city 02:25:33.180 --> 02:25:36.630 align:middle line:84% by uniting us with Randolph, Stoughton, who 02:25:36.630 --> 02:25:38.850 align:middle line:90% has similar values. 02:25:38.850 --> 02:25:42.120 align:middle line:84% Again, I want to thank you, Senator William Brownsberger 02:25:42.120 --> 02:25:45.360 align:middle line:84% and Representative Mike Moran, and the other committee 02:25:45.360 --> 02:25:47.590 align:middle line:90% members for your time. 02:25:47.590 --> 02:25:50.610 align:middle line:84% And as I stand here with my Brocktonian neighbors 02:25:50.610 --> 02:25:54.520 align:middle line:84% and my interfaith community leaders, 02:25:54.520 --> 02:25:57.360 align:middle line:84% it is our hope that you will expand 02:25:57.360 --> 02:26:01.260 align:middle line:84% the Senate history to reflect the fighting heart of our city. 02:26:01.260 --> 02:26:01.890 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 02:26:01.890 --> 02:26:05.600 align:middle line:90% 02:26:05.600 --> 02:26:07.550 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Cindy. 02:26:07.550 --> 02:26:09.050 align:middle line:90% We love The City of Champions. 02:26:09.050 --> 02:26:13.120 align:middle line:84% And I don't see Brockton as being downtrodden at all. 02:26:13.120 --> 02:26:14.810 align:middle line:90% Some do, though. 02:26:14.810 --> 02:26:17.780 align:middle line:90% I'm a big fan of the city, so. 02:26:17.780 --> 02:26:19.745 align:middle line:84% Next would be Annabelle Santiago. 02:26:19.745 --> 02:26:22.580 align:middle line:90% 02:26:22.580 --> 02:26:26.390 align:middle line:84% Thank you Committee Chairs, both Senator Brockton 02:26:26.390 --> 02:26:29.443 align:middle line:84% and Representative Moran, as well as 02:26:29.443 --> 02:26:30.860 align:middle line:84% the other members of the committee 02:26:30.860 --> 02:26:33.980 align:middle line:84% for hosting this hearing and your commitment 02:26:33.980 --> 02:26:36.680 align:middle line:84% to engage with grassroots organizations like Brockton 02:26:36.680 --> 02:26:38.930 align:middle line:90% interfaith through this process. 02:26:38.930 --> 02:26:42.440 align:middle line:84% I'm Annabelle Santiago, the lead community organizer 02:26:42.440 --> 02:26:44.540 align:middle line:84% with Brockton interfaith community. 02:26:44.540 --> 02:26:48.470 align:middle line:84% We're also a member of the Drawing Democracy Coalition. 02:26:48.470 --> 02:26:51.890 align:middle line:84% I've been a Brockton resident for a little over two years now 02:26:51.890 --> 02:26:55.370 align:middle line:84% and have organized in the community for the past four 02:26:55.370 --> 02:26:57.130 align:middle line:90% years. 02:26:57.130 --> 02:26:59.420 align:middle line:84% My goal in this redistricting process 02:26:59.420 --> 02:27:02.030 align:middle line:84% is to unite Brockton together with 02:27:02.030 --> 02:27:05.120 align:middle line:84% the neighboring communities that reflect the makeup of Brockton 02:27:05.120 --> 02:27:09.200 align:middle line:84% as a majority Black immigrant city for the many reasons 02:27:09.200 --> 02:27:12.950 align:middle line:84% many of our coalition partners and Cindy and Eugene 02:27:12.950 --> 02:27:15.810 align:middle line:90% will outline later. 02:27:15.810 --> 02:27:19.100 align:middle line:84% I'd like to focus my testimony today on our current state 02:27:19.100 --> 02:27:21.620 align:middle line:90% Senate district. 02:27:21.620 --> 02:27:25.430 align:middle line:84% Our current Senate district, the 2nd Plymouth and Bristol 02:27:25.430 --> 02:27:28.280 align:middle line:84% district, currently groups together 02:27:28.280 --> 02:27:33.410 align:middle line:84% Brockton with Whitman, Hanover, Hanson, Halifax, Clinton, 02:27:33.410 --> 02:27:36.260 align:middle line:84% and parts of East Bridgewater and Easton. 