WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.355 align:middle line:90% [MUSIC PLAYING] 00:00:02.355 --> 00:00:03.770 align:middle line:90% 00:00:03.770 --> 00:00:07.220 align:middle line:84% Massachusetts legislature-- I'm State Senator Will 00:00:07.220 --> 00:00:08.540 align:middle line:90% Brownsburger. 00:00:08.540 --> 00:00:11.840 align:middle line:84% And I'm here with my co-chair representative, Mike Moran. 00:00:11.840 --> 00:00:16.730 align:middle line:84% And Representative Moran and I are the chairs of this hearing. 00:00:16.730 --> 00:00:20.480 align:middle line:84% I'm going to do the honors in this particular run-through. 00:00:20.480 --> 00:00:24.530 align:middle line:84% I'm going to introduce my senate colleagues who are with us. 00:00:24.530 --> 00:00:28.330 align:middle line:84% We've got Senator Gobi, who is the vice chair. 00:00:28.330 --> 00:00:31.090 align:middle line:84% And we've got Senator Hinds, who is 00:00:31.090 --> 00:00:33.820 align:middle line:84% the westernmost member of the Massachusetts 00:00:33.820 --> 00:00:35.810 align:middle line:90% Delegation at the Senate level. 00:00:35.810 --> 00:00:38.560 align:middle line:84% [INAUDIBLE] in the 1st Congressional District as well. 00:00:38.560 --> 00:00:40.810 align:middle line:90% That's right. 00:00:40.810 --> 00:00:45.275 align:middle line:84% And Representative Moran, let me let you introduce your members. 00:00:45.275 --> 00:00:49.310 align:middle line:90% 00:00:49.310 --> 00:00:49.810 align:middle line:90% All right. 00:00:49.810 --> 00:00:51.480 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Senator. 00:00:51.480 --> 00:00:53.970 align:middle line:84% And thank you to Congressman Neal 00:00:53.970 --> 00:00:58.050 align:middle line:84% for taking time out of his schedule to attend this hearing 00:00:58.050 --> 00:01:02.730 align:middle line:84% and give us his important feedback on redistricting, 00:01:02.730 --> 00:01:05.340 align:middle line:84% and the process, and the importance of the 1st 00:01:05.340 --> 00:01:07.440 align:middle line:90% Congressional District. 00:01:07.440 --> 00:01:08.880 align:middle line:90% I'm going to quickly-- 00:01:08.880 --> 00:01:10.590 align:middle line:84% because of the technical difficulties 00:01:10.590 --> 00:01:14.460 align:middle line:84% we're having and because of some of my commitments 00:01:14.460 --> 00:01:17.580 align:middle line:84% that I've made, I'm going to be on and off this tonight. 00:01:17.580 --> 00:01:20.490 align:middle line:84% So I want to introduce all the members of this committee, some 00:01:20.490 --> 00:01:23.550 align:middle line:84% of who have logged in right now and some of who 00:01:23.550 --> 00:01:24.930 align:middle line:90% will log in later. 00:01:24.930 --> 00:01:28.020 align:middle line:84% But I want to start with my vice chair, the gentleman 00:01:28.020 --> 00:01:30.480 align:middle line:90% from Lawrence, Marcos Devers. 00:01:30.480 --> 00:01:33.720 align:middle line:84% I want to introduce the gentlelady from Provincetown, 00:01:33.720 --> 00:01:37.020 align:middle line:84% Sarah Peake, the gentleman from Worcester, 00:01:37.020 --> 00:01:41.430 align:middle line:84% James O'Day, the gentleman from Lawrence, Frank Moran-- 00:01:41.430 --> 00:01:45.270 align:middle line:90% no relative, just a good guy-- 00:01:45.270 --> 00:01:48.360 align:middle line:84% the gentleman from Lowell, Tommy Golden, 00:01:48.360 --> 00:01:51.750 align:middle line:84% the gentleman from Mattapoisett, Bill Straus, 00:01:51.750 --> 00:01:55.710 align:middle line:84% the gentleman from Worcester, John Mahoney, 00:01:55.710 --> 00:01:58.470 align:middle line:84% the gentleman from Duxbury, Josh Cutler, 00:01:58.470 --> 00:02:02.040 align:middle line:84% the gentlelady from Fall River, Carole Fiola, 00:02:02.040 --> 00:02:04.830 align:middle line:84% the gentleman from Dorchester, Dan Hunt, 00:02:04.830 --> 00:02:07.750 align:middle line:84% the gentleman from Springfield, Bud Williams, 00:02:07.750 --> 00:02:11.520 align:middle line:84% the gentle lady from Pittsfield, Tricia Farley-Bouvier, 00:02:11.520 --> 00:02:15.030 align:middle line:84% the gentlelady from Roxbury, Chynah Tyler, 00:02:15.030 --> 00:02:18.720 align:middle line:84% the gentleman from Haverhill, Andy Vargas, 00:02:18.720 --> 00:02:22.650 align:middle line:84% the gentleman from Duxbury, Kip Diggs. 00:02:22.650 --> 00:02:26.160 align:middle line:84% The senior member of the Republican Party 00:02:26.160 --> 00:02:28.320 align:middle line:84% on this committee is the gentleman 00:02:28.320 --> 00:02:31.420 align:middle line:90% from Auburn, Paul Frost. 00:02:31.420 --> 00:02:34.990 align:middle line:84% Also on this committee is Kim Ferguson from Holden, 00:02:34.990 --> 00:02:42.010 align:middle line:84% and Nick Boldyga, Southwick, and Shawn Dooley from Norfolk. 00:02:42.010 --> 00:02:44.230 align:middle line:84% And I'd also like to introduce at this point in time 00:02:44.230 --> 00:02:48.430 align:middle line:84% the senior-most member of this committee and the gentleman 00:02:48.430 --> 00:02:52.313 align:middle line:84% from Chicopee, Joe Wagner, to bring greetings from the 1st 00:02:52.313 --> 00:02:54.730 align:middle line:84% Congressional District from the House of Representatives-- 00:02:54.730 --> 00:02:56.890 align:middle line:90% Joe Wagner. 00:02:56.890 --> 00:02:59.000 align:middle line:84% Mr. Chairman, thank you very, very much. 00:02:59.000 --> 00:03:00.880 align:middle line:84% And it's an honor for me to be here 00:03:00.880 --> 00:03:05.560 align:middle line:84% with you, and our senate co-chair, 00:03:05.560 --> 00:03:08.390 align:middle line:90% and all of our colleagues. 00:03:08.390 --> 00:03:11.800 align:middle line:84% We continue down the road of working 00:03:11.800 --> 00:03:16.690 align:middle line:84% toward defining congressional and senatorial and 00:03:16.690 --> 00:03:20.560 align:middle line:84% representative districts here in Massachusetts. 00:03:20.560 --> 00:03:22.240 align:middle line:84% The house chairman is not new to this, 00:03:22.240 --> 00:03:24.740 align:middle line:84% obviously, having done it 10 years ago. 00:03:24.740 --> 00:03:29.155 align:middle line:84% And the performance was really, really, really good. 00:03:29.155 --> 00:03:31.780 align:middle line:84% We have a number of members from Western Mass on the committee. 00:03:31.780 --> 00:03:35.740 align:middle line:84% And the house chair has introduced them. 00:03:35.740 --> 00:03:38.080 align:middle line:84% So we're pleased to be here and talk 00:03:38.080 --> 00:03:42.310 align:middle line:84% about issues important to us here in Western Massachusetts. 00:03:42.310 --> 00:03:45.220 align:middle line:84% And we're honored to have Congressman 00:03:45.220 --> 00:03:47.060 align:middle line:90% Neal on the line with us. 00:03:47.060 --> 00:03:51.010 align:middle line:84% And we look forward to hearing from everyone 00:03:51.010 --> 00:03:53.950 align:middle line:84% in Western Massachusetts here present 00:03:53.950 --> 00:03:56.770 align:middle line:84% having an interest in the matter of redistricting. 00:03:56.770 --> 00:03:59.680 align:middle line:84% And we look forward to your comments tonight. 00:03:59.680 --> 00:04:02.470 align:middle line:84% I appreciate very much, Mr Chairman, the opportunity 00:04:02.470 --> 00:04:04.240 align:middle line:90% to give a welcome. 00:04:04.240 --> 00:04:07.060 align:middle line:84% And with that, I will kick it back to you 00:04:07.060 --> 00:04:11.350 align:middle line:84% and/or the senate chair for additional remarks. 00:04:11.350 --> 00:04:14.110 align:middle line:84% And we look forward to the testimony 00:04:14.110 --> 00:04:17.089 align:middle line:84% that people will provide to us here this evening. 00:04:17.089 --> 00:04:18.850 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:04:18.850 --> 00:04:19.703 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Joe. 00:04:19.703 --> 00:04:21.870 align:middle line:84% And again, thank you to all the members of the House 00:04:21.870 --> 00:04:23.070 align:middle line:90% for attending this hearing. 00:04:23.070 --> 00:04:24.570 align:middle line:84% And we're looking forward to hearing 00:04:24.570 --> 00:04:25.980 align:middle line:90% what everyone has to say. 00:04:25.980 --> 00:04:29.040 align:middle line:84% At this point, I'd like to pass it back to my senate co-chair, 00:04:29.040 --> 00:04:32.700 align:middle line:84% Mr. Brownsburger, to carry on with the rest of this hearing-- 00:04:32.700 --> 00:04:34.260 align:middle line:90% Senator Brownsburger. 00:04:34.260 --> 00:04:37.260 align:middle line:90% Thank you so much, Chairman. 00:04:37.260 --> 00:04:39.330 align:middle line:84% I want to say just a couple of things 00:04:39.330 --> 00:04:40.590 align:middle line:90% about how this is going to go. 00:04:40.590 --> 00:04:45.090 align:middle line:84% We're going to hear from Chairman Neal momentarily. 00:04:45.090 --> 00:04:50.280 align:middle line:84% And then we will call those who have signed up on our sign 00:04:50.280 --> 00:04:51.310 align:middle line:90% up sheet. 00:04:51.310 --> 00:04:55.770 align:middle line:84% And if you have not signed up but you do wish to testify, 00:04:55.770 --> 00:05:03.960 align:middle line:84% what you want to do is go to malegislature.gov/redistricting. 00:05:03.960 --> 00:05:05.460 align:middle line:84% You'll find the link to the hearing. 00:05:05.460 --> 00:05:06.930 align:middle line:90% And you'll go through that. 00:05:06.930 --> 00:05:10.590 align:middle line:84% And you'll get to the forum to sign up. 00:05:10.590 --> 00:05:15.260 align:middle line:84% And I think that's really all we need 00:05:15.260 --> 00:05:17.760 align:middle line:90% to cover before we get started. 00:05:17.760 --> 00:05:21.770 align:middle line:84% So Mr. Chairman Neil, I want to thank you 00:05:21.770 --> 00:05:24.740 align:middle line:84% for your patience with our preliminaries here. 00:05:24.740 --> 00:05:27.800 align:middle line:84% We are, in fact, extremely honored to have you here, 00:05:27.800 --> 00:05:34.370 align:middle line:84% really, and to be a part of the process of creating 00:05:34.370 --> 00:05:36.200 align:middle line:84% the new districts in a way that's 00:05:36.200 --> 00:05:37.620 align:middle line:90% supportive for everybody. 00:05:37.620 --> 00:05:43.220 align:middle line:84% And so, Chairman, the floor is yours to offer your thoughts 00:05:43.220 --> 00:05:46.210 align:middle line:90% on the redistricting process. 00:05:46.210 --> 00:05:48.460 align:middle line:84% Well, thank you, Chairman Brownsburger 00:05:48.460 --> 00:05:49.540 align:middle line:90% for your very good words. 00:05:49.540 --> 00:05:52.080 align:middle line:84% And I want to thank Chairman Moran, as well, 00:05:52.080 --> 00:05:55.210 align:middle line:84% and all the members of the committee. 00:05:55.210 --> 00:06:00.060 align:middle line:84% Certainly we acknowledge the critical and important work 00:06:00.060 --> 00:06:01.510 align:middle line:90% that's in front of you. 00:06:01.510 --> 00:06:04.450 align:middle line:84% And we want to make sure that we thank you in proportion 00:06:04.450 --> 00:06:07.060 align:middle line:84% to the responsibilities, as you've given us 00:06:07.060 --> 00:06:09.010 align:middle line:84% an opportunity in Western Massachusetts 00:06:09.010 --> 00:06:13.540 align:middle line:84% to state our case in this very important process. 00:06:13.540 --> 00:06:17.470 align:middle line:84% In America, all of us should count and should be counted. 00:06:17.470 --> 00:06:20.050 align:middle line:90% And no one is to be left behind. 00:06:20.050 --> 00:06:22.630 align:middle line:84% That's the spirit of our constitution. 00:06:22.630 --> 00:06:26.470 align:middle line:84% That's the spirit that lives on in our decennial census 00:06:26.470 --> 00:06:30.520 align:middle line:84% and in the work of this very important committee. 00:06:30.520 --> 00:06:33.400 align:middle line:84% I appreciate the challenge ahead of you. 00:06:33.400 --> 00:06:36.280 align:middle line:84% I know you are all equal to the task and to ensure 00:06:36.280 --> 00:06:39.670 align:middle line:84% that every resident of the Commonwealth 00:06:39.670 --> 00:06:44.040 align:middle line:84% receives equal and fair representation. 00:06:44.040 --> 00:06:47.910 align:middle line:84% The transparency of this process is an example for the nation. 00:06:47.910 --> 00:06:49.590 align:middle line:84% And certainly proud of the example 00:06:49.590 --> 00:06:53.070 align:middle line:84% that Massachusetts once again is setting. 00:06:53.070 --> 00:06:54.810 align:middle line:84% While other states are passing laws 00:06:54.810 --> 00:06:57.120 align:middle line:84% to restrict the right to vote, you 00:06:57.120 --> 00:07:01.320 align:middle line:84% are engaged in a fair process with public hearings 00:07:01.320 --> 00:07:02.750 align:middle line:90% like this one. 00:07:02.750 --> 00:07:07.230 align:middle line:84% And very soon, I anticipate you will release draft maps 00:07:07.230 --> 00:07:09.370 align:middle line:90% for public feedback. 00:07:09.370 --> 00:07:11.940 align:middle line:84% This is a representative democracy 00:07:11.940 --> 00:07:14.490 align:middle line:90% that is truly open to everyone. 00:07:14.490 --> 00:07:17.610 align:middle line:84% And I'm glad you've asked me to be a part of it. 00:07:17.610 --> 00:07:20.500 align:middle line:84% The 1st Congressional District is my home. 00:07:20.500 --> 00:07:23.040 align:middle line:84% It stretches from Southbridge to Pittsfield 00:07:23.040 --> 00:07:27.750 align:middle line:84% and includes 87 cities and towns in Central and Western 00:07:27.750 --> 00:07:29.770 align:middle line:90% Massachusetts. 00:07:29.770 --> 00:07:32.060 align:middle line:84% I'm really proud of the opportunity 00:07:32.060 --> 00:07:33.970 align:middle line:84% I've had for all of these years to represent 00:07:33.970 --> 00:07:36.910 align:middle line:84% my hometown of Springfield, the third largest 00:07:36.910 --> 00:07:39.810 align:middle line:90% city in our Commonwealth. 00:07:39.810 --> 00:07:41.470 align:middle line:84% The communities of the 1st District 00:07:41.470 --> 00:07:43.360 align:middle line:84% have strong manufacturing industries 00:07:43.360 --> 00:07:45.220 align:middle line:84% that build many of the things that we all 00:07:45.220 --> 00:07:47.860 align:middle line:90% take for granted each day. 00:07:47.860 --> 00:07:50.170 align:middle line:84% Our hospitals host world-renowned doctors 00:07:50.170 --> 00:07:51.670 align:middle line:90% and scientists. 00:07:51.670 --> 00:07:54.445 align:middle line:84% The 1st District is a center of higher education 00:07:54.445 --> 00:07:59.590 align:middle line:84% with over 150,000 students pursuing higher education 00:07:59.590 --> 00:08:02.200 align:middle line:90% at over two dozen institutions. 00:08:02.200 --> 00:08:04.000 align:middle line:84% Meanwhile, the Berkshires have rightly 00:08:04.000 --> 00:08:07.300 align:middle line:84% earned a reputation for world-class culture 00:08:07.300 --> 00:08:11.380 align:middle line:84% from arts to theater and to film. 00:08:11.380 --> 00:08:13.750 align:middle line:84% As this committee proceeds with its work, 00:08:13.750 --> 00:08:16.900 align:middle line:84% I believe it's important to keep a watchful eye on maintaining 00:08:16.900 --> 00:08:21.110 align:middle line:84% regional equity and respecting communities of interest. 00:08:21.110 --> 00:08:22.970 align:middle line:84% I believe that Western Massachusetts 00:08:22.970 --> 00:08:26.240 align:middle line:90% needs two members of Congress. 00:08:26.240 --> 00:08:30.210 align:middle line:84% This is a unique region with a diverse mix of urban, suburban, 00:08:30.210 --> 00:08:33.919 align:middle line:84% and rural communities, with a broad range of industries. 00:08:33.919 --> 00:08:38.669 align:middle line:84% And it's home to deeply diverse communities. 00:08:38.669 --> 00:08:41.669 align:middle line:84% With Massachusetts growing in population during this latest 00:08:41.669 --> 00:08:45.720 align:middle line:84% census count, I am pleased that our congressional delegation 00:08:45.720 --> 00:08:48.540 align:middle line:90% will remain nine members strong. 00:08:48.540 --> 00:08:51.240 align:middle line:84% I can't tell you how important that is. 00:08:51.240 --> 00:08:54.090 align:middle line:84% As a result, this committee has the opportunity to reaffirm, 00:08:54.090 --> 00:08:57.780 align:middle line:84% as we decided 10 years ago, that Western Massachusetts needs 00:08:57.780 --> 00:08:59.860 align:middle line:90% two congressional seats. 00:08:59.860 --> 00:09:02.340 align:middle line:84% To me, this is a question of regional equity 00:09:02.340 --> 00:09:03.755 align:middle line:90% across our state. 00:09:03.755 --> 00:09:05.910 align:middle line:84% I am grateful for this opportunity 00:09:05.910 --> 00:09:08.130 align:middle line:84% to speak to you today, and appreciate 00:09:08.130 --> 00:09:10.580 align:middle line:84% the seismic challenge in front of you. 00:09:10.580 --> 00:09:12.160 align:middle line:90% Thank you for your time. 00:09:12.160 --> 00:09:14.880 align:middle line:84% I'd be happy to answer any questions that you might have. 00:09:14.880 --> 00:09:19.780 align:middle line:90% 00:09:19.780 --> 00:09:21.990 align:middle line:84% Thank you so much for that, Chairman. 00:09:21.990 --> 00:09:24.230 align:middle line:84% Are there other questions from the committee? 00:09:24.230 --> 00:09:26.870 align:middle line:90% 00:09:26.870 --> 00:09:28.100 align:middle line:90% Mr. Chairman-- 00:09:28.100 --> 00:09:29.400 align:middle line:90% Representative Williams. 00:09:29.400 --> 00:09:29.900 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:09:29.900 --> 00:09:33.350 align:middle line:84% Thank you, my lifelong friend, Congressman Neal, 00:09:33.350 --> 00:09:35.730 align:middle line:84% chairman of Ways and Means, thank you very much. 00:09:35.730 --> 00:09:41.330 align:middle line:84% In terms of numbers being sent to us from the Census Bureau 00:09:41.330 --> 00:09:45.470 align:middle line:84% from Washington, I think there's a September 30 timeline. 00:09:45.470 --> 00:09:47.060 align:middle line:84% Is that going to be a real timeline? 00:09:47.060 --> 00:09:50.600 align:middle line:84% Or, are we going to have to go beyond that? 00:09:50.600 --> 00:09:52.990 align:middle line:84% Well, first of all a good word to you, Buddy Williams. 00:09:52.990 --> 00:09:54.670 align:middle line:84% We have been friends since childhood. 00:09:54.670 --> 00:09:59.590 align:middle line:84% And I think that the census got off to a bad start. 00:09:59.590 --> 00:10:01.690 align:middle line:84% And I think that there were a series of shadows 00:10:01.690 --> 00:10:03.790 align:middle line:90% that were cast upon the census. 00:10:03.790 --> 00:10:05.950 align:middle line:84% And I think that that contributed 00:10:05.950 --> 00:10:10.390 align:middle line:84% to the very slow undertaking of the count. 00:10:10.390 --> 00:10:13.630 align:middle line:84% Then there were questions as to how people were to be counted. 00:10:13.630 --> 00:10:16.990 align:middle line:84% I know in my own neighborhood, as the census was taken, 00:10:16.990 --> 00:10:19.210 align:middle line:84% I had a chance to talk to one of the census takers. 