02:27:36.260 --> 02:27:39.620 align:middle line:84% There are specific differences between the city of Brockton 02:27:39.620 --> 02:27:43.010 align:middle line:84% and the towns currently included in our district. 02:27:43.010 --> 02:27:49.640 align:middle line:84% Statistical Atlas reports that 60.4% of Brockton is nonwhite. 02:27:49.640 --> 02:27:53.510 align:middle line:84% And when you compare that to all of the towns in the district 02:27:53.510 --> 02:27:58.370 align:middle line:84% where the white populations make up 90% to 98% 02:27:58.370 --> 02:28:01.220 align:middle line:84% of the population in those towns-- 02:28:01.220 --> 02:28:05.090 align:middle line:84% 27% of Brockton residents are foreign born. 02:28:05.090 --> 02:28:08.480 align:middle line:84% There are more single family households and renters 02:28:08.480 --> 02:28:10.940 align:middle line:90% in Brockton than in these towns. 02:28:10.940 --> 02:28:14.040 align:middle line:84% We have a lower income population. 02:28:14.040 --> 02:28:17.930 align:middle line:84% If you look at the lowest income for-- 02:28:17.930 --> 02:28:20.210 align:middle line:84% the average income in one of the census 02:28:20.210 --> 02:28:22.010 align:middle line:84% tracts in the middle of the city, 02:28:22.010 --> 02:28:27.440 align:middle line:84% it reports an average of 14,000 average income. 02:28:27.440 --> 02:28:28.850 align:middle line:90% That's the lowest in the city. 02:28:28.850 --> 02:28:30.560 align:middle line:84% And then if you look at the lowest tract 02:28:30.560 --> 02:28:33.920 align:middle line:84% outside of the city, report's on average-- 02:28:33.920 --> 02:28:35.960 align:middle line:90% 50,000. 02:28:35.960 --> 02:28:38.780 align:middle line:84% The point of all of this is to outline the fact 02:28:38.780 --> 02:28:41.570 align:middle line:84% that our people in Brockton live different lives 02:28:41.570 --> 02:28:44.300 align:middle line:84% from the rest of the district and come from substantially 02:28:44.300 --> 02:28:45.920 align:middle line:90% different backgrounds. 02:28:45.920 --> 02:28:48.620 align:middle line:84% We vote differently from the rest of the district. 02:28:48.620 --> 02:28:54.110 align:middle line:84% And you can take, for example, our last Senate race. 02:28:54.110 --> 02:28:57.260 align:middle line:84% The city of Brockton voted in the challenger, 02:28:57.260 --> 02:29:00.530 align:middle line:84% who was a resident of Brockton, while the rest of the district 02:29:00.530 --> 02:29:02.900 align:middle line:90% voted for the incumbent. 02:29:02.900 --> 02:29:04.950 align:middle line:84% If the challenger would have won, 02:29:04.950 --> 02:29:08.510 align:middle line:84% he would have been one of the few minorities in the state 02:29:08.510 --> 02:29:13.910 align:middle line:84% Senate, representing a majority people of color city. 02:29:13.910 --> 02:29:18.050 align:middle line:84% And with Brockton having different lived experiences 02:29:18.050 --> 02:29:21.800 align:middle line:84% and backgrounds and interests than the rest of the district, 02:29:21.800 --> 02:29:25.580 align:middle line:84% it makes it really hard for whoever is representing us 02:29:25.580 --> 02:29:30.230 align:middle line:84% at the state Senate level to represent both our interests, 02:29:30.230 --> 02:29:33.950 align:middle line:84% given our makeup, and the interests of the more affluent, 02:29:33.950 --> 02:29:36.380 align:middle line:84% suburban, white towns that surround us. 02:29:36.380 --> 02:29:39.950 align:middle line:84% So I believe Brockton should be united together 02:29:39.950 --> 02:29:44.270 align:middle line:84% with other cities that reflect the makeup of the city, 02:29:44.270 --> 02:29:48.020 align:middle line:84% like Randolph, for the many reasons that our coalition 02:29:48.020 --> 02:29:50.270 align:middle line:90% members have outlined today. 02:29:50.270 --> 02:29:51.350 align:middle line:90% And I'll finish up there. 02:29:51.350 --> 02:29:53.630 align:middle line:84% I want to thank the commissioners 02:29:53.630 --> 02:29:56.060 align:middle line:84% for their consideration of uniting 02:29:56.060 --> 02:29:58.760 align:middle line:84% our communities together in the Senate district. 02:29:58.760 --> 02:30:00.870 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 02:30:00.870 --> 02:30:03.270 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Annabelle. 02:30:03.270 --> 02:30:07.200 align:middle line:84% Last on this panel Eugene Cavanaugh. 02:30:07.200 --> 02:30:08.250 align:middle line:90% Eugene? 02:30:08.250 --> 02:30:09.640 align:middle line:90% Hi, everyone. 02:30:09.640 --> 02:30:11.220 align:middle line:90% My name is Eugenie Cavanaugh. 02:30:11.220 --> 02:30:12.870 align:middle line:84% And I just want to say thank you again 02:30:12.870 --> 02:30:15.960 align:middle line:84% to the Redistricting Committee, Senator William 02:30:15.960 --> 02:30:18.270 align:middle line:84% [? Brownsberger, ?] and as well as Representative Mike 02:30:18.270 --> 02:30:21.480 align:middle line:84% Moran and others of the members of the committee. 02:30:21.480 --> 02:30:24.960 align:middle line:84% As an American born citizen and born to Haitian parents, 02:30:24.960 --> 02:30:27.330 align:middle line:84% I have served 13 years in the US Army. 02:30:27.330 --> 02:30:31.000 align:middle line:84% After seven years of living in Brockton with my two children, 02:30:31.000 --> 02:30:33.750 align:middle line:84% I sit on the Board of Brockton Interfaith 02:30:33.750 --> 02:30:37.740 align:middle line:84% as well as fought in the 2018 education funding crisis. 02:30:37.740 --> 02:30:39.480 align:middle line:84% I've had the opportunity to advocate 02:30:39.480 --> 02:30:41.790 align:middle line:84% with city life for the housing eviction reform 02:30:41.790 --> 02:30:45.660 align:middle line:84% during the pandemic as well as the [INAUDIBLE] coalition 02:30:45.660 --> 02:30:48.000 align:middle line:84% after the fact of George Floyd's death. 02:30:48.000 --> 02:30:51.090 align:middle line:84% As well as education, my education background 02:30:51.090 --> 02:30:54.000 align:middle line:84% is in human service as well as social work. 02:30:54.000 --> 02:30:56.190 align:middle line:84% As a profession veteran community leader 02:30:56.190 --> 02:30:59.310 align:middle line:84% and soon to be a homeowner here in Brockton, but most 02:30:59.310 --> 02:31:01.530 align:middle line:84% importantly as a mother, I want to reiterate 02:31:01.530 --> 02:31:04.410 align:middle line:84% with people from the Brockton interfaith 02:31:04.410 --> 02:31:07.770 align:middle line:84% have stated, that nowhere in our district Brockton values 02:31:07.770 --> 02:31:10.050 align:middle line:84% aligns with the district that we are in. 02:31:10.050 --> 02:31:13.230 align:middle line:84% And as a majority of people of color living in Brockton, 02:31:13.230 --> 02:31:16.710 align:middle line:84% our representation by people who refuses to properly invest 02:31:16.710 --> 02:31:18.690 align:middle line:90% into Brockton's future. 02:31:18.690 --> 02:31:20.730 align:middle line:84% Yet Brockton is being taxed without 02:31:20.730 --> 02:31:23.940 align:middle line:84% the proper representation of our values. 02:31:23.940 --> 02:31:26.670 align:middle line:84% Rather, Brockton is being forced to value communities 02:31:26.670 --> 02:31:29.670 align:middle line:84% in our district with more of a richer academic structure 02:31:29.670 --> 02:31:33.480 align:middle line:84% and institution like our neighbors Easton, Avon, 02:31:33.480 --> 02:31:35.460 align:middle line:90% and the Bridgewaters. 