00:10:19.210 --> 00:10:22.270 align:middle line:84% And I only was too happy and helpful as they 00:10:22.270 --> 00:10:25.840 align:middle line:84% were trying to gauge some households in the neighborhood 00:10:25.840 --> 00:10:27.730 align:middle line:90% on a Sunday afternoon. 00:10:27.730 --> 00:10:31.000 align:middle line:84% I think by and large, they did a really good job, 00:10:31.000 --> 00:10:34.233 align:middle line:84% while simultaneously I know that we're certainly not 00:10:34.233 --> 00:10:36.400 align:middle line:84% near the end of this process until those numbers are 00:10:36.400 --> 00:10:39.940 align:middle line:84% certified and passed on to the various states. 00:10:39.940 --> 00:10:41.830 align:middle line:84% And I anticipate, as all of you do, 00:10:41.830 --> 00:10:44.742 align:middle line:84% that there will be a series of court challenges going forward. 00:10:44.742 --> 00:10:47.200 align:middle line:84% Whether or not that happens in Massachusetts, I don't know. 00:10:47.200 --> 00:10:51.110 align:middle line:84% But across the country, it is sure to happen. 00:10:51.110 --> 00:10:55.060 align:middle line:84% So I don't want to volunteer a false promise or something, 00:10:55.060 --> 00:10:56.780 align:middle line:90% it might not happen. 00:10:56.780 --> 00:10:59.650 align:middle line:84% But I can tell you that in Massachusetts and the fact 00:10:59.650 --> 00:11:02.290 align:middle line:84% that you've all been part of this committee, 00:11:02.290 --> 00:11:06.340 align:middle line:84% the, again, the size of the responsibility 00:11:06.340 --> 00:11:10.120 align:middle line:84% that legislators have every 10 years in making sure 00:11:10.120 --> 00:11:13.010 align:middle line:84% that we adhere to one man or one woman 00:11:13.010 --> 00:11:15.860 align:middle line:90% and one vote is really critical. 00:11:15.860 --> 00:11:19.870 align:middle line:84% And I also would say that as quickly as we 00:11:19.870 --> 00:11:22.010 align:middle line:84% can get the process underway, that would be great. 00:11:22.010 --> 00:11:26.500 align:middle line:84% But I am also very mindful of the challenges that 00:11:26.500 --> 00:11:29.630 align:middle line:90% are going to be forthcoming. 00:11:29.630 --> 00:11:30.425 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:11:30.425 --> 00:11:32.345 align:middle line:90% Thanks, Buddy. 00:11:32.345 --> 00:11:36.460 align:middle line:84% I believe Senator Gobi has a comment as well. 00:11:36.460 --> 00:11:37.890 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 00:11:37.890 --> 00:11:40.950 align:middle line:84% And always good to see you, Congressman, 00:11:40.950 --> 00:11:43.810 align:middle line:84% and appreciate all the work that you do for our area. 00:11:43.810 --> 00:11:46.710 align:middle line:84% And I just want to thank you publicly, 00:11:46.710 --> 00:11:49.440 align:middle line:84% but also I do appreciate that you brought up 00:11:49.440 --> 00:11:53.040 align:middle line:84% the regional equity, because that's obviously extremely 00:11:53.040 --> 00:11:55.500 align:middle line:84% important, not just for the congressional seats 00:11:55.500 --> 00:11:59.640 align:middle line:84% but for the legislative seats as well as we look 00:11:59.640 --> 00:12:02.520 align:middle line:84% to this new redistricting map that we're 00:12:02.520 --> 00:12:03.940 align:middle line:90% going to be looking at. 00:12:03.940 --> 00:12:07.350 align:middle line:84% But I do appreciate your advocacy and all 00:12:07.350 --> 00:12:10.410 align:middle line:84% that you've done for Western Mass, as well as Central Mass. 00:12:10.410 --> 00:12:12.450 align:middle line:84% But again, the regional equity is something 00:12:12.450 --> 00:12:16.830 align:middle line:84% that I share your concern and is well noted. 00:12:16.830 --> 00:12:18.284 align:middle line:90% So thank you. 00:12:18.284 --> 00:12:19.620 align:middle line:90% Well, thanks, Senator Gobi. 00:12:19.620 --> 00:12:22.800 align:middle line:84% And you've indeed been a great pal over all of these years-- 00:12:22.800 --> 00:12:26.000 align:middle line:90% much appreciated. 00:12:26.000 --> 00:12:26.500 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:12:26.500 --> 00:12:29.110 align:middle line:84% I believe Representative Farley-Bouvier 00:12:29.110 --> 00:12:32.030 align:middle line:90% has a comment or question. 00:12:32.030 --> 00:12:35.000 align:middle line:90% Thank you so much, Mr. Chairman. 00:12:35.000 --> 00:12:37.584 align:middle line:90% Sorry, am I echoing? 00:12:37.584 --> 00:12:39.350 align:middle line:90% Nope, you sound good. 00:12:39.350 --> 00:12:40.590 align:middle line:90% You sound good. 00:12:40.590 --> 00:12:43.590 align:middle line:84% I just want to thank the congressman-- 00:12:43.590 --> 00:12:46.620 align:middle line:84% my congressman-- for joining us here today. 00:12:46.620 --> 00:12:52.560 align:middle line:84% And he became my congressman as a result of the redistricting 00:12:52.560 --> 00:12:55.420 align:middle line:90% last time, 10 years ago. 00:12:55.420 --> 00:12:58.740 align:middle line:84% And at that time, there was, really, 00:12:58.740 --> 00:13:01.740 align:middle line:84% a unified message from the Berkshires 00:13:01.740 --> 00:13:03.900 align:middle line:84% to keep the Berkshires whole when it 00:13:03.900 --> 00:13:07.080 align:middle line:90% came to the congressional seat. 00:13:07.080 --> 00:13:08.970 align:middle line:84% And I think it's important for us 00:13:08.970 --> 00:13:12.270 align:middle line:84% now to hear from the congressman on his view of that 00:13:12.270 --> 00:13:14.910 align:middle line:84% because there's a lot of different ways 00:13:14.910 --> 00:13:18.510 align:middle line:84% to carve up Western Mass, but I certainly 00:13:18.510 --> 00:13:22.200 align:middle line:84% like to hear what you think about keeping the Berkshires 00:13:22.200 --> 00:13:25.560 align:middle line:90% whole in this new map. 00:13:25.560 --> 00:13:28.500 align:middle line:84% Well, thanks to you Representative Farley-Bouvier. 00:13:28.500 --> 00:13:31.830 align:middle line:84% And you've been a good friend as well. 00:13:31.830 --> 00:13:34.680 align:middle line:84% I wasn't wobbly on this issue 10 years ago. 00:13:34.680 --> 00:13:36.870 align:middle line:90% And I'm not wobbly on it now. 00:13:36.870 --> 00:13:39.580 align:middle line:84% There is no reason to split the Berkshires. 00:13:39.580 --> 00:13:41.570 align:middle line:84% This is part of a community of interests. 00:13:41.570 --> 00:13:44.740 align:middle line:84% And at the time, there was, as you recall, 00:13:44.740 --> 00:13:47.020 align:middle line:84% an effort, at least in the discussion phases, 00:13:47.020 --> 00:13:48.923 align:middle line:84% to divide the Berkshires-- trying 00:13:48.923 --> 00:13:50.590 align:middle line:84% to figure out north of Pittsville, south 00:13:50.590 --> 00:13:51.430 align:middle line:90% of Pittsville. 00:13:51.430 --> 00:13:55.420 align:middle line:84% I was steadfast that I thought all of Berkshire County 00:13:55.420 --> 00:13:59.630 align:middle line:84% ought to be part of the 1st Congressional District then 00:13:59.630 --> 00:14:00.290 align:middle line:90% and now. 00:14:00.290 --> 00:14:02.990 align:middle line:90% 00:14:02.990 --> 00:14:04.110 align:middle line:90% I couldn't agree more. 00:14:04.110 --> 00:14:07.110 align:middle line:90% Thank you so much. 00:14:07.110 --> 00:14:07.610 align:middle line:90% All right. 00:14:07.610 --> 00:14:09.020 align:middle line:84% Well, that point is clearly made. 00:14:09.020 --> 00:14:13.580 align:middle line:90% 00:14:13.580 --> 00:14:21.950 align:middle line:84% Any other questions, thoughts, comments from the panel? 00:14:21.950 --> 00:14:23.540 align:middle line:90% I have one too. 00:14:23.540 --> 00:14:25.400 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:14:25.400 --> 00:14:26.930 align:middle line:90% Good evening, Congressman Neal. 00:14:26.930 --> 00:14:28.380 align:middle line:90% Great to see you. 00:14:28.380 --> 00:14:30.140 align:middle line:90% Thanks for all of your work. 00:14:30.140 --> 00:14:32.840 align:middle line:84% Kind of along the lines that Represent Farley-Bouvier 00:14:32.840 --> 00:14:37.460 align:middle line:84% is discussing, you and I don't have many directions we can go. 00:14:37.460 --> 00:14:40.970 align:middle line:84% We both border Vermont, New York, and Connecticut. 00:14:40.970 --> 00:14:44.240 align:middle line:84% And so-- but I guess that question comes up 00:14:44.240 --> 00:14:46.910 align:middle line:84% when people are talking to me about the State Senate 00:14:46.910 --> 00:14:48.320 align:middle line:90% districts as well. 00:14:48.320 --> 00:14:50.760 align:middle line:84% Would you go more to the north or more to the south. 00:14:50.760 --> 00:14:53.990 align:middle line:84% And I'm just curious if you have any views on that for the 1st 00:14:53.990 --> 00:14:56.000 align:middle line:84% Congressional District, and generally 00:14:56.000 --> 00:14:59.370 align:middle line:84% where it would pick up population. 00:14:59.370 --> 00:15:00.650 align:middle line:90% Well, I have no-- 00:15:00.650 --> 00:15:01.820 align:middle line:90% thanks, first of all, Adam. 00:15:01.820 --> 00:15:06.710 align:middle line:84% And I-- word of thanks for your loyalties over the years too. 00:15:06.710 --> 00:15:10.580 align:middle line:84% I have no current plans to invade Vermont. 00:15:10.580 --> 00:15:12.710 align:middle line:84% I think that the people of Vermont 00:15:12.710 --> 00:15:15.410 align:middle line:84% can be safe in their assumptions that there is no occupation 00:15:15.410 --> 00:15:17.990 align:middle line:90% that's being planned. 00:15:17.990 --> 00:15:20.940 align:middle line:84% But having to pick up some of the numbers here, 00:15:20.940 --> 00:15:23.630 align:middle line:84% it seems to me that it's likely that we would 00:15:23.630 --> 00:15:27.350 align:middle line:90% have to proceed to the east. 00:15:27.350 --> 00:15:30.650 align:middle line:84% I'll leave the speculation specifically to all of you. 00:15:30.650 --> 00:15:32.600 align:middle line:84% But over the course of the years, 00:15:32.600 --> 00:15:36.680 align:middle line:84% I have represented communities all the way to Norfolk County 00:15:36.680 --> 00:15:38.530 align:middle line:90% and Bellingham. 00:15:38.530 --> 00:15:42.130 align:middle line:84% I represented the bulk of Worcester County 00:15:42.130 --> 00:15:45.460 align:middle line:84% at different intervals in the early stages of my career-- 00:15:45.460 --> 00:15:48.340 align:middle line:84% Paxton, Holden, Princeton, Hubbardston. 00:15:48.340 --> 00:15:52.090 align:middle line:84% Those were all parts of the 2nd District at the time. 00:15:52.090 --> 00:15:54.760 align:middle line:84% And then with the amount of reapportionment all 00:15:54.760 --> 00:15:58.575 align:middle line:84% through the Blackstone Valley, all the way to Blackstone, 00:15:58.575 --> 00:16:03.475 align:middle line:84% Milford, and Bellingham, and even communities 00:16:03.475 --> 00:16:05.350 align:middle line:84% that horseshoed around the city of Worcester, 00:16:05.350 --> 00:16:08.120 align:middle line:84% north and south, at different times. 00:16:08.120 --> 00:16:09.747 align:middle line:90% So I'm very familiar with that. 00:16:09.747 --> 00:16:11.080 align:middle line:90% I was on the turnpike yesterday. 00:16:11.080 --> 00:16:13.960 align:middle line:84% And I was looking at the Blackstone Valley corridor 00:16:13.960 --> 00:16:14.560 align:middle line:90% signs. 00:16:14.560 --> 00:16:16.660 align:middle line:84% And I was looking at the [INAUDIBLE].. 00:16:16.660 --> 00:16:19.180 align:middle line:84% And Gobi would be very familiar with those. 00:16:19.180 --> 00:16:21.760 align:middle line:84% And I was much involved in the establishment 00:16:21.760 --> 00:16:24.030 align:middle line:84% of those successful pieces of legislation 00:16:24.030 --> 00:16:26.230 align:middle line:90% a considerable period ago. 00:16:26.230 --> 00:16:30.730 align:middle line:84% So it strikes me that since I can't head to New York, 00:16:30.730 --> 00:16:33.530 align:middle line:84% I think it was probably a time when legislators were even more 00:16:33.530 --> 00:16:34.030 align:middle line:90% creative. 00:16:34.030 --> 00:16:35.322 align:middle line:90% And they would have tried that. 00:16:35.322 --> 00:16:38.980 align:middle line:84% But I think that the fact that the courts are so much more 00:16:38.980 --> 00:16:40.780 align:middle line:84% mindful now of how these districts are 00:16:40.780 --> 00:16:43.957 align:middle line:84% drawn that headed east, I suspect, 00:16:43.957 --> 00:16:45.040 align:middle line:90% would make the most sense. 00:16:45.040 --> 00:16:53.960 align:middle line:90% 00:16:53.960 --> 00:16:57.580 align:middle line:84% Any other comments, questions, thoughts 00:16:57.580 --> 00:17:02.260 align:middle line:84% while we have the honor of the presence of Chairman Neil? 00:17:02.260 --> 00:17:06.050 align:middle line:90% 00:17:06.050 --> 00:17:08.089 align:middle line:84% Chairman, I want to say thank you again 00:17:08.089 --> 00:17:09.920 align:middle line:84% for gracing us with your presence. 00:17:09.920 --> 00:17:11.690 align:middle line:84% And thank you again for your patience 00:17:11.690 --> 00:17:12.680 align:middle line:90% with our preliminaries. 00:17:12.680 --> 00:17:14.839 align:middle line:84% And we look forward to working with you 00:17:14.839 --> 00:17:16.550 align:middle line:90% as the process moves forward. 00:17:16.550 --> 00:17:17.450 align:middle line:90% This is a big deal. 00:17:17.450 --> 00:17:18.560 align:middle line:84% I know you're going to get it right. 00:17:18.560 --> 00:17:20.268 align:middle line:84% And I certainly appreciate it the effort. 00:17:20.268 --> 00:17:21.540 align:middle line:90% Thank you all. 00:17:21.540 --> 00:17:22.040 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:17:22.040 --> 00:17:26.599 align:middle line:90% 00:17:26.599 --> 00:17:27.170 align:middle line:90% Let's see. 00:17:27.170 --> 00:17:30.200 align:middle line:84% So now I'm going to turn to a list of those 00:17:30.200 --> 00:17:34.460 align:middle line:90% who have signed up on the form. 00:17:34.460 --> 00:17:40.190 align:middle line:84% And the first person I have is Nancy Capron of Holyoke. 00:17:40.190 --> 00:17:43.215 align:middle line:90% Nancy, are you on the call? 00:17:43.215 --> 00:17:45.920 align:middle line:90% 00:17:45.920 --> 00:17:48.730 align:middle line:84% I don't see Nancy listed among those who 00:17:48.730 --> 00:17:51.440 align:middle line:90% are attending at this moment. 00:17:51.440 --> 00:17:56.300 align:middle line:84% So I'm going to go ahead and go to the next person. 00:17:56.300 --> 00:17:58.060 align:middle line:84% Let me just-- got to keep a record here. 00:17:58.060 --> 00:18:04.440 align:middle line:90% 00:18:04.440 --> 00:18:06.635 align:middle line:90% I see Marie Jacques Toussaint-- 00:18:06.635 --> 00:18:11.990 align:middle line:90% 00:18:11.990 --> 00:18:15.630 align:middle line:90% not appearing on the call. 00:18:15.630 --> 00:18:19.635 align:middle line:90% I see Thomas Matusko-- 00:18:19.635 --> 00:18:24.300 align:middle line:90% 00:18:24.300 --> 00:18:26.610 align:middle line:90% not appearing on the call. 00:18:26.610 --> 00:18:29.850 align:middle line:84% I do see a couple of elected officials who are on the call. 00:18:29.850 --> 00:18:33.380 align:middle line:84% Let me try to let me try to get them in now. 00:18:33.380 --> 00:18:36.340 align:middle line:84% I promoted Tom Matusko to the panel. 00:18:36.340 --> 00:18:36.960 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:18:36.960 --> 00:18:45.800 align:middle line:90% 00:18:45.800 --> 00:18:49.350 align:middle line:84% I believe Mayor Bernard is waiting to come on. 00:18:49.350 --> 00:18:49.850 align:middle line:90% All right. 00:18:49.850 --> 00:18:54.900 align:middle line:84% Well, let me represent Tom Matusko, who is currently-- 00:18:54.900 --> 00:18:56.150 align:middle line:90% is in the power. 00:18:56.150 --> 00:18:59.570 align:middle line:84% You should be able to unmute yourself, Tom. 00:18:59.570 --> 00:19:06.480 align:middle line:84% And why don't we make you a co-host so we 00:19:06.480 --> 00:19:08.550 align:middle line:90% can see you momentarily here. 00:19:08.550 --> 00:19:11.250 align:middle line:90% 00:19:11.250 --> 00:19:13.590 align:middle line:84% So you can turn on your video and your audio, Tom. 00:19:13.590 --> 00:19:18.020 align:middle line:84% And then after that, we're going to go to Mayor LaChapelle, 00:19:18.020 --> 00:19:19.700 align:middle line:84% and following that, Mayor Bernard. 00:19:19.700 --> 00:19:26.090 align:middle line:90% 00:19:26.090 --> 00:19:28.370 align:middle line:90% I'm trying to turn my video on. 00:19:28.370 --> 00:19:29.180 align:middle line:90% Can you see me? 00:19:29.180 --> 00:19:33.040 align:middle line:90% 00:19:33.040 --> 00:19:37.330 align:middle line:84% Let me see if I've done that successfully. 00:19:37.330 --> 00:19:37.930 align:middle line:90% Yes, sir. 00:19:37.930 --> 00:19:38.560 align:middle line:90% There you go. 00:19:38.560 --> 00:19:39.760 align:middle line:90% You're in business. 00:19:39.760 --> 00:19:40.930 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:19:40.930 --> 00:19:43.900 align:middle line:90% This is quite an audio. 00:19:43.900 --> 00:19:46.960 align:middle line:84% Thank you, though, for the opportunity to testify. 00:19:46.960 --> 00:19:49.930 align:middle line:84% So I am the executive director of the Berkshire Regional 00:19:49.930 --> 00:19:54.460 align:middle line:84% Planning Commission, also known as BRPC. 00:19:54.460 --> 00:19:59.170 align:middle line:84% The BRPC serves as the regional planning agency 00:19:59.170 --> 00:20:02.980 align:middle line:84% for the municipalities of Berkshire County, which 00:20:02.980 --> 00:20:05.110 align:middle line:84% is the westernmost county in Massachusetts, 00:20:05.110 --> 00:20:08.560 align:middle line:90% with about 125,000 residents. 00:20:08.560 --> 00:20:11.920 align:middle line:84% With about 950 square miles, Berkshire County 00:20:11.920 --> 00:20:15.580 align:middle line:84% is the second largest county in Massachusetts. 00:20:15.580 --> 00:20:19.000 align:middle line:84% There are 32 cities and towns in Berkshire County. 00:20:19.000 --> 00:20:20.980 align:middle line:84% And to be sure, there are differences 00:20:20.980 --> 00:20:23.560 align:middle line:84% between the municipalities in the county. 00:20:23.560 --> 00:20:27.370 align:middle line:84% For instance, the two cities, which comprise nearly 44% 00:20:27.370 --> 00:20:30.190 align:middle line:84% of the population, have similar issues 00:20:30.190 --> 00:20:32.320 align:middle line:90% to other large urban areas. 00:20:32.320 --> 00:20:35.410 align:middle line:84% Pittsfield, located in the center of the county, 00:20:35.410 --> 00:20:37.240 align:middle line:90% is a gateway community. 00:20:37.240 --> 00:20:40.540 align:middle line:84% North Adams, the smallest of the Commonwealth cities, 00:20:40.540 --> 00:20:44.070 align:middle line:84% has some of the lowest income levels in the state. 