02:31:35.460 --> 02:31:38.310 align:middle line:84% As we hear the echoes No Child Left Behind, 02:31:38.310 --> 02:31:40.800 align:middle line:84% our district has placed our education system 02:31:40.800 --> 02:31:43.590 align:middle line:84% fighting for resources and programs in hopes 02:31:43.590 --> 02:31:46.680 align:middle line:84% of our children can't compete with our [? partnering ?] 02:31:46.680 --> 02:31:49.440 align:middle line:84% surrounding communities economically, 02:31:49.440 --> 02:31:51.420 align:middle line:84% jobs that our Brockton residents will not 02:31:51.420 --> 02:31:55.440 align:middle line:84% obtain due to the lack of not only education but housing 02:31:55.440 --> 02:31:58.230 align:middle line:84% and employment opportunities as well as investment 02:31:58.230 --> 02:31:59.250 align:middle line:90% opportunities. 02:31:59.250 --> 02:32:01.230 align:middle line:84% These opportunities have been prioritized 02:32:01.230 --> 02:32:05.250 align:middle line:84% to other communities in our district and leaving Brockton. 02:32:05.250 --> 02:32:08.610 align:middle line:84% Brockton has reimagined a community far greater 02:32:08.610 --> 02:32:11.670 align:middle line:84% than our history of textiles and shoe factory. 02:32:11.670 --> 02:32:14.640 align:middle line:84% The reimagining that Brockton has [? gained ?] to within 02:32:14.640 --> 02:32:18.600 align:middle line:84% the redistricting is when tax representation who prioritized 02:32:18.600 --> 02:32:22.410 align:middle line:84% investing in our futures, history, our culture, 02:32:22.410 --> 02:32:26.010 align:middle line:84% our education, as well as a robust [? and ?] creating jobs 02:32:26.010 --> 02:32:29.820 align:middle line:84% here in Brockton, creating safe places for youth who don't play 02:32:29.820 --> 02:32:33.210 align:middle line:84% sports as well as vibrant places to eat. 02:32:33.210 --> 02:32:35.670 align:middle line:84% Currently, when we look at other [INAUDIBLE] 02:32:35.670 --> 02:32:39.630 align:middle line:84% surrounding communities, what we see is disenfranchised 02:32:39.630 --> 02:32:41.820 align:middle line:84% within our Brockton roads, disenfranchised 02:32:41.820 --> 02:32:45.210 align:middle line:84% within our health care system, which is highly congested. 02:32:45.210 --> 02:32:47.100 align:middle line:84% We do have a transportation system, 02:32:47.100 --> 02:32:50.100 align:middle line:84% but we here at Brockton-- because this is a small city, 02:32:50.100 --> 02:32:52.980 align:middle line:84% we need more of a thriving transportation system 02:32:52.980 --> 02:32:56.310 align:middle line:84% as well as a more vibrant affordable housing. 02:32:56.310 --> 02:32:58.740 align:middle line:84% Though Brockton is a small city, our City of Champions 02:32:58.740 --> 02:33:02.440 align:middle line:84% consists of a majority of people of color diverse, documented 02:33:02.440 --> 02:33:03.840 align:middle line:90% as well as the undocumented. 02:33:03.840 --> 02:33:06.780 align:middle line:84% Veterans who fought for this land use to dream big-- 02:33:06.780 --> 02:33:08.790 align:middle line:84% and our parents voting towards their investment 02:33:08.790 --> 02:33:11.010 align:middle line:84% into a district lacking representation 02:33:11.010 --> 02:33:12.630 align:middle line:90% for people of color. 02:33:12.630 --> 02:33:15.720 align:middle line:84% What we are asking today came with such ease 02:33:15.720 --> 02:33:18.690 align:middle line:84% because when we see Brockton being gentrified, 02:33:18.690 --> 02:33:21.270 align:middle line:84% in order for Brockton to be valued and represented, 02:33:21.270 --> 02:33:24.880 align:middle line:84% we just simply ask this question boldly not to you all 02:33:24.880 --> 02:33:27.780 align:middle line:84% representing us but to those making those decisions in the 02:33:27.780 --> 02:33:32.880 align:middle line:84% representing us here now that our city refuses to be taxed 02:33:32.880 --> 02:33:35.940 align:middle line:84% in a district who represents the wealthier whiter communities 02:33:35.940 --> 02:33:38.640 align:middle line:84% and refuse to properly represent people of color 02:33:38.640 --> 02:33:43.470 align:middle line:84% and disenfranchising low income people who are undocumented 02:33:43.470 --> 02:33:46.020 align:middle line:90% as well as documented. 02:33:46.020 --> 02:33:48.052 align:middle line:84% So to those representing here today, 02:33:48.052 --> 02:33:50.010 align:middle line:84% I just want to say thank you in taking the time 02:33:50.010 --> 02:33:53.100 align:middle line:84% to hear us, our comments, our concerns, and our interests, 02:33:53.100 --> 02:33:54.960 align:middle line:84% as well as our values because Brockton 02:33:54.960 --> 02:33:57.360 align:middle line:84% has values that are not shared with those surrounding 02:33:57.360 --> 02:33:58.170 align:middle line:90% communities. 02:33:58.170 --> 02:34:00.240 align:middle line:84% But we do have shared values as well as 02:34:00.240 --> 02:34:01.710 align:middle line:90% with Quincy's and Randolph. 02:34:01.710 --> 02:34:04.740 align:middle line:84% So when making this decision, we didn't come to come in here 02:34:04.740 --> 02:34:07.350 align:middle line:90% today with ease. 02:34:07.350 --> 02:34:08.490 align:middle line:90% It was a tough decision. 02:34:08.490 --> 02:34:12.120 align:middle line:84% But it was the right decision in coming and having this asked as 02:34:12.120 --> 02:34:15.090 align:middle line:84% well as a demand for you all that we really 02:34:15.090 --> 02:34:18.330 align:middle line:84% want Brockton to be represented with folks that 02:34:18.330 --> 02:34:20.897 align:middle line:84% do look like Brockton folks, people that will advocate 02:34:20.897 --> 02:34:22.980 align:middle line:84% for us that know what we are going through through 02:34:22.980 --> 02:34:25.950 align:middle line:84% lived experiences, through their educational background, 02:34:25.950 --> 02:34:29.340 align:middle line:84% through them visiting Brockton as well because our community 02:34:29.340 --> 02:34:32.790 align:middle line:84% does not represent who we are right now as currently 02:34:32.790 --> 02:34:33.780 align:middle line:90% as we are holding it. 02:34:33.780 --> 02:34:37.860 align:middle line:84% And we are asking that we have a more diverse community 02:34:37.860 --> 02:34:39.930 align:middle line:90% in representing us. 02:34:39.930 --> 02:34:41.250 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 02:34:41.250 --> 02:34:42.490 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Eugenie. 02:34:42.490 --> 02:34:46.380 align:middle line:84% Thank you everybody else on this Brockton interfaith community 02:34:46.380 --> 02:34:48.000 align:middle line:90% panel. 02:34:48.000 --> 02:34:51.690 align:middle line:84% Your message has been heard loud and clear. 02:34:51.690 --> 02:34:55.813 align:middle line:84% I have no questions, but I do want to pass it off 02:34:55.813 --> 02:34:58.230 align:middle line:84% to some of my colleagues to see if they have any questions 02:34:58.230 --> 02:35:00.250 align:middle line:90% or comments. 02:35:00.250 --> 02:35:02.730 align:middle line:90% I just want to jump in and say-- 02:35:02.730 --> 02:35:03.630 align:middle line:90% Senator Brownsberger. 02:35:03.630 --> 02:35:05.640 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 02:35:05.640 --> 02:35:07.870 align:middle line:84% I just want to say, I hear you loud and clear. 02:35:07.870 --> 02:35:10.585 align:middle line:84% And we'll look real closely at that 02:35:10.585 --> 02:35:14.620 align:middle line:84% and see if we can actually put that together. 