00:20:44.070 --> 00:20:45.580 align:middle line:84% On the other end of the spectrum, 00:20:45.580 --> 00:20:50.970 align:middle line:84% however, there are very small towns, with 12 towns-- 00:20:50.970 --> 00:20:53.940 align:middle line:84% almost 40% of the municipalities in the county-- 00:20:53.940 --> 00:20:59.070 align:middle line:84% having populations under 1,000 residents. 00:20:59.070 --> 00:21:02.160 align:middle line:84% Despite these differences, there is one common bond 00:21:02.160 --> 00:21:05.260 align:middle line:84% between the communities of Berkshire County. 00:21:05.260 --> 00:21:08.590 align:middle line:84% Residents of Berkshire County identify with and take pride 00:21:08.590 --> 00:21:10.980 align:middle line:90% in being from Berkshire County. 00:21:10.980 --> 00:21:15.040 align:middle line:84% There is a strong county identification. 00:21:15.040 --> 00:21:16.660 align:middle line:84% The geography of Berkshire County 00:21:16.660 --> 00:21:20.200 align:middle line:90% reinforces this identification. 00:21:20.200 --> 00:21:23.140 align:middle line:84% Mountains and hills on the eastern and western boundaries 00:21:23.140 --> 00:21:26.740 align:middle line:84% of the county limit access across those features. 00:21:26.740 --> 00:21:29.260 align:middle line:84% Most residents travel north and south, 00:21:29.260 --> 00:21:33.160 align:middle line:84% with Pittsfield serving as a regional employment and service 00:21:33.160 --> 00:21:34.420 align:middle line:90% center. 00:21:34.420 --> 00:21:38.260 align:middle line:84% Public transportation is oriented north and south. 00:21:38.260 --> 00:21:41.680 align:middle line:84% For these reasons, county integrity should be maintained. 00:21:41.680 --> 00:21:43.630 align:middle line:84% And the entirety of Berkshire County 00:21:43.630 --> 00:21:46.090 align:middle line:84% should remain in one congressional district 00:21:46.090 --> 00:21:48.790 align:middle line:84% so that the interests of Berkshire County residents 00:21:48.790 --> 00:21:53.230 align:middle line:84% can be represented consistently and uniformly by one 00:21:53.230 --> 00:21:55.510 align:middle line:90% congressman. 00:21:55.510 --> 00:21:57.700 align:middle line:84% On the state side, I am advocating 00:21:57.700 --> 00:21:59.530 align:middle line:84% for the senate and house districts 00:21:59.530 --> 00:22:03.340 align:middle line:84% to be sized at the low end of the allowable range 00:22:03.340 --> 00:22:06.340 align:middle line:84% due to the relatively large number of municipalities 00:22:06.340 --> 00:22:11.540 align:middle line:84% in each district, the sprawling nature of the districts 00:22:11.540 --> 00:22:14.120 align:middle line:84% with limited transportation access, 00:22:14.120 --> 00:22:17.210 align:middle line:84% and the changing demographics caused by the COVID-19 00:22:17.210 --> 00:22:18.950 align:middle line:90% pandemic. 00:22:18.950 --> 00:22:21.410 align:middle line:84% The Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin, and Hampden senate 00:22:21.410 --> 00:22:24.710 align:middle line:84% district, which currently is served by Senator Hinds, 00:22:24.710 --> 00:22:28.460 align:middle line:84% is a large, sprawling district with 52 municipalities 00:22:28.460 --> 00:22:30.410 align:middle line:90% in parts of four counties. 00:22:30.410 --> 00:22:32.900 align:middle line:84% It would take Senator Hinds nearly two hours 00:22:32.900 --> 00:22:35.960 align:middle line:84% to travel between the two extremes of Heath and Mount 00:22:35.960 --> 00:22:39.520 align:middle line:84% Washington, mostly on secondary roads. 00:22:39.520 --> 00:22:42.950 align:middle line:84% While the nature of communication is changing, 00:22:42.950 --> 00:22:46.700 align:middle line:84% the personal connection between constituents and legislators 00:22:46.700 --> 00:22:49.610 align:middle line:84% is still an extremely important component 00:22:49.610 --> 00:22:54.590 align:middle line:84% of equitable representation, although the situation 00:22:54.590 --> 00:22:55.430 align:middle line:90% is changing. 00:22:55.430 --> 00:22:57.290 align:middle line:84% Many of the communities in this district 00:22:57.290 --> 00:23:01.530 align:middle line:84% still do not have complete coverage by broadband. 00:23:01.530 --> 00:23:04.050 align:middle line:84% On another matter, the 2020 census 00:23:04.050 --> 00:23:07.590 align:middle line:84% will likely show a declining population in Berkshire County. 00:23:07.590 --> 00:23:11.970 align:middle line:84% This census happened before the full impact of the COVID-19 00:23:11.970 --> 00:23:14.730 align:middle line:84% urban exodus could be accounted for. 00:23:14.730 --> 00:23:18.900 align:middle line:84% County households, as well as the other anecdotal indicators, 00:23:18.900 --> 00:23:21.330 align:middle line:84% such as an article in The New York Times, 00:23:21.330 --> 00:23:23.460 align:middle line:84% show that Berkshire County, as well as 00:23:23.460 --> 00:23:25.470 align:middle line:84% other rural parts of Massachusetts, 00:23:25.470 --> 00:23:28.230 align:middle line:90% is likely to gain population. 00:23:28.230 --> 00:23:31.230 align:middle line:84% It seems like urban dwellers in the large metropolises 00:23:31.230 --> 00:23:34.380 align:middle line:84% have finally learned the benefits of a calmer lifestyle, 00:23:34.380 --> 00:23:38.430 align:middle line:84% especially now that teleworking has become commonplace. 00:23:38.430 --> 00:23:42.120 align:middle line:84% Setting rural districts, such as those serving Berkshire County, 00:23:42.120 --> 00:23:46.170 align:middle line:84% small now while keeping metropolitan urban districts 00:23:46.170 --> 00:23:50.010 align:middle line:84% large now would account for anticipated future population 00:23:50.010 --> 00:23:53.670 align:middle line:84% shifts as rural districts gain and urban districts 00:23:53.670 --> 00:23:59.030 align:middle line:84% lose, thereby maintaining equitable representation. 00:23:59.030 --> 00:24:02.120 align:middle line:84% Berkshire County is currently served by four representatives. 00:24:02.120 --> 00:24:04.650 align:middle line:84% The county, as has been stated earlier, 00:24:04.650 --> 00:24:07.760 align:middle line:84% is bounded by Vermont, New York, and Connecticut. 00:24:07.760 --> 00:24:11.090 align:middle line:84% If districts need to grow, they can only grow to the east. 00:24:11.090 --> 00:24:13.790 align:middle line:84% Doing so could result in the residents of Berkshire County 00:24:13.790 --> 00:24:16.580 align:middle line:90% losing representation. 00:24:16.580 --> 00:24:18.890 align:middle line:84% As the part of the state farthest from Boston 00:24:18.890 --> 00:24:21.830 align:middle line:84% and the seat of power, Berkshire residents already 00:24:21.830 --> 00:24:24.350 align:middle line:84% frequently feel that their issues and concerns 00:24:24.350 --> 00:24:28.910 align:middle line:84% are not understood or listened to by eastern legislators. 00:24:28.910 --> 00:24:30.990 align:middle line:84% We strongly advocate for as little change 00:24:30.990 --> 00:24:33.260 align:middle line:84% to the representation of Berkshire County, 00:24:33.260 --> 00:24:37.930 align:middle line:84% as well as all of rural Western Massachusetts, as possible. 00:24:37.930 --> 00:24:40.780 align:middle line:84% Representative Farley-Bouvier represents the 3rd Berkshire 00:24:40.780 --> 00:24:42.700 align:middle line:84% District in the city of Pittsfield. 00:24:42.700 --> 00:24:45.430 align:middle line:84% Pittsfield is the most urban Berkshire community 00:24:45.430 --> 00:24:48.700 align:middle line:84% with a relatively large nonwhite population. 00:24:48.700 --> 00:24:51.190 align:middle line:84% She understands and represents the unique needs 00:24:51.190 --> 00:24:55.690 align:middle line:84% of that community extremely well. 00:24:55.690 --> 00:24:59.430 align:middle line:84% Pittsfield continues to need a strong voice. 00:24:59.430 --> 00:25:02.700 align:middle line:84% Representatives Pignatelli, Mark, and Barrett mostly only 00:25:02.700 --> 00:25:04.770 align:middle line:84% represent a blend of small towns, 00:25:04.770 --> 00:25:07.140 align:middle line:84% in the case of North Adams, a small city, 00:25:07.140 --> 00:25:10.120 align:middle line:90% and small rural communities. 00:25:10.120 --> 00:25:14.280 align:middle line:84% I am a member of the Rural Policy Advisory Commission, 00:25:14.280 --> 00:25:16.320 align:middle line:90% also known as RPAC. 00:25:16.320 --> 00:25:19.830 align:middle line:84% RPAC was created by the legislature in 2015 00:25:19.830 --> 00:25:22.590 align:middle line:84% with the mission of enhancing the economic vitality 00:25:22.590 --> 00:25:25.920 align:middle line:90% of rural municipalities. 00:25:25.920 --> 00:25:30.660 align:middle line:84% In the fall of 2019, the RPAC issue the Massachusetts Rural 00:25:30.660 --> 00:25:33.000 align:middle line:90% Policy Plan. 00:25:33.000 --> 00:25:36.660 align:middle line:84% That plant conducted an analysis of rural assets and challenges 00:25:36.660 --> 00:25:40.050 align:middle line:84% and clearly demonstrated how rural areas need 00:25:40.050 --> 00:25:43.980 align:middle line:84% specific policy investment and regulatory actions 00:25:43.980 --> 00:25:46.840 align:middle line:90% to support their unique issues. 00:25:46.840 --> 00:25:48.940 align:middle line:84% Currently, the 4th Berkshire District 00:25:48.940 --> 00:25:51.460 align:middle line:84% encompasses much of Southern Berkshire County 00:25:51.460 --> 00:25:55.900 align:middle line:84% and is represented by representative Pignatelli. 00:25:55.900 --> 00:25:58.540 align:middle line:84% While these towns face most of the same issues 00:25:58.540 --> 00:26:01.240 align:middle line:84% as other rural communities, increasingly, these towns 00:26:01.240 --> 00:26:05.110 align:middle line:84% are facing a high second home market. 00:26:05.110 --> 00:26:07.270 align:middle line:84% Communities have a history of working together 00:26:07.270 --> 00:26:10.910 align:middle line:84% to address this common situation. 00:26:10.910 --> 00:26:13.730 align:middle line:84% Paul Mark represents the 2nd Berkshire District, 00:26:13.730 --> 00:26:15.440 align:middle line:84% this district is mostly comprised 00:26:15.440 --> 00:26:18.350 align:middle line:84% of small rural towns in the northeastern part of Berkshire 00:26:18.350 --> 00:26:22.250 align:middle line:84% County and extends into Western Franklin County to the east. 00:26:22.250 --> 00:26:24.200 align:middle line:84% The Berkshire communities in this district 00:26:24.200 --> 00:26:28.100 align:middle line:84% have many of the same socioeconomic challenges 00:26:28.100 --> 00:26:31.310 align:middle line:84% as the rural Franklin County communities in that area. 00:26:31.310 --> 00:26:33.830 align:middle line:84% Representative Mark has been a strong voice 00:26:33.830 --> 00:26:38.260 align:middle line:90% representing rural issues. 00:26:38.260 --> 00:26:40.590 align:middle line:84% John Barrett currently represents the 1st Berkshire 00:26:40.590 --> 00:26:41.550 align:middle line:90% District. 00:26:41.550 --> 00:26:44.580 align:middle line:84% This district is in the northern part of Berkshire County. 00:26:44.580 --> 00:26:47.850 align:middle line:84% Anchored by North Adams and containing 00:26:47.850 --> 00:26:51.120 align:middle line:84% other small rural towns, the residents of this district 00:26:51.120 --> 00:26:55.010 align:middle line:84% are still transitioning from a manufacturing economy. 00:26:55.010 --> 00:26:57.290 align:middle line:84% Therefore, while there are unique circumstances 00:26:57.290 --> 00:26:59.900 align:middle line:84% in each of the communities in the three rural districts, 00:26:59.900 --> 00:27:02.090 align:middle line:84% they need to continue to be represented 00:27:02.090 --> 00:27:04.340 align:middle line:90% to preserve the rural voice. 00:27:04.340 --> 00:27:07.730 align:middle line:84% This division, along with the strong Pittsfield district, 00:27:07.730 --> 00:27:09.800 align:middle line:84% represents the Berkshire communities of interest 00:27:09.800 --> 00:27:11.400 align:middle line:90% very effectively. 00:27:11.400 --> 00:27:14.970 align:middle line:84% This is why we need four Berkshire districts. 00:27:14.970 --> 00:27:18.240 align:middle line:84% The BRPC is very familiar with the demographics, economy, 00:27:18.240 --> 00:27:21.300 align:middle line:84% and culture of the Western Massachusetts region, 00:27:21.300 --> 00:27:24.060 align:middle line:84% and would be happy to provide any data analysis as it 00:27:24.060 --> 00:27:26.410 align:middle line:90% would be helpful. 00:27:26.410 --> 00:27:28.780 align:middle line:84% Thank you for the opportunity to testify. 00:27:28.780 --> 00:27:30.300 align:middle line:84% And thank you for your consideration 00:27:30.300 --> 00:27:32.920 align:middle line:84% of the unique needs of the Berkshire region 00:27:32.920 --> 00:27:35.613 align:middle line:84% as you make these difficult decisions. 00:27:35.613 --> 00:27:40.590 align:middle line:90% 00:27:40.590 --> 00:27:42.590 align:middle line:84% Thank you very much for that thorough testimony. 00:27:42.590 --> 00:27:44.840 align:middle line:90% That was extremely helpful. 00:27:44.840 --> 00:27:49.250 align:middle line:84% Made a lot of very useful points as we consider this-- 00:27:49.250 --> 00:27:51.200 align:middle line:90% what we're up against here. 00:27:51.200 --> 00:27:55.760 align:middle line:84% Do members of the committee have questions or comments? 00:27:55.760 --> 00:28:00.260 align:middle line:90% 00:28:00.260 --> 00:28:00.760 align:middle line:90% Rep. 00:28:00.760 --> 00:28:01.720 align:middle line:90% Farley-Bouvier? 00:28:01.720 --> 00:28:04.160 align:middle line:90% No. 00:28:04.160 --> 00:28:05.610 align:middle line:84% I guess I just want to thank Tom. 00:28:05.610 --> 00:28:08.880 align:middle line:84% And yes, if you need data about-- and sliced and diced 00:28:08.880 --> 00:28:12.030 align:middle line:84% in any way, Tom's the go-to guy to get that. 00:28:12.030 --> 00:28:13.190 align:middle line:90% So, appreciate it. 00:28:13.190 --> 00:28:15.940 align:middle line:90% 00:28:15.940 --> 00:28:17.580 align:middle line:90% Wonderful. 00:28:17.580 --> 00:28:19.690 align:middle line:84% Thank you so much for your testimony. 00:28:19.690 --> 00:28:22.980 align:middle line:84% Well, thank you for your work that you do. 00:28:22.980 --> 00:28:23.580 align:middle line:90% All right. 00:28:23.580 --> 00:28:27.540 align:middle line:90% 00:28:27.540 --> 00:28:30.420 align:middle line:84% So I'm going to leave it to Andrew 00:28:30.420 --> 00:28:33.060 align:middle line:90% to move people up and down. 00:28:33.060 --> 00:28:38.730 align:middle line:84% I think the next person we want to get promoted is-- 00:28:38.730 --> 00:28:40.300 align:middle line:90% we got the mayor already here. 00:28:40.300 --> 00:28:41.250 align:middle line:90% Hey, there she is. 00:28:41.250 --> 00:28:44.100 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much, Andrew. 00:28:44.100 --> 00:28:48.840 align:middle line:84% Mayor LaChapelle, I hope that you're able to get in. 00:28:48.840 --> 00:28:53.520 align:middle line:90% 00:28:53.520 --> 00:28:54.870 align:middle line:90% You need to unmute. 00:28:54.870 --> 00:28:57.870 align:middle line:90% And let me make sure that-- 00:28:57.870 --> 00:29:00.510 align:middle line:90% are you a co-host? 00:29:00.510 --> 00:29:02.310 align:middle line:84% Let me make you a co-host so that you 00:29:02.310 --> 00:29:05.055 align:middle line:90% can turn your video on. 00:29:05.055 --> 00:29:07.138 align:middle line:90% Thanks. 00:29:07.138 --> 00:29:07.680 align:middle line:90% There you go. 00:29:07.680 --> 00:29:11.620 align:middle line:84% I think you should be able to be present here. 00:29:11.620 --> 00:29:12.808 align:middle line:90% There we go. 00:29:12.808 --> 00:29:13.350 align:middle line:90% There you go. 00:29:13.350 --> 00:29:13.850 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:29:13.850 --> 00:29:14.610 align:middle line:90% Good evening. 00:29:14.610 --> 00:29:15.480 align:middle line:90% Good evening. 00:29:15.480 --> 00:29:16.930 align:middle line:90% Good evening. 00:29:16.930 --> 00:29:22.160 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Chairman Brownsburger and members of the committee. 00:29:22.160 --> 00:29:25.290 align:middle line:84% It is very comforting to see so many Western Mass 00:29:25.290 --> 00:29:28.740 align:middle line:84% knowledgeable representatives on this call. 00:29:28.740 --> 00:29:32.230 align:middle line:84% And I appreciate the opportunity to testify. 00:29:32.230 --> 00:29:35.046 align:middle line:84% I'm going to read a brief statement. 00:29:35.046 --> 00:29:35.850 align:middle line:90% Great. 00:29:35.850 --> 00:29:41.160 align:middle line:84% During the last redistricting process, 00:29:41.160 --> 00:29:43.830 align:middle line:84% the population of District 1 slash 00:29:43.830 --> 00:29:47.040 align:middle line:84% Western Massachusetts either saw weak growth 00:29:47.040 --> 00:29:49.830 align:middle line:84% or, in some instances, a decrease. 00:29:49.830 --> 00:29:51.930 align:middle line:84% As a result, elected representation 00:29:51.930 --> 00:29:54.090 align:middle line:84% of the cities and towns west of Worcester 00:29:54.090 --> 00:29:58.360 align:middle line:84% have been consolidated over and over again. 00:29:58.360 --> 00:30:01.170 align:middle line:84% While population size is one determining 00:30:01.170 --> 00:30:03.340 align:middle line:84% factor in the redistricting effort, 00:30:03.340 --> 00:30:05.100 align:middle line:90% it's not the only factor. 00:30:05.100 --> 00:30:08.040 align:middle line:84% I encourage the chairpersons and committee 00:30:08.040 --> 00:30:11.100 align:middle line:84% to view Western Mass through these other lenses, 00:30:11.100 --> 00:30:14.430 align:middle line:84% recognizing that equal representation extends 00:30:14.430 --> 00:30:16.860 align:middle line:90% beyond the quantity of people. 00:30:16.860 --> 00:30:20.310 align:middle line:84% While we anticipate that the population statewide has grown, 00:30:20.310 --> 00:30:22.920 align:middle line:84% it appears to have done so disproportionately 00:30:22.920 --> 00:30:24.630 align:middle line:90% around different regions. 00:30:24.630 --> 00:30:27.030 align:middle line:84% As reported, Secretary Galvin has 00:30:27.030 --> 00:30:30.810 align:middle line:84% indicated that the Congressional Districts 1 and 2 may expand 00:30:30.810 --> 00:30:34.050 align:middle line:84% to encapsulate more population, with the eastern parts 00:30:34.050 --> 00:30:38.130 align:middle line:84% of the state are likely to shrink. 00:30:38.130 --> 00:30:40.500 align:middle line:84% This follows a trend from the 2010 census, 00:30:40.500 --> 00:30:42.900 align:middle line:84% which resulted in a shrinking of Western Mass 00:30:42.900 --> 00:30:46.380 align:middle line:84% congressional delegation and more sprawling 00:30:46.380 --> 00:30:48.330 align:middle line:90% legislative districts. 00:30:48.330 --> 00:30:50.880 align:middle line:84% This region has seen great turnover 00:30:50.880 --> 00:30:54.270 align:middle line:84% in our elected officials at the municipal and state levels. 