02:35:14.620 --> 02:35:16.860 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Senator. 02:35:16.860 --> 02:35:17.580 align:middle line:90% OK. 02:35:17.580 --> 02:35:18.270 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 02:35:18.270 --> 02:35:21.180 align:middle line:84% And thank everyone for that on that panel. 02:35:21.180 --> 02:35:23.140 align:middle line:90% And enjoy the rest of your day. 02:35:23.140 --> 02:35:25.140 align:middle line:90% We are going to move on now. 02:35:25.140 --> 02:35:28.170 align:middle line:84% It looks like we have four people who 02:35:28.170 --> 02:35:31.920 align:middle line:90% have testified not on panels. 02:35:31.920 --> 02:35:34.500 align:middle line:84% I don't know if they have testified in error 02:35:34.500 --> 02:35:36.030 align:middle line:84% or if they actually want to testify. 02:35:36.030 --> 02:35:37.780 align:middle line:84% So I'm just going to call their names out. 02:35:37.780 --> 02:35:40.990 align:middle line:90% 02:35:40.990 --> 02:35:41.910 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE]? 02:35:41.910 --> 02:35:47.030 align:middle line:90% 02:35:47.030 --> 02:35:47.810 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE]? 02:35:47.810 --> 02:35:54.998 align:middle line:90% 02:35:54.998 --> 02:35:55.760 align:middle line:90% All right. 02:35:55.760 --> 02:36:01.780 align:middle line:90% 02:36:01.780 --> 02:36:05.170 align:middle line:90% Let me go to Sean O'Neill. 02:36:05.170 --> 02:36:05.920 align:middle line:90% Sean O'Neill? 02:36:05.920 --> 02:36:10.190 align:middle line:90% 02:36:10.190 --> 02:36:12.810 align:middle line:84% Sean O'Neill, would you like to participate? 02:36:12.810 --> 02:36:20.280 align:middle line:90% 02:36:20.280 --> 02:36:20.780 align:middle line:90% All right. 02:36:20.780 --> 02:36:27.230 align:middle line:84% My staff just told me that [INAUDIBLE] Mr. Spinola is in. 02:36:27.230 --> 02:36:27.730 align:middle line:90% You got it. 02:36:27.730 --> 02:36:29.563 align:middle line:84% It's [? Yolanda ?] [? Espanola. ?] Thank you 02:36:29.563 --> 02:36:30.230 align:middle line:90% so much. 02:36:30.230 --> 02:36:31.040 align:middle line:90% Yolanda. 02:36:31.040 --> 02:36:31.730 align:middle line:90% All right. 02:36:31.730 --> 02:36:33.300 align:middle line:90% Sorry about that. 02:36:33.300 --> 02:36:34.370 align:middle line:90% I got the last one right. 02:36:34.370 --> 02:36:35.630 align:middle line:90% I couldn't get the first one. 02:36:35.630 --> 02:36:36.950 align:middle line:90% Welcome, welcome. 02:36:36.950 --> 02:36:38.690 align:middle line:90% Thank you for signing up. 02:36:38.690 --> 02:36:41.420 align:middle line:84% And thank you for wanting to testify. 02:36:41.420 --> 02:36:43.140 align:middle line:90% What say you? 02:36:43.140 --> 02:36:43.640 align:middle line:90% Yeah. 02:36:43.640 --> 02:36:47.300 align:middle line:84% I just want to echo some of the same sentiments 02:36:47.300 --> 02:36:51.050 align:middle line:84% that the Brockton interfaith community spoke 02:36:51.050 --> 02:36:55.100 align:middle line:84% about earlier around making sure that Brockton 02:36:55.100 --> 02:37:00.920 align:middle line:84% is a part of an area that represents our interests 02:37:00.920 --> 02:37:05.720 align:middle line:84% and that we can be able to have representation that reflects 02:37:05.720 --> 02:37:06.950 align:middle line:90% the people of Brockton. 02:37:06.950 --> 02:37:13.430 align:middle line:84% And I think us being able to be a part of a district that 02:37:13.430 --> 02:37:19.580 align:middle line:84% will allow us to have more commonalities with folks will 02:37:19.580 --> 02:37:24.770 align:middle line:84% allow us to amplify some of our main interests 02:37:24.770 --> 02:37:27.950 align:middle line:84% and some of our main issues that we are dealing with. 02:37:27.950 --> 02:37:36.020 align:middle line:84% So I love the idea of being a part of a larger district, 02:37:36.020 --> 02:37:38.390 align:middle line:84% being a part of Stoughton and Randolph 02:37:38.390 --> 02:37:42.330 align:middle line:84% and being able to amplify some of those main ideas. 