00:30:54.270 --> 00:30:57.600 align:middle line:84% With record level of voter and community engagement 00:30:57.600 --> 00:31:01.110 align:middle line:84% in Easthampton, we'll be utilizing ranked-choice voting 00:31:01.110 --> 00:31:03.810 align:middle line:84% in this coming November election. 00:31:03.810 --> 00:31:06.810 align:middle line:84% At a time when voting rights are violently 00:31:06.810 --> 00:31:09.300 align:middle line:84% assaulted in our own capital, we should 00:31:09.300 --> 00:31:13.410 align:middle line:84% be taking extraordinary steps to protect our democracy. 00:31:13.410 --> 00:31:16.080 align:middle line:84% Lopsided geographic representation 00:31:16.080 --> 00:31:19.900 align:middle line:84% and further consolidation of districts in Western Mass 00:31:19.900 --> 00:31:23.190 align:middle line:84% could be a disservice to the people here. 00:31:23.190 --> 00:31:27.060 align:middle line:84% While we may be tempted to view the western part of the state 00:31:27.060 --> 00:31:30.570 align:middle line:84% as a sum of whole, there are drastic differences 00:31:30.570 --> 00:31:32.550 align:middle line:90% in our municipalities. 00:31:32.550 --> 00:31:36.930 align:middle line:84% This diversity is in fact what makes the region so special. 00:31:36.930 --> 00:31:39.990 align:middle line:84% The majority of District 1 has been represented 00:31:39.990 --> 00:31:42.120 align:middle line:90% by Congressman Richard Neal. 00:31:42.120 --> 00:31:45.600 align:middle line:84% His tenure has been marked by delivering money back 00:31:45.600 --> 00:31:48.600 align:middle line:84% to this region from North Adams to Sheffield. 00:31:48.600 --> 00:31:50.730 align:middle line:84% We have been lucky to have someone in Congress who 00:31:50.730 --> 00:31:53.940 align:middle line:84% understands the depth and the breadth of needs that 00:31:53.940 --> 00:31:57.180 align:middle line:84% range from Springfield, our third largest city, 00:31:57.180 --> 00:32:00.030 align:middle line:84% and Easthampton, our third smallest city. 00:32:00.030 --> 00:32:04.200 align:middle line:84% We hope to continue our strong working relationship 00:32:04.200 --> 00:32:06.490 align:middle line:90% with Chairman Neil. 00:32:06.490 --> 00:32:10.690 align:middle line:84% Easthampton is the only city within the 2nd Hampshire 00:32:10.690 --> 00:32:14.160 align:middle line:84% District group with the towns Granby, Hadley, 00:32:14.160 --> 00:32:15.360 align:middle line:90% and South Hadley. 00:32:15.360 --> 00:32:18.810 align:middle line:84% We're fortunate to have State Representative Dan Carey, who 00:32:18.810 --> 00:32:21.810 align:middle line:84% is a native of Easthampton and a strong advocate 00:32:21.810 --> 00:32:23.770 align:middle line:90% for our unique needs. 00:32:23.770 --> 00:32:26.610 align:middle line:84% We hope to maintain the existing house district, 00:32:26.610 --> 00:32:29.100 align:middle line:84% recognizing that expanding the district 00:32:29.100 --> 00:32:33.300 align:middle line:84% is likely to mean the addition of another small to mid-sized 00:32:33.300 --> 00:32:33.960 align:middle line:90% city. 00:32:33.960 --> 00:32:39.360 align:middle line:84% And that may put our city at a disadvantage for resources. 00:32:39.360 --> 00:32:43.920 align:middle line:84% Easthampton rests at the top of this 2nd Hampden and Hampshire 00:32:43.920 --> 00:32:48.830 align:middle line:84% state district, represented by John alveolus broadly speaking, 00:32:48.830 --> 00:32:54.150 align:middle line:84% it would be a disservice to our communities to further expand, 00:32:54.150 --> 00:32:56.640 align:middle line:84% recognizing the challenges we face 00:32:56.640 --> 00:33:00.390 align:middle line:84% when compared to eastern districts in Suffolk 00:33:00.390 --> 00:33:06.770 align:middle line:84% or Middlesex County, marked by compact geography and far more 00:33:06.770 --> 00:33:08.300 align:middle line:90% homogeneous needs. 00:33:08.300 --> 00:33:10.730 align:middle line:84% In closing, I ask the redistricting committee 00:33:10.730 --> 00:33:14.030 align:middle line:84% to be mindful that Western Massachusetts governing 00:33:14.030 --> 00:33:17.900 align:middle line:84% districts on the state and federal level 00:33:17.900 --> 00:33:21.230 align:middle line:84% are the strongest with like communities 00:33:21.230 --> 00:33:24.290 align:middle line:84% who have the same challenges and strength. 00:33:24.290 --> 00:33:27.410 align:middle line:84% We do best with solidified representation. 00:33:27.410 --> 00:33:30.700 align:middle line:84% Thank you for the opportunity to offer comments today. 00:33:30.700 --> 00:33:33.823 align:middle line:90% 00:33:33.823 --> 00:33:35.490 align:middle line:84% Thank you very much for your testimony-- 00:33:35.490 --> 00:33:36.540 align:middle line:90% very much appreciated. 00:33:36.540 --> 00:33:39.970 align:middle line:84% Appreciate you bringing the perspective of a mayor. 00:33:39.970 --> 00:33:42.930 align:middle line:84% Are there comments or questions from members of the panel? 00:33:42.930 --> 00:33:52.400 align:middle line:90% 00:33:52.400 --> 00:33:54.950 align:middle line:84% I think everybody appreciated your testimony very much. 00:33:54.950 --> 00:33:57.840 align:middle line:90% And we have no questions. 00:33:57.840 --> 00:33:59.250 align:middle line:90% Thank you for being with us. 00:33:59.250 --> 00:34:00.830 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much. 00:34:00.830 --> 00:34:03.740 align:middle line:90% All right, take care. 00:34:03.740 --> 00:34:10.730 align:middle line:84% So next, we've got a second mayor under, I believe. 00:34:10.730 --> 00:34:12.600 align:middle line:90% Can we have Mayor Bernard? 00:34:12.600 --> 00:34:13.310 align:middle line:90% Here he comes. 00:34:13.310 --> 00:34:17.870 align:middle line:90% 00:34:17.870 --> 00:34:24.284 align:middle line:84% Should be able to turn on your video and unmute. 00:34:24.284 --> 00:34:29.219 align:middle line:90% 00:34:29.219 --> 00:34:30.710 align:middle line:90% Let's see. 00:34:30.710 --> 00:34:35.750 align:middle line:84% The video-- you need to be promoted to co-host. 00:34:35.750 --> 00:34:39.290 align:middle line:84% Can you take care of that Andrew? 00:34:39.290 --> 00:34:39.889 align:middle line:90% I cannot. 00:34:39.889 --> 00:34:41.550 align:middle line:90% Only you can, as the host. 00:34:41.550 --> 00:34:42.800 align:middle line:90% Feel free to make me the host. 00:34:42.800 --> 00:34:43.850 align:middle line:90% I'd be happy to-- 00:34:43.850 --> 00:34:44.960 align:middle line:90% I have made you the host. 00:34:44.960 --> 00:34:52.270 align:middle line:90% 00:34:52.270 --> 00:34:53.139 align:middle line:90% On it, thank you. 00:34:53.139 --> 00:34:56.938 align:middle line:90% 00:34:56.938 --> 00:34:57.480 align:middle line:90% There you go. 00:34:57.480 --> 00:34:59.060 align:middle line:84% You should be able to-- there you go, Tom. 00:34:59.060 --> 00:34:59.660 align:middle line:90% There we go. 00:34:59.660 --> 00:35:01.690 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:35:01.690 --> 00:35:02.690 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 00:35:02.690 --> 00:35:04.148 align:middle line:84% Thank you members of the committee. 00:35:04.148 --> 00:35:07.820 align:middle line:84% I especially want to thank my senator, Senator Hinds, 00:35:07.820 --> 00:35:13.003 align:middle line:84% and my friend from the Berkshires, and someone who, 00:35:13.003 --> 00:35:14.420 align:middle line:84% if you've spent any time with Rep. 00:35:14.420 --> 00:35:17.930 align:middle line:84% Farley-Bouvier, you know she talks about collaboration 00:35:17.930 --> 00:35:19.640 align:middle line:84% and how important that is-- so certainly 00:35:19.640 --> 00:35:22.370 align:middle line:84% a friend to the 1st Berkshire District, 00:35:22.370 --> 00:35:25.460 align:middle line:90% where I serve as mayor. 00:35:25.460 --> 00:35:29.450 align:middle line:84% I just want to really share some appreciation with Tom Matusko 00:35:29.450 --> 00:35:32.510 align:middle line:84% for setting the stage for what I'm about to say 00:35:32.510 --> 00:35:35.747 align:middle line:90% and presenting the data. 00:35:35.747 --> 00:35:36.830 align:middle line:90% He said it really clearly. 00:35:36.830 --> 00:35:38.030 align:middle line:90% We need a strong voice. 00:35:38.030 --> 00:35:42.470 align:middle line:84% We need for strong voices in the Berkshires. 00:35:42.470 --> 00:35:44.000 align:middle line:90% Tom said it very clearly. 00:35:44.000 --> 00:35:45.933 align:middle line:84% There are challenges for us in the Berkshires 00:35:45.933 --> 00:35:47.600 align:middle line:84% that have to be understood and carefully 00:35:47.600 --> 00:35:49.460 align:middle line:84% considered as part of the difficult work 00:35:49.460 --> 00:35:51.200 align:middle line:90% that this committee has to do. 00:35:51.200 --> 00:35:54.800 align:middle line:84% And they are related, as others have said, to regional equity 00:35:54.800 --> 00:35:56.720 align:middle line:90% and to representation. 00:35:56.720 --> 00:36:03.413 align:middle line:84% We know the size of the 1st Congressional District. 00:36:03.413 --> 00:36:04.580 align:middle line:90% Chairman Neil mentioned it-- 00:36:04.580 --> 00:36:08.930 align:middle line:84% 87 cities and towns, Senator Hinds, 52 cities and towns. 00:36:08.930 --> 00:36:11.540 align:middle line:84% That's a challenge we feel at the state and federal levels. 00:36:11.540 --> 00:36:14.120 align:middle line:84% And we know that we have a strong, effective 00:36:14.120 --> 00:36:16.610 align:middle line:90% legislative delegation. 00:36:16.610 --> 00:36:19.700 align:middle line:84% But as much as anything, the past year of COVID 00:36:19.700 --> 00:36:22.040 align:middle line:84% demonstrated why we need as many voices 00:36:22.040 --> 00:36:25.550 align:middle line:84% as possible in the Berkshires and from the Berkshires 00:36:25.550 --> 00:36:26.570 align:middle line:90% representing us. 00:36:26.570 --> 00:36:28.580 align:middle line:84% It does help to ensure, for the reasons 00:36:28.580 --> 00:36:31.820 align:middle line:84% that Tom Matusko laid out, that the Berkshires 00:36:31.820 --> 00:36:34.160 align:middle line:84% and the unique context of our communities 00:36:34.160 --> 00:36:38.090 align:middle line:84% is part of the critical conversations that happen when 00:36:38.090 --> 00:36:39.710 align:middle line:90% decisions are made statewide. 00:36:39.710 --> 00:36:43.400 align:middle line:84% And it helps to protect and represent our interests 00:36:43.400 --> 00:36:45.980 align:middle line:84% and to make sure that Western Massachusetts doesn't get 00:36:45.980 --> 00:36:49.880 align:middle line:84% subordinated into a one-size-fits-all conventional 00:36:49.880 --> 00:36:53.120 align:middle line:84% wisdom as we look at the needs of the Commonwealth. 00:36:53.120 --> 00:36:55.010 align:middle line:84% So I'm going to share the ask that others 00:36:55.010 --> 00:36:58.340 align:middle line:84% have made, that we keep the Berkshires whole in order 00:36:58.340 --> 00:37:01.280 align:middle line:84% to keep our constituents connected to their government, 00:37:01.280 --> 00:37:03.890 align:middle line:90% to their elected officials. 00:37:03.890 --> 00:37:07.430 align:middle line:84% That, again, means we need to have four representatives who 00:37:07.430 --> 00:37:09.860 align:middle line:84% have at least some interest in the Berkshires. 00:37:09.860 --> 00:37:12.290 align:middle line:84% And to Tom's point earlier, that means 00:37:12.290 --> 00:37:13.910 align:middle line:84% that we want to keep our population 00:37:13.910 --> 00:37:19.890 align:middle line:84% on the lower end-- the lower 5% of that magic 43,937 number. 00:37:19.890 --> 00:37:22.400 align:middle line:84% So we want to be on the low range, that 00:37:22.400 --> 00:37:27.050 align:middle line:84% 41,740, and that our senate districts mirror 00:37:27.050 --> 00:37:30.180 align:middle line:84% the congressional district as much as possible. 00:37:30.180 --> 00:37:32.750 align:middle line:84% Again, I would just encourage you 00:37:32.750 --> 00:37:36.260 align:middle line:84% to take advantage of the incredible resource that 00:37:36.260 --> 00:37:39.193 align:middle line:84% exists with Berkshire regional planning, the data 00:37:39.193 --> 00:37:41.360 align:middle line:84% that they can provide, and the information that they 00:37:41.360 --> 00:37:44.750 align:middle line:84% can share with you as you proceed with this. 00:37:44.750 --> 00:37:46.525 align:middle line:84% Again, I want to thank you for your work. 00:37:46.525 --> 00:37:47.900 align:middle line:84% I want to thank you for the time. 00:37:47.900 --> 00:37:52.520 align:middle line:84% And as others, I'm happy to answer any questions. 00:37:52.520 --> 00:37:54.250 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much, Mayor. 00:37:54.250 --> 00:37:56.350 align:middle line:84% Really appreciate you being with us. 00:37:56.350 --> 00:37:59.380 align:middle line:84% Are tehre questions from members of the panel? 00:37:59.380 --> 00:38:01.570 align:middle line:90% If you don't mind, Mr. Chairman. 00:38:01.570 --> 00:38:03.560 align:middle line:84% I know I'm taking up a lot of space today. 00:38:03.560 --> 00:38:05.890 align:middle line:90% But I'm sure you understand why. 00:38:05.890 --> 00:38:06.520 align:middle line:90% Totally. 00:38:06.520 --> 00:38:09.940 align:middle line:84% Following up on the mayors, which I really appreciate 00:38:09.940 --> 00:38:11.583 align:middle line:90% both mayors coming on. 00:38:11.583 --> 00:38:13.750 align:middle line:84% I'm going to actually say something that might sound 00:38:13.750 --> 00:38:15.190 align:middle line:90% a little bit controversial. 00:38:15.190 --> 00:38:17.440 align:middle line:84% And that's what I'm going to say to you, Mr. Chairman, 00:38:17.440 --> 00:38:22.750 align:middle line:84% that I do not believe that your constituents in your district 00:38:22.750 --> 00:38:25.090 align:middle line:84% and the constituents of Senator Hinds 00:38:25.090 --> 00:38:27.670 align:middle line:90% have equal access to government. 00:38:27.670 --> 00:38:29.480 align:middle line:90% And that's for two reasons-- 00:38:29.480 --> 00:38:31.540 align:middle line:84% one, the distance-- maybe three-- 00:38:31.540 --> 00:38:33.820 align:middle line:84% the distance we are from the capital 00:38:33.820 --> 00:38:35.990 align:middle line:84% and trying to get to the state house 00:38:35.990 --> 00:38:38.830 align:middle line:84% to try to get any work done, the broadband 00:38:38.830 --> 00:38:41.350 align:middle line:84% challenges we certainly have, but also 00:38:41.350 --> 00:38:43.420 align:middle line:84% because of the sprawling district 00:38:43.420 --> 00:38:44.898 align:middle line:90% that our senator represents. 00:38:44.898 --> 00:38:46.690 align:middle line:84% And I know I'm supposed to be only thinking 00:38:46.690 --> 00:38:47.750 align:middle line:90% about house districts. 00:38:47.750 --> 00:38:49.390 align:middle line:84% That's my job here on this committee. 00:38:49.390 --> 00:38:52.440 align:middle line:90% But it makes a difference. 00:38:52.440 --> 00:38:55.150 align:middle line:84% I actually call this senate district the monster, 00:38:55.150 --> 00:38:57.280 align:middle line:90% because it's that big. 00:38:57.280 --> 00:39:03.790 align:middle line:84% And the variety of needs is that different. 00:39:03.790 --> 00:39:05.990 align:middle line:84% And you try to get to one event-- 00:39:05.990 --> 00:39:07.450 align:middle line:90% one meeting or another-- 00:39:07.450 --> 00:39:09.290 align:middle line:90% actually, Zoom has helped a lot. 00:39:09.290 --> 00:39:13.600 align:middle line:84% I think the Senator will agree that he's 00:39:13.600 --> 00:39:15.370 align:middle line:90% able to get to more places. 00:39:15.370 --> 00:39:19.230 align:middle line:84% But I really would like us to be thinking about beyond, 00:39:19.230 --> 00:39:23.870 align:middle line:84% as Mayor LaChapelle said, just about a numbers game, 00:39:23.870 --> 00:39:25.660 align:middle line:90% but the issue of access-- 00:39:25.660 --> 00:39:29.230 align:middle line:84% equal access to government is an issue 00:39:29.230 --> 00:39:33.370 align:middle line:84% here for the people of the Berkshires. 00:39:33.370 --> 00:39:34.870 align:middle line:84% Well you're-- by the way, thank you. 00:39:34.870 --> 00:39:39.880 align:middle line:84% I'm happy to hear your thoughts about the Senate districts. 00:39:39.880 --> 00:39:41.380 align:middle line:84% I think you have every right to have 00:39:41.380 --> 00:39:42.740 align:middle line:90% an opinion on that subject. 00:39:42.740 --> 00:39:45.050 align:middle line:90% And I thank you. 00:39:45.050 --> 00:39:46.700 align:middle line:84% The challenge, of course, is to-- 00:39:46.700 --> 00:39:47.930 align:middle line:90% we do have-- 00:39:47.930 --> 00:39:51.560 align:middle line:84% I think that's an argument for going on the light range, 00:39:51.560 --> 00:39:54.710 align:middle line:84% on the low end of the plus or minus 5%. 00:39:54.710 --> 00:39:56.350 align:middle line:90% I mean, that's all we can do. 00:39:56.350 --> 00:39:57.140 align:middle line:90% Agreed. 00:39:57.140 --> 00:39:58.000 align:middle line:90% Agreed. 00:39:58.000 --> 00:39:58.520 align:middle line:90% It's hard. 00:39:58.520 --> 00:39:59.180 align:middle line:90% This is hard. 00:39:59.180 --> 00:40:03.140 align:middle line:90% 00:40:03.140 --> 00:40:09.368 align:middle line:84% Other thoughts or questions, comments for Mayor Bernard? 00:40:09.368 --> 00:40:10.910 align:middle line:84% And I thank you again, Mayor Bernard. 00:40:10.910 --> 00:40:13.812 align:middle line:90% 00:40:13.812 --> 00:40:15.270 align:middle line:84% All right, thank you Mayor Bernard. 00:40:15.270 --> 00:40:15.680 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much. 00:40:15.680 --> 00:40:17.010 align:middle line:90% Appreciate you being with us. 00:40:17.010 --> 00:40:20.480 align:middle line:90% Appreciate you weighing in. 00:40:20.480 --> 00:40:23.580 align:middle line:90% Keep those thoughts in mind. 00:40:23.580 --> 00:40:29.600 align:middle line:84% So is Al Blake among the attendees today? 00:40:29.600 --> 00:40:32.890 align:middle line:84% Al Blake is on the sign up list, does not appear 00:40:32.890 --> 00:40:37.105 align:middle line:90% to be on the list of attendees. 00:40:37.105 --> 00:40:44.170 align:middle line:84% There's a chance that he's the Berkshire NAACP login. 00:40:44.170 --> 00:40:46.240 align:middle line:90% That's a chance. 00:40:46.240 --> 00:40:46.790 align:middle line:90% OK. 00:40:46.790 --> 00:40:47.832 align:middle line:90% Well, let's go with that. 00:40:47.832 --> 00:40:49.800 align:middle line:90% We've promoted him on that. 00:40:49.800 --> 00:40:51.175 align:middle line:84% Let me ask him to unmute himself. 00:40:51.175 --> 00:40:53.800 align:middle line:90% 00:40:53.800 --> 00:40:54.340 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:40:54.340 --> 00:40:57.930 align:middle line:90% Want to him-- can you hear me? 00:40:57.930 --> 00:40:58.470 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:40:58.470 --> 00:40:58.970 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:40:58.970 --> 00:40:59.730 align:middle line:90% Yes, indeed. 00:40:59.730 --> 00:41:00.840 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:41:00.840 --> 00:41:04.620 align:middle line:90% Thank you for the opportunity. 