02:37:42.330 --> 02:37:44.950 align:middle line:84% So I just want to amplify some of the stuff 02:37:44.950 --> 02:37:45.950 align:middle line:90% that [? Vic ?] has said. 02:37:45.950 --> 02:37:49.700 align:middle line:84% And I think it will be an awesome opportunity 02:37:49.700 --> 02:37:54.230 align:middle line:84% for the Commonwealth in general if Brockton's interests are 02:37:54.230 --> 02:37:58.890 align:middle line:84% able to be amplified in the state House. 02:37:58.890 --> 02:37:59.790 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 02:37:59.790 --> 02:38:02.750 align:middle line:84% Thank you, [? Yolano. ?] Much appreciated. 02:38:02.750 --> 02:38:05.300 align:middle line:84% I have no questions, but does any member of the committee 02:38:05.300 --> 02:38:06.491 align:middle line:90% have any questions? 02:38:06.491 --> 02:38:09.197 align:middle line:90% 02:38:09.197 --> 02:38:10.030 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much. 02:38:10.030 --> 02:38:12.670 align:middle line:84% And thank you for your patience in waiting. 02:38:12.670 --> 02:38:14.268 align:middle line:90% Next up is Sean O'Neill. 02:38:14.268 --> 02:38:15.935 align:middle line:84% Sean O'Neill, would you like to testify? 02:38:15.935 --> 02:38:31.000 align:middle line:90% 02:38:31.000 --> 02:38:31.500 align:middle line:90% OK. 02:38:31.500 --> 02:38:33.750 align:middle line:84% They're telling me that Sean is coming on, so. 02:38:33.750 --> 02:39:05.860 align:middle line:90% 02:39:05.860 --> 02:39:06.810 align:middle line:90% Sean, are you there? 02:39:06.810 --> 02:39:15.000 align:middle line:90% 02:39:15.000 --> 02:39:18.190 align:middle line:90% I do see Lenny-- 02:39:18.190 --> 02:39:19.888 align:middle line:90% I do see Lenny Row is here. 02:39:19.888 --> 02:39:21.430 align:middle line:84% So I'm going to call Lenny, and we'll 02:39:21.430 --> 02:39:23.440 align:middle line:90% circle back to Sean afterwards. 02:39:23.440 --> 02:39:26.800 align:middle line:84% Lenny, would you like to testify? 02:39:26.800 --> 02:39:28.150 align:middle line:90% I see Lenny [INAUDIBLE]. 02:39:28.150 --> 02:39:34.630 align:middle line:90% 02:39:34.630 --> 02:39:37.570 align:middle line:90% Lenny was wanting to testify. 02:39:37.570 --> 02:39:38.702 align:middle line:90% I do see Margaret Cooper. 02:39:38.702 --> 02:39:40.285 align:middle line:84% Would Margaret Cooper like to testify? 02:39:40.285 --> 02:39:43.998 align:middle line:90% 02:39:43.998 --> 02:39:45.540 align:middle line:84% Margaret, are you wanting to testify? 02:39:45.540 --> 02:39:46.873 align:middle line:90% Or are you here just to observe? 02:39:46.873 --> 02:40:05.540 align:middle line:90% 02:40:05.540 --> 02:40:08.208 align:middle line:84% Lenny, I'm told you-- and I need to tell you to unmute, Lenny. 02:40:08.208 --> 02:40:08.750 align:middle line:90% Are you here? 02:40:08.750 --> 02:40:24.730 align:middle line:90% 02:40:24.730 --> 02:40:25.330 align:middle line:90% All right. 02:40:25.330 --> 02:40:27.220 align:middle line:84% Margaret Cooper-- you'd be the last one. 02:40:27.220 --> 02:40:28.360 align:middle line:90% Margaret, are you here? 02:40:28.360 --> 02:40:31.580 align:middle line:90% 02:40:31.580 --> 02:40:33.890 align:middle line:90% I don't see you. 02:40:33.890 --> 02:40:34.400 align:middle line:90% Yes. 02:40:34.400 --> 02:40:35.450 align:middle line:90% Can you hear me? 02:40:35.450 --> 02:40:36.800 align:middle line:90% I can hear you, Margaret. 02:40:36.800 --> 02:40:38.300 align:middle line:90% Welcome, welcome. 02:40:38.300 --> 02:40:40.970 align:middle line:90% OK. 02:40:40.970 --> 02:40:45.500 align:middle line:84% I'm here just to listen to find out what kind of issues 02:40:45.500 --> 02:40:48.800 align:middle line:84% are being brought up at the redistricting hearing 02:40:48.800 --> 02:40:52.550 align:middle line:84% because I'm in CD9 and I'm trying 02:40:52.550 --> 02:40:57.890 align:middle line:84% to let people know that the hearing is going to be held. 02:40:57.890 --> 02:40:59.060 align:middle line:90% Excellent, Margaret. 02:40:59.060 --> 02:41:00.320 align:middle line:90% That's very good of you. 02:41:00.320 --> 02:41:03.117 align:middle line:84% We haven't scheduled the CD9, which 02:41:03.117 --> 02:41:04.700 align:middle line:84% is Representative Keating-- we haven't 02:41:04.700 --> 02:41:06.650 align:middle line:90% scheduled that hearing yet. 02:41:06.650 --> 02:41:10.560 align:middle line:84% You're good to show up and let people know what's going on. 02:41:10.560 --> 02:41:13.540 align:middle line:84% But if you want to contact the office 02:41:13.540 --> 02:41:19.700 align:middle line:84% or let us know how we can help you advertise and get that out 02:41:19.700 --> 02:41:21.860 align:middle line:84% to as many people as possible, that'd be great. 02:41:21.860 --> 02:41:24.620 align:middle line:84% But I appreciate you stopping in to say hi. 02:41:24.620 --> 02:41:25.650 align:middle line:90% OK, thank you. 02:41:25.650 --> 02:41:26.150 align:middle line:90% All right. 02:41:26.150 --> 02:41:27.570 align:middle line:90% Bye. 02:41:27.570 --> 02:41:32.490 align:middle line:84% So I think unless we can get Sean on or Lenny on, 02:41:32.490 --> 02:41:34.780 align:middle line:90% I think that would be it. 02:41:34.780 --> 02:41:38.870 align:middle line:84% And we will have had everybody testify. 02:41:38.870 --> 02:41:47.030 align:middle line:84% I'm going to give Sean and Lenny a going once, going twice. 02:41:47.030 --> 02:41:51.720 align:middle line:90% 02:41:51.720 --> 02:41:53.220 align:middle line:90% OK. 02:41:53.220 --> 02:41:56.370 align:middle line:84% So it looks like neither one of them want to testify. 02:41:56.370 --> 02:41:59.520 align:middle line:84% That would be it for this hearing. 02:41:59.520 --> 02:42:01.073 align:middle line:84% Thank you to all the participants. 02:42:01.073 --> 02:42:02.490 align:middle line:84% Thank you to my committee members. 02:42:02.490 --> 02:42:07.380 align:middle line:84% Thank you to my co-chair and my staff for navigating us 02:42:07.380 --> 02:42:12.000 align:middle line:84% through this Zoom [? test ?] hearing. 02:42:12.000 --> 02:42:15.720 align:middle line:84% Unless does anybody have anything else to say, 02:42:15.720 --> 02:42:19.750 align:middle line:84% I would like to make a motion to adjourn. 02:42:19.750 --> 02:42:21.150 align:middle line:90% So moved. 02:42:21.150 --> 02:42:22.750 align:middle line:90% Can I get a second? 02:42:22.750 --> 02:42:23.540 align:middle line:90% Second. 02:42:23.540 --> 02:42:24.060 align:middle line:90% Excellent. 02:42:24.060 --> 02:42:25.620 align:middle line:84% Thank you all for your attendance 02:42:25.620 --> 02:42:27.900 align:middle line:90% and your participation. 02:42:27.900 --> 02:42:29.910 align:middle line:84% And we'll be talking to you all soon. 02:42:29.910 --> 02:42:31.380 align:middle line:90% Have a good rest of the day. 02:42:31.380 --> 02:42:32.200 align:middle line:90% Bye. 02:42:32.200 --> 02:42:32.700 align:middle line:90% See you. 02:42:32.700 --> 02:42:33.520 align:middle line:90% Bye, all. 02:42:33.520 --> 02:42:34.180 align:middle line:90% Bye bye. 02:42:34.180 --> 02:42:34.680 align:middle line:90% Bye. 02:42:34.680 --> 02:42:53.380 align:middle line:90% 02:42:53.380 --> 02:42:55.500 align:middle line:90% [MUSIC PLAYING] 02:42:55.500 --> 02:42:56.000 align:middle line:90%