00:41:04.620 --> 00:41:08.270 align:middle line:84% My name is Al Blake and I have had a home in Becket 00:41:08.270 --> 00:41:11.430 align:middle line:84% in the Berkshires for more than 40 years. 00:41:11.430 --> 00:41:14.780 align:middle line:84% I'm currently a member of the town Planning, Zoning, 00:41:14.780 --> 00:41:18.350 align:middle line:84% and Energy Committees, also a member of the Berkshire 00:41:18.350 --> 00:41:22.250 align:middle line:84% Regional Planning Commission-- and shout out 00:41:22.250 --> 00:41:25.940 align:middle line:84% to our chairperson for his comments-- 00:41:25.940 --> 00:41:29.630 align:middle line:84% and also several other local and state non-for-profit 00:41:29.630 --> 00:41:32.730 align:middle line:90% organizations. 00:41:32.730 --> 00:41:38.040 align:middle line:84% We moved full time to the Berkshires in 2010, 00:41:38.040 --> 00:41:41.610 align:middle line:84% just prior to the last redistricting, 00:41:41.610 --> 00:41:44.490 align:middle line:84% and unfortunately did not have an opportunity at that time 00:41:44.490 --> 00:41:46.090 align:middle line:90% to provide input. 00:41:46.090 --> 00:41:50.340 align:middle line:84% So I appreciate this opportunity to do so. 00:41:50.340 --> 00:41:55.260 align:middle line:84% Major issues, such as housing, broadband, food security, 00:41:55.260 --> 00:42:00.010 align:middle line:84% environmental, economic, and racial justice, transportation, 00:42:00.010 --> 00:42:03.450 align:middle line:84% education, and the criminal justice system 00:42:03.450 --> 00:42:06.510 align:middle line:84% are different in smaller, rural communities 00:42:06.510 --> 00:42:09.690 align:middle line:84% than in larger cities, and the needs of both 00:42:09.690 --> 00:42:12.450 align:middle line:90% should be addressed equitably. 00:42:12.450 --> 00:42:17.340 align:middle line:84% I feel that can be done by keeping our counties together, 00:42:17.340 --> 00:42:21.870 align:middle line:84% and I will say a few suggestions that I 00:42:21.870 --> 00:42:24.510 align:middle line:84% think will make this a successful redistricting 00:42:24.510 --> 00:42:27.270 align:middle line:90% process for all. 00:42:27.270 --> 00:42:28.290 align:middle line:90% We do not want-- 00:42:28.290 --> 00:42:36.140 align:middle line:90% 00:42:36.140 --> 00:42:38.420 align:middle line:84% We lost you there at, we do not want. 00:42:38.420 --> 00:42:41.140 align:middle line:90% 00:42:41.140 --> 00:42:43.690 align:middle line:84% --redistricting to dilute the rural votes. 00:42:43.690 --> 00:42:46.690 align:middle line:84% So Franklin and Hampshire counties [INAUDIBLE] has 00:42:46.690 --> 00:42:50.380 align:middle line:84% recognized that much activity happens at the County level, 00:42:50.380 --> 00:42:53.840 align:middle line:84% for example-- mentioned earlier-- 00:42:53.840 --> 00:42:56.060 align:middle line:90% Let me interrupt you, Al. 00:42:56.060 --> 00:42:57.296 align:middle line:90% Let me interrupt you. 00:42:57.296 --> 00:43:02.450 align:middle line:84% [INAUDIBLE] county of government-- 00:43:02.450 --> 00:43:05.990 align:middle line:90% 00:43:05.990 --> 00:43:06.490 align:middle line:90% yes. 00:43:06.490 --> 00:43:07.990 align:middle line:84% I think we're having a demonstration 00:43:07.990 --> 00:43:10.262 align:middle line:84% of the broadband problems in Berkshire County. 00:43:10.262 --> 00:43:10.762 align:middle line:90% Amen. 00:43:10.762 --> 00:43:13.960 align:middle line:90% 00:43:13.960 --> 00:43:18.460 align:middle line:84% That's a perennial problem, unfortunately, here in Becket, 00:43:18.460 --> 00:43:19.950 align:middle line:90% especially, so-- 00:43:19.950 --> 00:43:21.700 align:middle line:84% Why don't you go back over-- why don't you 00:43:21.700 --> 00:43:24.235 align:middle line:84% go back over what you said the last paragraph or so, 00:43:24.235 --> 00:43:24.985 align:middle line:90% which we did lose. 00:43:24.985 --> 00:43:25.485 align:middle line:90% OK. 00:43:25.485 --> 00:43:28.770 align:middle line:90% 00:43:28.770 --> 00:43:32.460 align:middle line:84% Major issues, such as housing, broadband, food security, 00:43:32.460 --> 00:43:37.210 align:middle line:84% environmental, economic, and racial justice, transportation, 00:43:37.210 --> 00:43:39.930 align:middle line:84% education, and the criminal justice system 00:43:39.930 --> 00:43:42.480 align:middle line:84% are different in smaller rural communities 00:43:42.480 --> 00:43:44.340 align:middle line:90% than in larger cities. 00:43:44.340 --> 00:43:47.760 align:middle line:84% And the needs of both should be addressed equitably. 00:43:47.760 --> 00:43:50.730 align:middle line:84% I feel that can be done by the following-- 00:43:50.730 --> 00:43:54.210 align:middle line:84% we do not want redistricting to dilute the rural vote. 00:43:54.210 --> 00:44:06.010 align:middle line:90% 00:44:06.010 --> 00:44:09.520 align:middle line:84% So keeping Berkshire, Franklin, and Hampshire at county seat 00:44:09.520 --> 00:44:11.950 align:middle line:84% is recognized at the county level, 00:44:11.950 --> 00:44:15.160 align:middle line:84% for example, within Berkshire Regional Planning and Franklin 00:44:15.160 --> 00:44:17.140 align:middle line:90% County governments. 00:44:17.140 --> 00:44:18.730 align:middle line:84% And keeping the counties together 00:44:18.730 --> 00:44:22.370 align:middle line:84% will facilitate the work that we do together. 00:44:22.370 --> 00:44:25.390 align:middle line:84% Having a transparent redistricting process 00:44:25.390 --> 00:44:29.890 align:middle line:84% that equity presents BIPOC communities, low income people, 00:44:29.890 --> 00:44:35.500 align:middle line:84% and immigrants in our district, I 00:44:35.500 --> 00:44:38.650 align:middle line:84% am committed to advocate for a statewide map that 00:44:38.650 --> 00:44:42.160 align:middle line:84% keeps our communities whole and increases the number 00:44:42.160 --> 00:44:46.300 align:middle line:90% of majority BIPOC districts. 00:44:46.300 --> 00:44:55.076 align:middle line:84% If we work together, we can create districts that maximize 00:44:55.076 --> 00:45:02.170 align:middle line:84% our community's chances of authentic representation, 00:45:02.170 --> 00:45:05.350 align:middle line:84% and open new opportunities for building power. 00:45:05.350 --> 00:45:08.457 align:middle line:90% Thank you for your time. 00:45:08.457 --> 00:45:09.290 align:middle line:90% I think we got that. 00:45:09.290 --> 00:45:10.770 align:middle line:90% I think at about the 98% level. 00:45:10.770 --> 00:45:11.270 align:middle line:90% Thank you 00:45:11.270 --> 00:45:13.790 align:middle line:84% And again, that was a good demonstration of the challenges 00:45:13.790 --> 00:45:14.910 align:middle line:90% of broadband out there. 00:45:14.910 --> 00:45:15.410 align:middle line:90% Yeah. 00:45:15.410 --> 00:45:18.165 align:middle line:90% So we appreciate your testimony. 00:45:18.165 --> 00:45:20.065 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:45:20.065 --> 00:45:22.940 align:middle line:84% I think strongly on the same point of, 00:45:22.940 --> 00:45:25.880 align:middle line:90% let's keep the country together. 00:45:25.880 --> 00:45:28.550 align:middle line:84% If I may, could you talk a little bit 00:45:28.550 --> 00:45:31.520 align:middle line:84% about how Berkshire and Franklin or Berkshire in Hampden 00:45:31.520 --> 00:45:34.100 align:middle line:84% work together, Because That's something I'm interested in. 00:45:34.100 --> 00:45:37.340 align:middle line:84% And I lost a little bit of it due to the problems. 00:45:37.340 --> 00:45:38.120 align:middle line:90% Sure. 00:45:38.120 --> 00:45:40.310 align:middle line:90% Can you still hear me? 00:45:40.310 --> 00:45:41.540 align:middle line:90% In and out. 00:45:41.540 --> 00:45:44.470 align:middle line:90% OK, I'll try. 00:45:44.470 --> 00:45:48.280 align:middle line:84% As I said, I'm chair of the Energy Committee in Becket. 00:45:48.280 --> 00:45:53.320 align:middle line:84% And I've done a lot of work with both Berkshire and Franklin 00:45:53.320 --> 00:45:54.310 align:middle line:90% County. 00:45:54.310 --> 00:45:58.720 align:middle line:84% And both of those counties have strong energy committees 00:45:58.720 --> 00:46:01.502 align:middle line:84% that represent their rural communities. 00:46:01.502 --> 00:46:03.460 align:middle line:84% I haven't done much work in the other counties, 00:46:03.460 --> 00:46:05.770 align:middle line:84% but I know for a fact that both the Franklin 00:46:05.770 --> 00:46:09.880 align:middle line:84% County and Berkshire County have worked well together 00:46:09.880 --> 00:46:14.440 align:middle line:84% and continue to do so, and adding the other counties 00:46:14.440 --> 00:46:17.157 align:middle line:84% together with the regional governments 00:46:17.157 --> 00:46:19.240 align:middle line:84% that we used to have, I think, would go a long way 00:46:19.240 --> 00:46:23.540 align:middle line:84% to represent the people of those counties. 00:46:23.540 --> 00:46:24.040 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:46:24.040 --> 00:46:25.460 align:middle line:84% That came through loud and clear. 00:46:25.460 --> 00:46:26.290 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:46:26.290 --> 00:46:28.000 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:46:28.000 --> 00:46:32.050 align:middle line:90% Other questions for Mr. Blake? 00:46:32.050 --> 00:46:34.930 align:middle line:90% 00:46:34.930 --> 00:46:36.110 align:middle line:90% [SIDE CONVERSATION] 00:46:36.110 --> 00:46:40.800 align:middle line:90% 00:46:40.800 --> 00:46:44.150 align:middle line:84% All right, Mr. Blake, thank you so much for being with us. 00:46:44.150 --> 00:46:45.450 align:middle line:90% Appreciate your testimony. 00:46:45.450 --> 00:46:46.450 align:middle line:90% Thank you for having me. 00:46:46.450 --> 00:46:49.420 align:middle line:90% 00:46:49.420 --> 00:46:51.970 align:middle line:84% I believe the next person up would be Nancy Stenburg. 00:46:51.970 --> 00:46:55.940 align:middle line:90% 00:46:55.940 --> 00:46:59.100 align:middle line:90% You see Nancy? 00:46:59.100 --> 00:47:03.870 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 00:47:03.870 --> 00:47:06.570 align:middle line:84% I'm not seeing Nancy on the call. 00:47:06.570 --> 00:47:13.020 align:middle line:84% So I'm going to go next to Michael Zanca. 00:47:13.020 --> 00:47:16.530 align:middle line:90% Is Michael Zanca on the call? 00:47:16.530 --> 00:47:17.520 align:middle line:90% Not seeing him. 00:47:17.520 --> 00:47:24.920 align:middle line:90% 00:47:24.920 --> 00:47:26.480 align:middle line:90% Geoffrey O'Connell? 00:47:26.480 --> 00:47:30.600 align:middle line:90% 00:47:30.600 --> 00:47:31.100 align:middle line:90% Nope. 00:47:31.100 --> 00:47:34.450 align:middle line:90% 00:47:34.450 --> 00:47:37.850 align:middle line:90% Jack Perenick. 00:47:37.850 --> 00:47:38.750 align:middle line:90% I see Jack. 00:47:38.750 --> 00:47:40.880 align:middle line:90% Mr. Chair, Mr. Chair? 00:47:40.880 --> 00:47:42.200 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:47:42.200 --> 00:47:46.460 align:middle line:84% Geoff O'Connor, I think, would be with a G. 00:47:46.460 --> 00:47:48.620 align:middle line:84% And Linda O'Connell, his partner, 00:47:48.620 --> 00:47:54.810 align:middle line:84% had mentioned that he was there a little bit earlier. 00:47:54.810 --> 00:47:57.050 align:middle line:84% Just in case he does hop on, I know 00:47:57.050 --> 00:48:00.080 align:middle line:84% that there was a conversation between, I guess, 00:48:00.080 --> 00:48:02.480 align:middle line:84% some of the staff and her on our chat. 00:48:02.480 --> 00:48:04.790 align:middle line:84% But we can move on until you guys figure out 00:48:04.790 --> 00:48:06.560 align:middle line:90% if he's on or not. 00:48:06.560 --> 00:48:08.480 align:middle line:84% Somebody who's identifying as the owner 00:48:08.480 --> 00:48:09.680 align:middle line:90% has said that they are here. 00:48:09.680 --> 00:48:12.200 align:middle line:84% So I'm promoting owner to the panel list. 00:48:12.200 --> 00:48:13.950 align:middle line:84% Owner must be Geoff O'Connell then. 00:48:13.950 --> 00:48:15.690 align:middle line:90% Yes, sir. 00:48:15.690 --> 00:48:19.536 align:middle line:90% OK, great. 00:48:19.536 --> 00:48:21.400 align:middle line:90% So promote him to a panelist. 00:48:21.400 --> 00:48:23.645 align:middle line:84% In fact, make him a co-host, Andrew so he can-- 00:48:23.645 --> 00:48:25.480 align:middle line:90% Yep, ready to go. 00:48:25.480 --> 00:48:27.590 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. Chair. 00:48:27.590 --> 00:48:29.217 align:middle line:84% All right, Mr. O'Connell, you should 00:48:29.217 --> 00:48:31.550 align:middle line:84% be able to turn on your video as well, if you'd like to. 00:48:31.550 --> 00:48:36.210 align:middle line:90% 00:48:36.210 --> 00:48:37.230 align:middle line:90% There you go. 00:48:37.230 --> 00:48:38.790 align:middle line:90% Welcome. 00:48:38.790 --> 00:48:45.860 align:middle line:84% Thank you I'm here, actually, to address 00:48:45.860 --> 00:48:49.430 align:middle line:84% an issue within CD1 relating to the State 00:48:49.430 --> 00:48:51.530 align:middle line:90% Senate and Springfield. 00:48:51.530 --> 00:48:54.620 align:middle line:84% Thank you for the opportunity to do it. 00:48:54.620 --> 00:48:56.180 align:middle line:90% My name is Geoffrey O'Connell. 00:48:56.180 --> 00:49:00.050 align:middle line:84% I recently moved from Springfield Ward 6 in the 1st 00:49:00.050 --> 00:49:03.530 align:middle line:84% Hampden and Hampshire District to downtown Springfield's Ward 00:49:03.530 --> 00:49:08.930 align:middle line:84% 1 in the Hampden district, where my Senator is Adam Gomez. 00:49:08.930 --> 00:49:11.330 align:middle line:84% And I come before you today in support 00:49:11.330 --> 00:49:15.380 align:middle line:84% of maintaining two state senate districts that include wards 00:49:15.380 --> 00:49:17.510 align:middle line:90% and precincts in Springfield. 00:49:17.510 --> 00:49:19.760 align:middle line:84% I oppose consolidation of Springfield 00:49:19.760 --> 00:49:21.470 align:middle line:90% into a single district. 00:49:21.470 --> 00:49:23.720 align:middle line:84% As the third largest city in the Commonwealth, 00:49:23.720 --> 00:49:25.640 align:middle line:84% Springfield should be treated equitably 00:49:25.640 --> 00:49:28.970 align:middle line:84% with Boston and Worcester, which are each represented 00:49:28.970 --> 00:49:31.190 align:middle line:90% by more than one State Senator. 00:49:31.190 --> 00:49:33.050 align:middle line:84% I also support redistricting that 00:49:33.050 --> 00:49:36.470 align:middle line:84% creates a Massachusetts General Court that better reflects 00:49:36.470 --> 00:49:40.190 align:middle line:84% and serves historically underserved and disenfranchised 00:49:40.190 --> 00:49:41.630 align:middle line:90% communities. 00:49:41.630 --> 00:49:43.970 align:middle line:84% I'm sure others more rightfully qualified 00:49:43.970 --> 00:49:47.450 align:middle line:84% to address those issues will do so later. 00:49:47.450 --> 00:49:50.090 align:middle line:84% But I believe the goals are compatible. 00:49:50.090 --> 00:49:53.210 align:middle line:84% I believe that to make the arc of history bend toward justice, 00:49:53.210 --> 00:49:58.010 align:middle line:84% redistricting must be sensible and sustainable. 00:49:58.010 --> 00:49:59.840 align:middle line:84% You must be guided by the realities 00:49:59.840 --> 00:50:04.070 align:middle line:84% of what constitutes a genuine community of interest. 00:50:04.070 --> 00:50:06.980 align:middle line:84% My perspective is that of a journalist and a newsroom 00:50:06.980 --> 00:50:10.520 align:middle line:84% executive whose work entailed an analytical understanding 00:50:10.520 --> 00:50:14.720 align:middle line:84% of how communities and the markets they comprise function. 00:50:14.720 --> 00:50:16.880 align:middle line:84% In my years of publishing, understanding 00:50:16.880 --> 00:50:19.850 align:middle line:84% how people interact in geographic units 00:50:19.850 --> 00:50:22.580 align:middle line:84% was critical to fully serving readers, 00:50:22.580 --> 00:50:25.010 align:middle line:84% not only where they live but where they work, 00:50:25.010 --> 00:50:27.710 align:middle line:84% where they grab a pizza, where they go on dates, 00:50:27.710 --> 00:50:29.330 align:middle line:90% where they go for health care. 00:50:29.330 --> 00:50:32.600 align:middle line:84% In essence, what political, economic, and cultural 00:50:32.600 --> 00:50:36.080 align:middle line:84% situations actually cross city boundaries, 00:50:36.080 --> 00:50:39.530 align:middle line:84% defying lines on ward and precinct maps. 00:50:39.530 --> 00:50:42.710 align:middle line:84% I think you hear from the Berkshires similar concerns 00:50:42.710 --> 00:50:45.860 align:middle line:84% about genuine communities of interest. 00:50:45.860 --> 00:50:48.770 align:middle line:84% Demographers and market analysts and the businesses 00:50:48.770 --> 00:50:50.660 align:middle line:84% that rely on them have long used what's 00:50:50.660 --> 00:50:54.380 align:middle line:84% called the metropolitan statistical area to roughly 00:50:54.380 --> 00:50:57.680 align:middle line:84% analyze and broadly characterize these human groupings, 00:50:57.680 --> 00:50:59.900 align:middle line:90% these communities of interest. 00:50:59.900 --> 00:51:03.060 align:middle line:84% A more instructive analysis, at least for Springfield, 00:51:03.060 --> 00:51:05.870 align:middle line:84% is the combined statistical area. 00:51:05.870 --> 00:51:09.620 align:middle line:84% This designation seeks to group together towns and cities 00:51:09.620 --> 00:51:13.880 align:middle line:84% that have a very high level of overlap in commercial trading 00:51:13.880 --> 00:51:16.670 align:middle line:84% areas, labor markets, media markets-- 00:51:16.670 --> 00:51:19.460 align:middle line:84% that is smaller cities and towns centered 00:51:19.460 --> 00:51:23.090 align:middle line:84% on a large central city with shared fates. 00:51:23.090 --> 00:51:26.570 align:middle line:84% In the Commonwealth, only Boston and Springfield 00:51:26.570 --> 00:51:30.410 align:middle line:84% are designated consolidated statistical areas. 00:51:30.410 --> 00:51:33.080 align:middle line:84% That's because actions in each of these central cities 00:51:33.080 --> 00:51:36.020 align:middle line:84% strongly impact the surrounding communities. 00:51:36.020 --> 00:51:39.740 align:middle line:84% And the surrounding communities impact the central urban area, 00:51:39.740 --> 00:51:43.340 align:middle line:84% sometimes for good, sometimes for ill. 00:51:43.340 --> 00:51:46.220 align:middle line:84% Allow me to submit for your consideration 00:51:46.220 --> 00:51:48.200 align:middle line:84% a personal example of what happens 00:51:48.200 --> 00:51:51.200 align:middle line:84% when governments are cavalier in defining communities 00:51:51.200 --> 00:51:52.040 align:middle line:90% of interest. 00:51:52.040 --> 00:51:54.500 align:middle line:84% In 1979, I was editor of the Valley 00:51:54.500 --> 00:51:56.960 align:middle line:84% Advocate, a newsweekly with offices 00:51:56.960 --> 00:51:58.680 align:middle line:90% in Springfield and Amherst. 00:51:58.680 --> 00:52:01.550 align:middle line:84% I led a team of investigative reporters examining 00:52:01.550 --> 00:52:04.940 align:middle line:84% the possible impact of the proposed [INAUDIBLE] shopping 00:52:04.940 --> 00:52:08.780 align:middle line:84% mall in the city of Holyoke, and the region's largest shopping 00:52:08.780 --> 00:52:11.510 align:middle line:90% district, downtown Springfield. 00:52:11.510 --> 00:52:14.690 align:middle line:84% We concluded in a nationally award winning series 00:52:14.690 --> 00:52:16.790 align:middle line:84% that the impact would be devastating. 00:52:16.790 --> 00:52:18.380 align:middle line:90% And in time, it was. 00:52:18.380 --> 00:52:21.950 align:middle line:84% Many of Springfield's iconic retailers closed their doors. 00:52:21.950 --> 00:52:24.500 align:middle line:84% Springfield, as the political and cultural heart 00:52:24.500 --> 00:52:26.580 align:middle line:90% of the region, was diminished. 00:52:26.580 --> 00:52:31.500 align:middle line:84% And so, as with many changes in which cities are left behind, 00:52:31.500 --> 00:52:35.090 align:middle line:84% the impact on the subsequent loss of shopping and jobs 00:52:35.090 --> 00:52:38.270 align:middle line:84% accessible by foot and public transportation 00:52:38.270 --> 00:52:42.560 align:middle line:84% landed disproportionately on communities of color. 00:52:42.560 --> 00:52:45.530 align:middle line:84% Springfield's having two voices in the State Senate 00:52:45.530 --> 00:52:48.890 align:middle line:84% with a strong commitment to the people of Springfield is fair, 00:52:48.890 --> 00:52:51.350 align:middle line:84% just, and in line with what we know 00:52:51.350 --> 00:52:55.310 align:middle line:84% about the centrality of the most populous urban centers 00:52:55.310 --> 00:52:57.740 align:middle line:90% in combined statistical areas. 00:52:57.740 --> 00:52:59.750 align:middle line:84% Having these two senators also tied 00:52:59.750 --> 00:53:02.150 align:middle line:84% to Springfield's adjacent communities 00:53:02.150 --> 00:53:05.720 align:middle line:84% bolsters regional cohesion and strength-- 00:53:05.720 --> 00:53:10.490 align:middle line:84% two voices seeking common ground on, well, common ground. 00:53:10.490 --> 00:53:13.130 align:middle line:84% So redistrict with an understanding 00:53:13.130 --> 00:53:16.070 align:middle line:84% of naturally occurring communities of interest. 00:53:16.070 --> 00:53:17.720 align:middle line:84% Then do everything in your purview 00:53:17.720 --> 00:53:20.720 align:middle line:84% to enfranchise, empower, and enable 00:53:20.720 --> 00:53:23.570 align:middle line:84% the full voting participation of historically 00:53:23.570 --> 00:53:25.700 align:middle line:90% disenfranchised communities. 00:53:25.700 --> 00:53:29.060 align:middle line:84% Don't just juggle the numbers to fashion a lone senate 00:53:29.060 --> 00:53:32.690 align:middle line:84% districts for Springfield, elect one person of color, 00:53:32.690 --> 00:53:36.380 align:middle line:84% and call this a solution, lift every voice 00:53:36.380 --> 00:53:38.540 align:middle line:84% in every corner of the Commonwealth. 00:53:38.540 --> 00:53:41.570 align:middle line:84% Build a sustainably diverse future 00:53:41.570 --> 00:53:45.887 align:middle line:84% across all communities in all that you do. 00:53:45.887 --> 00:53:46.970 align:middle line:90% I thank you for your time. 00:53:46.970 --> 00:53:49.643 align:middle line:90% 00:53:49.643 --> 00:53:51.310 align:middle line:84% Thank you very much for your testimony-- 00:53:51.310 --> 00:53:54.670 align:middle line:90% much appreciated. 00:53:54.670 --> 00:53:58.180 align:middle line:84% Are there questions for Mr. O'Connor? 00:53:58.180 --> 00:54:03.504 align:middle line:90% 00:54:03.504 --> 00:54:05.980 align:middle line:90% O'Connell-- forgive me, sir. 00:54:05.980 --> 00:54:07.780 align:middle line:90% No problem. 00:54:07.780 --> 00:54:11.400 align:middle line:84% The little spreadsheet I have was truncating 00:54:11.400 --> 00:54:13.930 align:middle line:90% the end of your name there. 00:54:13.930 --> 00:54:16.180 align:middle line:90% I know the issue well. 00:54:16.180 --> 00:54:18.250 align:middle line:90% You're doing great. 00:54:18.250 --> 00:54:20.910 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:54:20.910 --> 00:54:22.038 align:middle line:90% All right, well, you-- 00:54:22.038 --> 00:54:23.580 align:middle line:84% very, very knowledgeable perspective, 00:54:23.580 --> 00:54:24.890 align:middle line:90% very much appreciated. 00:54:24.890 --> 00:54:26.680 align:middle line:90% I thank you for your testimony. 00:54:26.680 --> 00:54:27.180 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:54:27.180 --> 00:54:29.870 align:middle line:90% 00:54:29.870 --> 00:54:34.317 align:middle line:84% Next up, I think we have Jack Perenick of Longmeadow. 00:54:34.317 --> 00:54:38.890 align:middle line:90% 00:54:38.890 --> 00:54:41.010 align:middle line:90% Jack, you're up. 00:54:41.010 --> 00:54:42.590 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 00:54:42.590 --> 00:54:43.670 align:middle line:90% There we go. 00:54:43.670 --> 00:54:44.990 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:54:44.990 --> 00:54:46.620 align:middle line:90% I'm Jack. 00:54:46.620 --> 00:54:51.360 align:middle line:84% I am right now a resident of Hampden County. 00:54:51.360 --> 00:54:54.710 align:middle line:84% And I just want to speak on how important it is for Hampden 00:54:54.710 --> 00:54:59.210 align:middle line:84% County, which is very nearly a full county inside the 1st 00:54:59.210 --> 00:55:01.190 align:middle line:84% Congressional District-- we actually-- 00:55:01.190 --> 00:55:03.740 align:middle line:84% a bit of Palmer, which was separated to maintain 00:55:03.740 --> 00:55:07.190 align:middle line:84% perfect equality after the 2010 census, 00:55:07.190 --> 00:55:08.930 align:middle line:84% was actually severed from the district. 00:55:08.930 --> 00:55:12.747 align:middle line:84% 99%-- we are fully within the 1st Congressional District. 00:55:12.747 --> 00:55:15.080 align:middle line:84% And I just want to speak a little about how important it 00:55:15.080 --> 00:55:17.480 align:middle line:84% is to make sure that the divide-- 00:55:17.480 --> 00:55:20.030 align:middle line:84% Representative Neal touched on how the 1st Congressional 00:55:20.030 --> 00:55:22.640 align:middle line:84% District, mathematically, must extend eastward. 00:55:22.640 --> 00:55:24.380 align:middle line:84% There's nowhere else for it to go. 00:55:24.380 --> 00:55:26.000 align:middle line:84% That is simply a mathematical reality. 00:55:26.000 --> 00:55:28.250 align:middle line:84% However, the choice on where it goes eastward 00:55:28.250 --> 00:55:30.650 align:middle line:84% is extraordinarily important to maintain 00:55:30.650 --> 00:55:32.930 align:middle line:84% the importance of this district, as well as 00:55:32.930 --> 00:55:35.420 align:middle line:84% not affecting the 2nd Congressional District 00:55:35.420 --> 00:55:38.540 align:middle line:84% and damaging both in that process. 00:55:38.540 --> 00:55:41.210 align:middle line:84% I work for the District Attorney's Office. 00:55:41.210 --> 00:55:43.530 align:middle line:84% I am the president of the Youth Advisory Board. 00:55:43.530 --> 00:55:45.650 align:middle line:84% And one of the biggest things we do in our office 00:55:45.650 --> 00:55:47.435 align:middle line:84% is we go out to school districts. 00:55:47.435 --> 00:55:50.060 align:middle line:84% And we speak to all the parents of the school district at once. 00:55:50.060 --> 00:55:52.940 align:middle line:84% And you would not believe how many times when we do that, 00:55:52.940 --> 00:55:55.700 align:middle line:84% we cross into the 2nd Congressional District. 00:55:55.700 --> 00:55:58.670 align:middle line:84% And that is because, right now, the district does not 00:55:58.670 --> 00:56:00.800 align:middle line:84% extend far enough east on the south, 00:56:00.800 --> 00:56:03.080 align:middle line:90% along the Connecticut border. 00:56:03.080 --> 00:56:06.140 align:middle line:84% Right now, if you look at the lines that are currently 00:56:06.140 --> 00:56:09.020 align:middle line:84% drawn very specifically, all you have to do 00:56:09.020 --> 00:56:11.180 align:middle line:84% is look at Warren and Brookfield to understand 00:56:11.180 --> 00:56:12.890 align:middle line:84% why the 1st Congressional District needs 00:56:12.890 --> 00:56:15.530 align:middle line:84% to expand support along the Connecticut border. 00:56:15.530 --> 00:56:18.080 align:middle line:84% Right now, there's unified school district 00:56:18.080 --> 00:56:20.870 align:middle line:84% for North Brookfield, East Brookfield, and Spencer. 00:56:20.870 --> 00:56:22.880 align:middle line:84% Right now, they are severed along the 1st 00:56:22.880 --> 00:56:25.340 align:middle line:90% and 2nd Congressional District. 00:56:25.340 --> 00:56:26.960 align:middle line:84% As we all know, the 1st Congressional 00:56:26.960 --> 00:56:29.433 align:middle line:84% needs to pick up 40,000 new residents. 00:56:29.433 --> 00:56:31.100 align:middle line:84% And this is actually a great opportunity 00:56:31.100 --> 00:56:33.775 align:middle line:84% to expand the district while uniting communities 00:56:33.775 --> 00:56:36.530 align:middle line:84% there within the same school district here, 00:56:36.530 --> 00:56:38.660 align:middle line:84% and as such are very well unified. 00:56:38.660 --> 00:56:41.090 align:middle line:84% The reason that these districts go to unify and form 00:56:41.090 --> 00:56:42.800 align:middle line:84% consolidated districts in the first place 00:56:42.800 --> 00:56:44.280 align:middle line:84% is because they have a lot in common. 00:56:44.280 --> 00:56:46.197 align:middle line:84% They have well-developed public infrastructure 00:56:46.197 --> 00:56:47.210 align:middle line:90% to keep them united. 00:56:47.210 --> 00:56:50.150 align:middle line:84% And they often have family lines that go across towns. 00:56:50.150 --> 00:56:52.910 align:middle line:84% And so by expanding the first congressional 00:56:52.910 --> 00:56:55.970 align:middle line:84% into Warren, North Brookfield, Spencer, 00:56:55.970 --> 00:56:58.910 align:middle line:84% and then finally picking up the remaining pieces by fully 00:56:58.910 --> 00:57:00.950 align:middle line:84% uniting the city of Webster along 00:57:00.950 --> 00:57:02.900 align:middle line:84% with the end of the Connecticut border 00:57:02.900 --> 00:57:05.720 align:middle line:84% as we hit Rhode Island is not only something that 00:57:05.720 --> 00:57:08.600 align:middle line:84% has to be done mathematically, but by doing so, 00:57:08.600 --> 00:57:11.780 align:middle line:84% we actually unite a singular cultural area of the district 00:57:11.780 --> 00:57:14.480 align:middle line:84% and solve a problem that's been plaguing the southern part 00:57:14.480 --> 00:57:16.220 align:middle line:90% of this county. 00:57:16.220 --> 00:57:18.780 align:middle line:84% I will just say, as someone from Hampden County, 00:57:18.780 --> 00:57:22.070 align:middle line:84% I'm very proud of our congressional representation 00:57:22.070 --> 00:57:24.290 align:middle line:84% in the west, and our dual representation. 00:57:24.290 --> 00:57:26.000 align:middle line:84% Having two chairmen and two committees 00:57:26.000 --> 00:57:28.580 align:middle line:84% is extraordinarily important, but also 00:57:28.580 --> 00:57:31.850 align:middle line:84% how important it is to keep Berkshire County and Hampton 00:57:31.850 --> 00:57:35.750 align:middle line:84% County fully united within the first congressional district. 00:57:35.750 --> 00:57:38.420 align:middle line:84% I know very few people in the county 00:57:38.420 --> 00:57:41.870 align:middle line:84% other than myself that have actually been to all 23 towns 00:57:41.870 --> 00:57:43.070 align:middle line:90% and cities in the district. 00:57:43.070 --> 00:57:44.540 align:middle line:90% I've been to all of them. 00:57:44.540 --> 00:57:46.880 align:middle line:84% And what people don't realize is the Berkshires don't 00:57:46.880 --> 00:57:49.003 align:middle line:90% end with Berkshire County. 00:57:49.003 --> 00:57:50.670 align:middle line:84% The Berkshires, both as a mountain range 00:57:50.670 --> 00:57:54.110 align:middle line:84% and as a cultural area, expand to six towns 00:57:54.110 --> 00:57:56.900 align:middle line:90% in Hampton County-- 00:57:56.900 --> 00:58:01.220 align:middle line:84% in Russell, Blandford-- as we go for even further 00:58:01.220 --> 00:58:05.510 align:middle line:84% into Granville, and Southwick, and Russell, 00:58:05.510 --> 00:58:07.520 align:middle line:84% there are areas that are very much 00:58:07.520 --> 00:58:11.030 align:middle line:84% a part, both geographically by road condition and culturally, 00:58:11.030 --> 00:58:12.662 align:middle line:90% a part of that region. 00:58:12.662 --> 00:58:14.120 align:middle line:84% And so making sure that we continue 00:58:14.120 --> 00:58:17.640 align:middle line:84% to create that as we go eastward is very important. 00:58:17.640 --> 00:58:20.570 align:middle line:84% And I just want to speak on how important it is that the second 00:58:20.570 --> 00:58:23.420 align:middle line:84% congressional district maintain pieces of Hampshire 00:58:23.420 --> 00:58:28.340 align:middle line:84% and Franklin, and really echo the Congressman in saying that 00:58:28.340 --> 00:58:31.670 align:middle line:84% what cannot be allowed to happen is a district which expands 00:58:31.670 --> 00:58:35.390 align:middle line:84% mathematically westward and does so without regard for that very 00:58:35.390 --> 00:58:37.730 align:middle line:90% important split in the counties. 00:58:37.730 --> 00:58:41.990 align:middle line:84% That cannot be allowed to happen simply because if we continue 00:58:41.990 --> 00:58:44.210 align:middle line:84% to extend towards the Connecticut River on that 00:58:44.210 --> 00:58:46.700 align:middle line:84% district, you will do irreparable harm to both 00:58:46.700 --> 00:58:50.120 align:middle line:84% districts, both in their intellectual abilities-- 00:58:50.120 --> 00:58:52.280 align:middle line:84% the five college system being, right now, 00:58:52.280 --> 00:58:55.550 align:middle line:84% kept almost entirely together, with the only exception 00:58:55.550 --> 00:58:58.670 align:middle line:84% of South Hadley, it's very important that we make sure 00:58:58.670 --> 00:59:01.010 align:middle line:84% that as the 1st and 2nd Congressional Districts are 00:59:01.010 --> 00:59:04.490 align:middle line:84% required to grow, that we do so without breaking apart the very 00:59:04.490 --> 00:59:08.090 align:middle line:84% important balance that has held them together for so long. 00:59:08.090 --> 00:59:11.820 align:middle line:84% And so by adding into that, critically, North Brookfield, 00:59:11.820 --> 00:59:15.360 align:middle line:84% Spencer, Webster, and, as necessary, 00:59:15.360 --> 00:59:18.380 align:middle line:84% making sure that when population balancing has to occur, 00:59:18.380 --> 00:59:22.220 align:middle line:84% it does so with a very precise attention to town lines-- 00:59:22.220 --> 00:59:25.790 align:middle line:84% very important not to break precincts within a town 00:59:25.790 --> 00:59:27.710 align:middle line:84% because that can create undue pressure. 00:59:27.710 --> 00:59:30.200 align:middle line:84% And it further prevents people from being 00:59:30.200 --> 00:59:32.780 align:middle line:84% able to socialize and discuss the politics 00:59:32.780 --> 00:59:36.030 align:middle line:84% within their town that isn't split across borders. 00:59:36.030 --> 00:59:38.420 align:middle line:84% And so my strongest plea to you would be, 00:59:38.420 --> 00:59:41.020 align:middle line:84% when population balancing needs to occur, 00:59:41.020 --> 00:59:43.600 align:middle line:84% do so in a way that does not transfer of precinct 00:59:43.600 --> 00:59:46.360 align:middle line:84% out of a town, but rather transfers the entirety 00:59:46.360 --> 00:59:49.540 align:middle line:84% of a town to a district to make sure that that balancing 00:59:49.540 --> 00:59:50.790 align:middle line:90% can occur. 00:59:50.790 --> 00:59:51.880 align:middle line:90% I thank you so much. 00:59:51.880 --> 00:59:54.700 align:middle line:84% I would appreciate any questions that you have. 00:59:54.700 --> 00:59:57.200 align:middle line:84% But I'm very passionate about the 1st Congressional District 00:59:57.200 --> 00:59:57.700 align:middle line:90% here. 00:59:57.700 --> 00:59:59.825 align:middle line:84% And I want to make sure that we use this population 00:59:59.825 --> 01:00:02.530 align:middle line:84% rebalancing, actually, as an opportunity to make sure 01:00:02.530 --> 01:00:05.650 align:middle line:84% that our expansion south along the Connecticut border 01:00:05.650 --> 01:00:07.660 align:middle line:84% keeps us more united and actually strengthens 01:00:07.660 --> 01:00:09.680 align:middle line:90% community bonds in that area. 01:00:09.680 --> 01:00:10.430 align:middle line:90% Thank you so much. 01:00:10.430 --> 01:00:13.760 align:middle line:84% And I would welcome any questions you have. 01:00:13.760 --> 01:00:16.180 align:middle line:84% Thank you very much for your passionate testimony-- 01:00:16.180 --> 01:00:18.640 align:middle line:90% much appreciated. 01:00:18.640 --> 01:00:21.010 align:middle line:84% Are there questions for Mr. Perenick. 01:00:21.010 --> 01:00:26.400 align:middle line:90% 01:00:26.400 --> 01:00:28.200 align:middle line:84% Think you got your message across. 01:00:28.200 --> 01:00:30.155 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much. 01:00:30.155 --> 01:00:31.155 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 01:00:31.155 --> 01:00:35.830 align:middle line:90% 01:00:35.830 --> 01:00:37.780 align:middle line:84% Let me now recognize Cheryl Rose. 01:00:37.780 --> 01:00:49.960 align:middle line:90% 01:00:49.960 --> 01:00:50.460 align:middle line:90% Hi. 01:00:50.460 --> 01:00:50.960 align:middle line:90% OK. 01:00:50.960 --> 01:00:53.010 align:middle line:84% Just my-- my internet's a little bit slow, 01:00:53.010 --> 01:00:55.590 align:middle line:90% but not as bad as Al's. 01:00:55.590 --> 01:01:01.230 align:middle line:84% Thank you very much for the opportunity to comment today. 01:01:01.230 --> 01:01:04.560 align:middle line:84% I think we've all seen that redistricting has been elevated 01:01:04.560 --> 01:01:05.970 align:middle line:90% in the national conversation. 01:01:05.970 --> 01:01:09.360 align:middle line:84% And I've certainly come to appreciate how it is really 01:01:09.360 --> 01:01:12.090 align:middle line:84% at the core of our democracy in a truly 01:01:12.090 --> 01:01:14.820 align:middle line:90% representative government. 01:01:14.820 --> 01:01:17.040 align:middle line:84% I guess I just want to echo a few of the things that 01:01:17.040 --> 01:01:19.248 align:middle line:84% have been said and just put my own two cents in here. 01:01:19.248 --> 01:01:21.990 align:middle line:84% I live in Dalton, which is in the eastern part-- 01:01:21.990 --> 01:01:25.080 align:middle line:84% in the central east of Pittsfield and then up 01:01:25.080 --> 01:01:28.320 align:middle line:90% and into the hill towns. 01:01:28.320 --> 01:01:30.800 align:middle line:84% And representative Mark is my representative. 01:01:30.800 --> 01:01:33.750 align:middle line:84% And he has to cover all the way to Greenfield. 01:01:33.750 --> 01:01:36.390 align:middle line:90% So he covers quite a distance. 01:01:36.390 --> 01:01:40.170 align:middle line:84% I want to just attest to the intimacy of Berkshire County, 01:01:40.170 --> 01:01:43.320 align:middle line:84% as somebody who is active on a number of issues 01:01:43.320 --> 01:01:46.920 align:middle line:84% in my political party as well as on environment 01:01:46.920 --> 01:01:50.010 align:middle line:84% and other just issues that involve government 01:01:50.010 --> 01:01:52.270 align:middle line:84% and being involved in the issues. 01:01:52.270 --> 01:01:55.890 align:middle line:84% We work up and down the county and, across the county line, 01:01:55.890 --> 01:01:59.250 align:middle line:84% east over into Franklin County and Hampshire County. 01:01:59.250 --> 01:02:00.660 align:middle line:90% And that's where I feel closest. 01:02:00.660 --> 01:02:02.700 align:middle line:84% And I want to comment that I've lived 01:02:02.700 --> 01:02:05.610 align:middle line:84% in the Berkshires for about 35 years. 01:02:05.610 --> 01:02:09.960 align:middle line:84% And it was very palpable, when we lost our congressman 01:02:09.960 --> 01:02:11.970 align:middle line:84% and became joined with Springfield, 01:02:11.970 --> 01:02:15.300 align:middle line:84% how much our voice was diminished. 01:02:15.300 --> 01:02:17.610 align:middle line:84% I want to make that comment, that I do 01:02:17.610 --> 01:02:20.850 align:middle line:84% feel that Springfield really dominates this district right 01:02:20.850 --> 01:02:21.450 align:middle line:90% now. 01:02:21.450 --> 01:02:24.980 align:middle line:84% And I feel underrepresented in that sense, 01:02:24.980 --> 01:02:27.540 align:middle line:84% I think the Berkshires absolutely should remain whole. 01:02:27.540 --> 01:02:30.330 align:middle line:84% We are geographically big, but very intimate 01:02:30.330 --> 01:02:32.730 align:middle line:90% in many, many ways. 01:02:32.730 --> 01:02:34.200 align:middle line:84% My understanding is our population 01:02:34.200 --> 01:02:35.910 align:middle line:90% is 1/7th of the district. 01:02:35.910 --> 01:02:38.800 align:middle line:84% So you can imagine how we are diluted 01:02:38.800 --> 01:02:43.230 align:middle line:84% compared to an urban center like Springfield. 01:02:43.230 --> 01:02:45.180 align:middle line:84% So when I look at the map of our district 01:02:45.180 --> 01:02:47.760 align:middle line:84% and I hear Congressman Neal speaking about Worcester 01:02:47.760 --> 01:02:50.310 align:middle line:84% County, it really makes me nervous 01:02:50.310 --> 01:02:56.370 align:middle line:84% that you're going to add more areas of population that 01:02:56.370 --> 01:02:59.400 align:middle line:84% are close to Worcester and more Springfield. 01:02:59.400 --> 01:03:01.050 align:middle line:84% And that just feels more and more 01:03:01.050 --> 01:03:04.320 align:middle line:84% like we're just getting further and further from the center 01:03:04.320 --> 01:03:05.890 align:middle line:90% of our representation. 01:03:05.890 --> 01:03:09.990 align:middle line:84% So I'm just asking, I guess, two things, which are one, 01:03:09.990 --> 01:03:12.300 align:middle line:84% please keep Berkshire County whole, yes. 01:03:12.300 --> 01:03:15.630 align:middle line:84% And two, if you have to add population, which 01:03:15.630 --> 01:03:18.930 align:middle line:84% is my understanding, that you go more east into Franklin 01:03:18.930 --> 01:03:21.540 align:middle line:90% County and Hampshire County. 01:03:21.540 --> 01:03:24.720 align:middle line:84% So that's where-- I feel like our rural counties are 01:03:24.720 --> 01:03:26.730 align:middle line:90% underrepresented right now. 01:03:26.730 --> 01:03:30.150 align:middle line:84% And adding more things close to Worcester or Springfield 01:03:30.150 --> 01:03:33.460 align:middle line:84% is not going to help us that way. 01:03:33.460 --> 01:03:35.850 align:middle line:84% So that's what I wanted to share. 01:03:35.850 --> 01:03:36.450 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:03:36.450 --> 01:03:38.912 align:middle line:90% Thanks for the chance. 01:03:38.912 --> 01:03:40.120 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much for that. 01:03:40.120 --> 01:03:42.520 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much. 01:03:42.520 --> 01:03:47.397 align:middle line:84% Clear message-- any questions from members of the committee? 01:03:47.397 --> 01:03:50.880 align:middle line:90% 01:03:50.880 --> 01:03:53.910 align:middle line:84% Thank you so much for taking the time to testify-- 01:03:53.910 --> 01:03:54.930 align:middle line:90% much appreciated. 01:03:54.930 --> 01:03:58.730 align:middle line:90% Thanks for the opportunity. 01:03:58.730 --> 01:03:59.830 align:middle line:90% So let's see. 01:03:59.830 --> 01:04:01.930 align:middle line:84% I believe we've recognized Tom Bernard. 01:04:01.930 --> 01:04:05.580 align:middle line:90% Is Rose Webster-Smith here? 01:04:05.580 --> 01:04:07.725 align:middle line:90% Not seeing her under that name. 01:04:07.725 --> 01:04:10.830 align:middle line:90% 01:04:10.830 --> 01:04:13.227 align:middle line:90% David Greenberg is here. 01:04:13.227 --> 01:04:14.310 align:middle line:90% How about David Greenberg? 01:04:14.310 --> 01:04:16.917 align:middle line:84% Can we recognize David Greenberg? 01:04:16.917 --> 01:04:20.740 align:middle line:90% 01:04:20.740 --> 01:04:24.190 align:middle line:84% David you should be able to both unmute yourself and turn 01:04:24.190 --> 01:04:26.810 align:middle line:90% on your video at this point. 01:04:26.810 --> 01:04:27.310 align:middle line:90% Ok. 01:04:27.310 --> 01:04:28.720 align:middle line:90% Oh, there I am. 01:04:28.720 --> 01:04:30.130 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:04:30.130 --> 01:04:30.760 align:middle line:90% All right. 01:04:30.760 --> 01:04:33.467 align:middle line:84% Well, I'd first like to thank redistricting committee chair 01:04:33.467 --> 01:04:35.800 align:middle line:84% Senator Will Brownsburger and Representative Mike Moran, 01:04:35.800 --> 01:04:37.600 align:middle line:84% as well as other members of the committee, 01:04:37.600 --> 01:04:39.955 align:middle line:84% for hosting this public hearing and for their commitment 01:04:39.955 --> 01:04:41.830 align:middle line:84% to engaging with citizens of the Commonwealth 01:04:41.830 --> 01:04:43.330 align:middle line:90% throughout this process. 01:04:43.330 --> 01:04:46.120 align:middle line:84% My name is David Greenberg and I have been a resident of Colrain 01:04:46.120 --> 01:04:48.070 align:middle line:90% for roughly 35 years. 01:04:48.070 --> 01:04:52.065 align:middle line:84% And I'd like to echo what Al and Cheryl said a little bit back. 01:04:52.065 --> 01:04:54.190 align:middle line:84% I believe that the counties of Berkshire, Franklin, 01:04:54.190 --> 01:04:56.380 align:middle line:84% and Hampshire define a community of interest. 01:04:56.380 --> 01:04:57.880 align:middle line:84% And I would hope that they are part 01:04:57.880 --> 01:04:59.950 align:middle line:90% of one congressional district. 01:04:59.950 --> 01:05:02.140 align:middle line:84% I believe that this area of Western Massachusetts 01:05:02.140 --> 01:05:05.770 align:middle line:84% has much in common, including a level of virality rarely seen 01:05:05.770 --> 01:05:07.480 align:middle line:84% in other parts of the Commonwealth. 01:05:07.480 --> 01:05:09.160 align:middle line:84% Franklin County has a population density 01:05:09.160 --> 01:05:12.340 align:middle line:84% of 104 people per square mile, the lowest in the Commonwealth, 01:05:12.340 --> 01:05:14.830 align:middle line:84% followed by Berkshire County at 142, 01:05:14.830 --> 01:05:17.770 align:middle line:84% Hampshire County ranks fifth at 315. 01:05:17.770 --> 01:05:20.525 align:middle line:84% This means that we have severe challenges in common. 01:05:20.525 --> 01:05:22.840 align:middle line:84% They include funding our very large regional school 01:05:22.840 --> 01:05:25.480 align:middle line:84% districts, delivering public transportation services 01:05:25.480 --> 01:05:28.090 align:middle line:84% to our residents, and providing broadband coverage 01:05:28.090 --> 01:05:29.590 align:middle line:90% to our communities. 01:05:29.590 --> 01:05:31.840 align:middle line:84% The Mohawk Trail Regional School District 01:05:31.840 --> 01:05:34.780 align:middle line:84% is the largest geographical district in the Commonwealth, 01:05:34.780 --> 01:05:38.230 align:middle line:84% comprising 256 square miles and eight towns. 01:05:38.230 --> 01:05:40.450 align:middle line:84% Transportation costs are extremely high. 01:05:40.450 --> 01:05:42.760 align:middle line:84% And the Commonwealth has never fully covered the cost 01:05:42.760 --> 01:05:45.070 align:middle line:84% as it promised to do when regionalization 01:05:45.070 --> 01:05:46.840 align:middle line:90% was being encouraged. 01:05:46.840 --> 01:05:49.060 align:middle line:84% Declining populations are forcing some towns 01:05:49.060 --> 01:05:50.410 align:middle line:90% to close their local schools-- 01:05:50.410 --> 01:05:52.240 align:middle line:90% Leyden and Heath come to mind-- 01:05:52.240 --> 01:05:54.250 align:middle line:90% which is a huge area of concern. 01:05:54.250 --> 01:05:56.320 align:middle line:84% Many of the districts in the three counties 01:05:56.320 --> 01:05:58.210 align:middle line:90% have similar challenges. 01:05:58.210 --> 01:06:00.730 align:middle line:84% Public transportation routes for an aging population 01:06:00.730 --> 01:06:02.260 align:middle line:90% are extremely limited. 01:06:02.260 --> 01:06:03.460 align:middle line:90% Funding is inadequate. 01:06:03.460 --> 01:06:07.090 align:middle line:84% Again, this problem is common to the three counties. 01:06:07.090 --> 01:06:09.460 align:middle line:84% Roughly 12 years ago, I co-founded WiredWest 01:06:09.460 --> 01:06:11.140 align:middle line:84% to advocate for broadband connectivity 01:06:11.140 --> 01:06:12.760 align:middle line:90% in Western Massachusetts. 01:06:12.760 --> 01:06:15.002 align:middle line:84% At its height, WiredWest represented 44 towns 01:06:15.002 --> 01:06:16.960 align:middle line:84% in the most rural parts of Berkshire, Franklin, 01:06:16.960 --> 01:06:20.140 align:middle line:84% and Hampshire counties, towns where for-profit internet 01:06:20.140 --> 01:06:22.990 align:middle line:84% providers ignored because of their low density, which 01:06:22.990 --> 01:06:25.270 align:middle line:84% severely limited the profit potential of companies 01:06:25.270 --> 01:06:27.400 align:middle line:90% like Comcast and Verizon. 01:06:27.400 --> 01:06:30.950 align:middle line:84% Our collective advocacy-- took a long time-- eventually paid 01:06:30.950 --> 01:06:31.450 align:middle line:90% off. 01:06:31.450 --> 01:06:33.075 align:middle line:84% In many of these towns, they're finally 01:06:33.075 --> 01:06:34.540 align:middle line:84% building municipal fiber networks. 01:06:34.540 --> 01:06:38.320 align:middle line:84% I'm hoping to finally get connected in about two months. 01:06:38.320 --> 01:06:39.928 align:middle line:84% WiredWest is an excellent example 01:06:39.928 --> 01:06:41.470 align:middle line:84% of the three counties coming together 01:06:41.470 --> 01:06:43.990 align:middle line:90% over an issue of mutual concern. 01:06:43.990 --> 01:06:46.570 align:middle line:84% Per capita income is also very similar for these three 01:06:46.570 --> 01:06:50.740 align:middle line:84% counties-- $35,376 for Berkshire, 01:06:50.740 --> 01:06:56.170 align:middle line:84% $33,694 for Franklin, and $36,896 for Hampshire County. 01:06:56.170 --> 01:06:58.660 align:middle line:84% Historically, towns have come together at the county level 01:06:58.660 --> 01:06:59.915 align:middle line:90% to achieve common goals. 01:06:59.915 --> 01:07:02.290 align:middle line:84% For example, the Franklin Regional Council of Governments 01:07:02.290 --> 01:07:05.770 align:middle line:84% provides services to many of the 29 towns in Franklin County. 01:07:05.770 --> 01:07:07.540 align:middle line:84% The Berkshire regional planning commission 01:07:07.540 --> 01:07:09.460 align:middle line:84% serves a similar role in Berkeley County, 01:07:09.460 --> 01:07:11.200 align:middle line:84% collaborating with 32 communities, 01:07:11.200 --> 01:07:13.180 align:middle line:90% as we heard about earlier. 01:07:13.180 --> 01:07:15.670 align:middle line:84% I believe our county should gather for the many reasons 01:07:15.670 --> 01:07:16.605 align:middle line:90% that I've outlined. 01:07:16.605 --> 01:07:17.980 align:middle line:84% I want to thank the commissioners 01:07:17.980 --> 01:07:20.272 align:middle line:84% for their consideration of keeping Berkshire, Franklin, 01:07:20.272 --> 01:07:22.640 align:middle line:84% and Hampshire Counties in one congressional district. 01:07:22.640 --> 01:07:23.140 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:07:23.140 --> 01:07:26.710 align:middle line:90% 01:07:26.710 --> 01:07:29.570 align:middle line:84% Thank you-- clear message, makes a lot of sense. 01:07:29.570 --> 01:07:31.260 align:middle line:84% Let me ask you a question, if I may. 01:07:31.260 --> 01:07:34.430 align:middle line:90% 01:07:34.430 --> 01:07:37.820 align:middle line:84% When you think of the community of interest, especially that-- 01:07:37.820 --> 01:07:39.650 align:middle line:84% I'm sort of interested in the way you 01:07:39.650 --> 01:07:42.020 align:middle line:90% look at the senate district. 01:07:42.020 --> 01:07:45.590 align:middle line:84% Do you consider the hill towns, like a Russell, Blandford, 01:07:45.590 --> 01:07:49.250 align:middle line:84% Goshen, Ashfield, Heath, Claremont, Shelburne 01:07:49.250 --> 01:07:52.220 align:middle line:84% Falls, those kind of towns-- do you consider those sort of part 01:07:52.220 --> 01:07:55.930 align:middle line:90% of the Berkshire orbit? 01:07:55.930 --> 01:07:59.770 align:middle line:84% Well, I would, except the transportation problems are 01:07:59.770 --> 01:08:03.100 align:middle line:84% so difficult. It takes a long-- for me to get to Pittsfield, 01:08:03.100 --> 01:08:07.330 align:middle line:84% I have to take 91 down to the turnpike. 01:08:07.330 --> 01:08:10.780 align:middle line:84% Or, I have to take 116 across, or Route 9. 01:08:10.780 --> 01:08:12.960 align:middle line:90% It's a long way to travel. 01:08:12.960 --> 01:08:13.960 align:middle line:90% Where do you live again? 01:08:13.960 --> 01:08:14.860 align:middle line:90% I'm sorry. 01:08:14.860 --> 01:08:16.720 align:middle line:84% It's a hard-- it's hard to travel 01:08:16.720 --> 01:08:19.600 align:middle line:84% to Berkshire County for us because of the mountains 01:08:19.600 --> 01:08:22.420 align:middle line:90% and the lack of east-west roads. 01:08:22.420 --> 01:08:26.350 align:middle line:84% I mean, there's Route 9, there's 116, and there's the turnpike. 01:08:26.350 --> 01:08:30.310 align:middle line:84% I'm in the very northern part of Franklin County. 01:08:30.310 --> 01:08:31.520 align:middle line:90% Which town are you in, again? 01:08:31.520 --> 01:08:32.020 align:middle line:90% I'm sorry. 01:08:32.020 --> 01:08:33.529 align:middle line:90% Colrain. 01:08:33.529 --> 01:08:34.120 align:middle line:90% Oh, Colrain. 01:08:34.120 --> 01:08:34.450 align:middle line:90% That's right. 01:08:34.450 --> 01:08:35.617 align:middle line:90% You said that at the outset. 01:08:35.617 --> 01:08:37.689 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:08:37.689 --> 01:08:39.567 align:middle line:84% So when I worked with WiredWest, I 01:08:39.567 --> 01:08:41.109 align:middle line:84% mean there certainly is a commonality 01:08:41.109 --> 01:08:43.845 align:middle line:84% of interest among some of the towns you've mentioned. 01:08:43.845 --> 01:08:45.970 align:middle line:84% But I think transportation issues make it difficult 01:08:45.970 --> 01:08:48.040 align:middle line:84% for us to do a lot of work with Berkshire County. 01:08:48.040 --> 01:08:50.170 align:middle line:84% I tried, when I was the head of a technology 01:08:50.170 --> 01:08:54.439 align:middle line:84% consortium of schools, it was mostly Franklin and Hampshire 01:08:54.439 --> 01:08:54.939 align:middle line:90% counties. 01:08:54.939 --> 01:08:56.200 align:middle line:84% We reached out to the Berkshires, 01:08:56.200 --> 01:08:57.450 align:middle line:90% but it was just too difficult. 01:08:57.450 --> 01:09:00.069 align:middle line:84% In those days, of course, we had face to face meetings, 01:09:00.069 --> 01:09:03.242 align:middle line:84% which last year or so we could have done Zoom easily 01:09:03.242 --> 01:09:04.450 align:middle line:90% with folks in the Berkshires. 01:09:04.450 --> 01:09:10.450 align:middle line:84% But the city, one, itself takes hours to drive from one end 01:09:10.450 --> 01:09:11.720 align:middle line:90% to the other. 01:09:11.720 --> 01:09:16.270 align:middle line:84% So I don't know if that answers your question. 01:09:16.270 --> 01:09:16.830 align:middle line:90% I think so. 01:09:16.830 --> 01:09:19.410 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:09:19.410 --> 01:09:22.132 align:middle line:84% Other questions for Mr. Greenberg? 01:09:22.132 --> 01:09:26.279 align:middle line:90% 01:09:26.279 --> 01:09:27.779 align:middle line:84% Thank you very much, Mr. Greenberg-- 01:09:27.779 --> 01:09:29.529 align:middle line:90% appreciate your thoughts. 01:09:29.529 --> 01:09:30.029 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:09:30.029 --> 01:09:33.500 align:middle line:90% 01:09:33.500 --> 01:09:34.000 align:middle line:90% Let's see. 01:09:34.000 --> 01:09:38.140 align:middle line:90% Is Manraj Gill on the line? 01:09:38.140 --> 01:09:41.260 align:middle line:90% Not seeing Manraj. 01:09:41.260 --> 01:09:44.470 align:middle line:84% Mayor LaChapelle has already testified. 01:09:44.470 --> 01:09:46.479 align:middle line:90% I don't see Lisa Berkowicz. 01:09:46.479 --> 01:09:51.970 align:middle line:84% I don't see Osa Flory, I don't see-- 01:09:51.970 --> 01:09:55.630 align:middle line:84% I guess Cheryl Rose has testified already. 01:09:55.630 --> 01:09:58.790 align:middle line:84% Ernesto Cruz-- Ernesto Cruz is on the line. 01:09:58.790 --> 01:10:01.120 align:middle line:90% Let's remote Ernesto Cruz. 01:10:01.120 --> 01:10:14.270 align:middle line:90% 01:10:14.270 --> 01:10:16.230 align:middle line:90% Hello, can you hear me? 01:10:16.230 --> 01:10:17.700 align:middle line:90% We can hear you. 01:10:17.700 --> 01:10:20.810 align:middle line:90% And we can't see you yet. 01:10:20.810 --> 01:10:24.440 align:middle line:84% But you do have the ability to-- there you go. 01:10:24.440 --> 01:10:26.780 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:10:26.780 --> 01:10:29.225 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Senator Brownsburger. 01:10:29.225 --> 01:10:30.530 align:middle line:90% I'm Ernesto Cruz. 01:10:30.530 --> 01:10:33.290 align:middle line:90% I'm in the Hampden district. 01:10:33.290 --> 01:10:34.920 align:middle line:84% And I work with Neighbor to Neighbor. 01:10:34.920 --> 01:10:38.910 align:middle line:84% We represent members from underserved communities 01:10:38.910 --> 01:10:40.710 align:middle line:90% and working class communities. 01:10:40.710 --> 01:10:42.920 align:middle line:84% And we aid them in the civic process 01:10:42.920 --> 01:10:45.630 align:middle line:90% to advocate for themselves. 01:10:45.630 --> 01:10:47.510 align:middle line:84% Thank you for hosting this to all 01:10:47.510 --> 01:10:49.880 align:middle line:84% of the legislators on the committee. 01:10:49.880 --> 01:10:53.810 align:middle line:84% And thank you for really being there for us 01:10:53.810 --> 01:10:54.830 align:middle line:90% as we ask questions. 01:10:54.830 --> 01:10:57.290 align:middle line:84% And this is not the first time that I've 01:10:57.290 --> 01:11:01.130 align:middle line:84% been engaging in this with Neighbor to Neighbor. 01:11:01.130 --> 01:11:03.800 align:middle line:84% So I'll just advocate on behalf of some 01:11:03.800 --> 01:11:06.920 align:middle line:84% of the members who weren't able to make it here today. 01:11:06.920 --> 01:11:10.340 align:middle line:84% So they had three main concerns that we've 01:11:10.340 --> 01:11:11.540 align:middle line:90% been able to synthesize. 01:11:11.540 --> 01:11:15.920 align:middle line:84% And we're going to be conducting more outreach to get more input 01:11:15.920 --> 01:11:20.210 align:middle line:84% and more maps before the August deadline. 01:11:20.210 --> 01:11:27.210 align:middle line:84% So number one is that members believe 01:11:27.210 --> 01:11:30.330 align:middle line:84% we're in a lose-lose situation, due to population trends. 01:11:30.330 --> 01:11:35.440 align:middle line:84% So whether we put everyone in less districts 01:11:35.440 --> 01:11:40.230 align:middle line:84% or separate groups that we represent into more districts, 01:11:40.230 --> 01:11:43.500 align:middle line:84% we believe we're losing representation to some degree. 01:11:43.500 --> 01:11:46.110 align:middle line:84% And that's an issue that they're concerned with. 01:11:46.110 --> 01:11:48.480 align:middle line:84% Another thing is that the current split between east 01:11:48.480 --> 01:11:51.705 align:middle line:84% and west along I-91 puts Springfield 01:11:51.705 --> 01:11:53.080 align:middle line:84% with communities across the river 01:11:53.080 --> 01:11:57.150 align:middle line:84% and on the other side, which don't share our issues. 01:11:57.150 --> 01:12:01.470 align:middle line:84% And so nothing against them, but the issues are different. 01:12:01.470 --> 01:12:05.550 align:middle line:84% And we believe that Springfield and Chicopee and Holyoke 01:12:05.550 --> 01:12:09.390 align:middle line:84% have more in common that we think is important. 01:12:09.390 --> 01:12:12.930 align:middle line:84% And that also leads to the fact that, as a delegation 01:12:12.930 --> 01:12:16.200 align:middle line:84% in Western Mass, our members are well served also 01:12:16.200 --> 01:12:19.290 align:middle line:84% by representatives in Northampton 01:12:19.290 --> 01:12:23.070 align:middle line:84% and other areas that listen to our membership 01:12:23.070 --> 01:12:25.920 align:middle line:84% regardless of the district that they reside in. 01:12:25.920 --> 01:12:29.130 align:middle line:84% Then the final point is that looking ahead, 01:12:29.130 --> 01:12:32.790 align:middle line:84% upgrades in transportation and infrastructure-- 01:12:32.790 --> 01:12:34.740 align:middle line:84% they may trap us into districts that we 01:12:34.740 --> 01:12:38.320 align:middle line:84% have to live with for 10 years that could change abruptly 01:12:38.320 --> 01:12:39.390 align:middle line:90% and drastically. 01:12:39.390 --> 01:12:41.310 align:middle line:84% And this could create disenfranchisement 01:12:41.310 --> 01:12:43.320 align:middle line:84% through gentrification and displacement, 01:12:43.320 --> 01:12:46.690 align:middle line:84% the likes which we haven't seen in our lifetimes. 01:12:46.690 --> 01:12:49.733 align:middle line:84% So that's something that we're looking at, not just the way 01:12:49.733 --> 01:12:51.150 align:middle line:84% the districts look today, but what 01:12:51.150 --> 01:12:53.350 align:middle line:84% do they look like if we have high speed rail? 01:12:53.350 --> 01:12:56.670 align:middle line:84% What do they look like if we have other issues that we can't 01:12:56.670 --> 01:12:59.970 align:middle line:84% foresee right now and we are then locked into districts 01:12:59.970 --> 01:13:02.940 align:middle line:84% where we become further disenfranchised? 01:13:02.940 --> 01:13:04.215 align:middle line:90% Thank you for your time. 01:13:04.215 --> 01:13:05.280 align:middle line:90% I really appreciate it. 01:13:05.280 --> 01:13:08.850 align:middle line:84% And we will be collecting more feedback from the community. 01:13:08.850 --> 01:13:10.850 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:13:10.850 --> 01:13:11.370 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:13:11.370 --> 01:13:12.787 align:middle line:84% We appreciate the work that you do 01:13:12.787 --> 01:13:14.660 align:middle line:84% to bring the voices of the community 01:13:14.660 --> 01:13:18.680 align:middle line:84% together and present them to us in a synthesized way. 01:13:18.680 --> 01:13:22.000 align:middle line:90% That's very helpful. 01:13:22.000 --> 01:13:28.220 align:middle line:84% Do members of the panel have questions for Mr. Cruz? 01:13:28.220 --> 01:13:31.580 align:middle line:84% Chairman Brownsburger-- a rep, by the way, I have-- 01:13:31.580 --> 01:13:34.880 align:middle line:84% Ernesto, I just have one quick question. 01:13:34.880 --> 01:13:38.510 align:middle line:84% Does Neighbor to Neighbor have any recommendations? 01:13:38.510 --> 01:13:41.610 align:middle line:84% Right now we're going to be conducting more feedback. 01:13:41.610 --> 01:13:44.730 align:middle line:84% So for us, it's really about getting it from community. 01:13:44.730 --> 01:13:49.100 align:middle line:84% So be on the lookout for invitations for more of that. 01:13:49.100 --> 01:13:52.268 align:middle line:84% So we'll be hosting some that are hybrid events where 01:13:52.268 --> 01:13:53.810 align:middle line:84% some people in person and some people 01:13:53.810 --> 01:13:56.570 align:middle line:84% online-- where we'll be drawing out the maps together. 01:13:56.570 --> 01:13:59.540 align:middle line:84% But it's an open invitation to anyone in Western Mass 01:13:59.540 --> 01:14:04.370 align:middle line:84% to come meet with us and work on keeping districts 01:14:04.370 --> 01:14:08.090 align:middle line:84% together and really discussing the particulars. 01:14:08.090 --> 01:14:10.980 align:middle line:84% Just make sure you get that information to the committee 01:14:10.980 --> 01:14:13.530 align:middle line:84% so we can have it in a timely manner. 01:14:13.530 --> 01:14:14.210 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:14:14.210 --> 01:14:15.780 align:middle line:90% Thank you for your testimony. 01:14:15.780 --> 01:14:22.980 align:middle line:90% 01:14:22.980 --> 01:14:25.100 align:middle line:90% OK. 01:14:25.100 --> 01:14:28.100 align:middle line:84% If I'm not mistaken, there is nobody 01:14:28.100 --> 01:14:30.040 align:middle line:90% else who's asked to testify. 01:14:30.040 --> 01:14:33.050 align:middle line:90% 01:14:33.050 --> 01:14:34.895 align:middle line:84% I tell you what I'm going to do-- 01:14:34.895 --> 01:14:36.770 align:middle line:84% I'm just going to make a couple of comments-- 01:14:36.770 --> 01:14:39.830 align:middle line:90% 01:14:39.830 --> 01:14:41.360 align:middle line:90% but Mr. Cruz, I think-- 01:14:41.360 --> 01:14:41.870 align:middle line:90% forgive me. 01:14:41.870 --> 01:14:46.020 align:middle line:84% I think we've-- no other questions for Mr. Cruz, right? 01:14:46.020 --> 01:14:46.520 align:middle line:90% OK. 01:14:46.520 --> 01:14:47.020 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:14:47.020 --> 01:14:48.320 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much. 01:14:48.320 --> 01:14:51.260 align:middle line:84% Thank you so much for your testimony, Mr. Cruz. 01:14:51.260 --> 01:14:55.280 align:middle line:84% What I'm going to do now is just make a couple of comments 01:14:55.280 --> 01:14:57.050 align:middle line:84% to give people a second in case somebody 01:14:57.050 --> 01:15:02.050 align:middle line:84% else is trying to get in because we missed them. 01:15:02.050 --> 01:15:03.593 align:middle line:84% I see a question in the chat, which 01:15:03.593 --> 01:15:05.260 align:middle line:84% I'll just go ahead and answer because it 01:15:05.260 --> 01:15:07.510 align:middle line:90% is a technical question. 01:15:07.510 --> 01:15:12.730 align:middle line:84% The amount of conservation land, or this land area, 01:15:12.730 --> 01:15:20.050 align:middle line:84% has nothing to do with the definition of a district 01:15:20.050 --> 01:15:23.740 align:middle line:90% in census calculation. 01:15:23.740 --> 01:15:26.710 align:middle line:84% What we have to equalize in the redistricting process, 01:15:26.710 --> 01:15:30.890 align:middle line:84% or come close to doing so, is population, not land area. 01:15:30.890 --> 01:15:32.650 align:middle line:84% And of course, in Western Massachusetts, 01:15:32.650 --> 01:15:35.680 align:middle line:84% that does create the challenge, because of the low density, 01:15:35.680 --> 01:15:38.200 align:middle line:84% that the districts get very spread out. 01:15:38.200 --> 01:15:41.560 align:middle line:84% But the fundamental principle which guides everything we do 01:15:41.560 --> 01:15:44.140 align:middle line:90% is, one person, one vote. 01:15:44.140 --> 01:15:49.000 align:middle line:84% And so that means that we count people, not trees 01:15:49.000 --> 01:15:52.210 align:middle line:90% when we do redistricting. 01:15:52.210 --> 01:15:59.640 align:middle line:84% And in terms of the time frame, we are hoping to-- 01:15:59.640 --> 01:16:03.450 align:middle line:84% we have what we view as a hard deadline of finishing 01:16:03.450 --> 01:16:06.540 align:middle line:84% our redistricting process all the way to end of job, 01:16:06.540 --> 01:16:08.730 align:middle line:84% meaning we have passed a law implementing 01:16:08.730 --> 01:16:10.740 align:middle line:84% a new redistricting plan, and it's 01:16:10.740 --> 01:16:16.280 align:middle line:84% on the governor's desk by late October, early November. 01:16:16.280 --> 01:16:18.990 align:middle line:84% And that reflects constitutional timelines 01:16:18.990 --> 01:16:25.270 align:middle line:84% that affect the planning for people 01:16:25.270 --> 01:16:27.270 align:middle line:84% who are seeking to run for state representative, 01:16:27.270 --> 01:16:29.700 align:middle line:84% either as incumbents or as challengers. 01:16:29.700 --> 01:16:31.620 align:middle line:84% They have to live in their district for one 01:16:31.620 --> 01:16:35.200 align:middle line:90% year before they get elected. 01:16:35.200 --> 01:16:38.910 align:middle line:84% So if they're going to be elected in 2022, in November 01:16:38.910 --> 01:16:42.120 align:middle line:84% '22, they need to be a resident of their district in November 01:16:42.120 --> 01:16:43.380 align:middle line:90% 2021. 01:16:43.380 --> 01:16:44.880 align:middle line:90% So that shapes our timeline. 01:16:44.880 --> 01:16:46.380 align:middle line:84% And the Senate in the Congress, they 01:16:46.380 --> 01:16:48.338 align:middle line:84% basically all have to be done at the same time. 01:16:48.338 --> 01:16:53.280 align:middle line:84% So that means that we need to have our plans done, as I said, 01:16:53.280 --> 01:16:58.170 align:middle line:84% end of October, early November, and to give ourselves 01:16:58.170 --> 01:16:58.953 align:middle line:90% some time-- 01:16:58.953 --> 01:17:00.620 align:middle line:84% the public time to see what we're doing, 01:17:00.620 --> 01:17:02.400 align:middle line:90% give us some time to debate. 01:17:02.400 --> 01:17:05.100 align:middle line:84% That really means that by the end of September-- 01:17:05.100 --> 01:17:08.518 align:middle line:84% very close to the end of September, earlier if possible, 01:17:08.518 --> 01:17:10.560 align:middle line:84% we do want to have plans on the street for people 01:17:10.560 --> 01:17:11.670 align:middle line:90% to be reviewing. 01:17:11.670 --> 01:17:13.260 align:middle line:90% So that is our timeline. 01:17:13.260 --> 01:17:15.930 align:middle line:84% And one thing that may be confusing for people, 01:17:15.930 --> 01:17:20.260 align:middle line:84% there are two releases of the census data. 01:17:20.260 --> 01:17:23.430 align:middle line:84% Census data will come out in its final, final form 01:17:23.430 --> 01:17:26.190 align:middle line:90% in the end of September. 01:17:26.190 --> 01:17:29.940 align:middle line:84% However, the same data will come out 01:17:29.940 --> 01:17:32.370 align:middle line:84% in a different format, which we can work with, 01:17:32.370 --> 01:17:33.460 align:middle line:90% in the middle of August. 01:17:33.460 --> 01:17:35.250 align:middle line:84% So we will be working on our districts 01:17:35.250 --> 01:17:38.370 align:middle line:84% in the middle of August and hopefully getting things 01:17:38.370 --> 01:17:41.310 align:middle line:90% together for late September. 01:17:41.310 --> 01:17:42.600 align:middle line:90% That is our timeline. 01:17:42.600 --> 01:17:47.580 align:middle line:84% And we're doing hearings across the state of the same type. 01:17:47.580 --> 01:17:51.720 align:middle line:84% And we also will be doing some special language hearings 01:17:51.720 --> 01:17:55.710 align:middle line:84% to make sure that people can participate in any language. 01:17:55.710 --> 01:18:00.090 align:middle line:84% And before we entertain a motion to adjourn, 01:18:00.090 --> 01:18:01.980 align:middle line:84% I haven't gotten notice of anybody who's 01:18:01.980 --> 01:18:04.320 align:middle line:84% trying to testify, does any member of the panel 01:18:04.320 --> 01:18:07.860 align:middle line:84% wish to make any comments or raise any issues? 01:18:07.860 --> 01:18:11.160 align:middle line:90% Mr. Chairman, if I may. 01:18:11.160 --> 01:18:14.940 align:middle line:90% Yes, Representative Williams. 01:18:14.940 --> 01:18:17.450 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 01:18:17.450 --> 01:18:20.420 align:middle line:84% Is there anyone still on from the Berkshires, the 413? 01:18:20.420 --> 01:18:25.940 align:middle line:84% I'm just trying to get a little clarification 01:18:25.940 --> 01:18:31.920 align:middle line:84% on if we expand the 1st Congressional District, 01:18:31.920 --> 01:18:35.120 align:middle line:84% we've got to pick up 30,000, 40,000 votes, whatever it is, 01:18:35.120 --> 01:18:37.370 align:middle line:90% and we have to go east. 01:18:37.370 --> 01:18:40.790 align:middle line:84% Some folks are questioning, we should go more 01:18:40.790 --> 01:18:43.310 align:middle line:90% into the Berkshires. 01:18:43.310 --> 01:18:46.928 align:middle line:84% Can someone explain all that to me while I'm still-- 01:18:46.928 --> 01:18:47.970 align:middle line:90% I don't know if this is-- 01:18:47.970 --> 01:18:49.630 align:middle line:84% I'm going to tell you what I heard, 01:18:49.630 --> 01:18:51.360 align:middle line:84% just in case it's helpful, because I 01:18:51.360 --> 01:18:54.220 align:middle line:84% was sort of glancing at the map while we were talking. 01:18:54.220 --> 01:18:57.660 align:middle line:84% The current 1st Congressional District is a bit of an L. 01:18:57.660 --> 01:18:59.670 align:middle line:90% So it has all of the Berkshires. 01:18:59.670 --> 01:19:02.310 align:middle line:84% But then it sort of has the southern part of Massachusetts. 01:19:02.310 --> 01:19:06.420 align:middle line:84% So some people are saying extend the southern tail 01:19:06.420 --> 01:19:07.267 align:middle line:90% of that district. 01:19:07.267 --> 01:19:09.600 align:middle line:84% And we did hear a little bit about extending some points 01:19:09.600 --> 01:19:11.460 align:middle line:90% in the northern part of it-- 01:19:11.460 --> 01:19:14.290 align:middle line:90% so if that makes sense. 01:19:14.290 --> 01:19:18.290 align:middle line:84% But the question, I think, is whether you extend the-- 01:19:18.290 --> 01:19:24.960 align:middle line:84% Exactly, whether you go south or whether you go east, I guess. 01:19:24.960 --> 01:19:26.490 align:middle line:90% I mean, it's all sort of east. 01:19:26.490 --> 01:19:28.320 align:middle line:84% But are you doing it on that long tail 01:19:28.320 --> 01:19:29.490 align:middle line:90% of the L in the south? 01:19:29.490 --> 01:19:31.770 align:middle line:84% Or, are you doing it on the short part of the L 01:19:31.770 --> 01:19:33.150 align:middle line:90% that runs towards the north? 01:19:33.150 --> 01:19:36.060 align:middle line:90% Yeah. 01:19:36.060 --> 01:19:38.870 align:middle line:84% Anybody else want to jump in on that? 01:19:38.870 --> 01:19:39.860 align:middle line:90% No, Mr. Chair. 01:19:39.860 --> 01:19:46.010 align:middle line:84% I just wanted to just thank you for conducting this hearing. 01:19:46.010 --> 01:19:48.350 align:middle line:84% And thank you to all of the committee 01:19:48.350 --> 01:19:49.800 align:middle line:90% members that attended. 01:19:49.800 --> 01:19:54.320 align:middle line:84% I know that this is a very hard conversation to have. 01:19:54.320 --> 01:19:57.470 align:middle line:84% Listening to all the testimony from individuals 01:19:57.470 --> 01:19:59.390 align:middle line:84% in the Berkshires, I can completely 01:19:59.390 --> 01:20:04.520 align:middle line:84% understand why they would want Berkshire County to stay whole. 01:20:04.520 --> 01:20:07.880 align:middle line:84% And then also, with the gentleman's testimony 01:20:07.880 --> 01:20:12.440 align:middle line:84% from down in Brookfield, understanding that in that area 01:20:12.440 --> 01:20:17.790 align:middle line:84% down by the lower part of the L, going into Worcester County, 01:20:17.790 --> 01:20:20.870 align:middle line:84% some of those districts would want to become whole as well. 01:20:20.870 --> 01:20:25.010 align:middle line:84% But understanding that there's a lot of great work ahead of us, 01:20:25.010 --> 01:20:27.590 align:middle line:84% I just wanted to thank you and also 01:20:27.590 --> 01:20:30.770 align:middle line:84% Chair Moran on all the due diligence on making sure 01:20:30.770 --> 01:20:35.210 align:middle line:84% that moving this hearing, even if it's virtually, 01:20:35.210 --> 01:20:38.715 align:middle line:84% across the entire state is so readily important. 01:20:38.715 --> 01:20:41.270 align:middle line:84% And thank you for letting, at least 01:20:41.270 --> 01:20:43.728 align:middle line:84% the voices that were here, to be heard. 01:20:43.728 --> 01:20:45.770 align:middle line:84% And I look forward to working with this committee 01:20:45.770 --> 01:20:48.920 align:middle line:84% to making sure that this great feat is 01:20:48.920 --> 01:20:50.300 align:middle line:90% done in equitable fashion. 01:20:50.300 --> 01:20:52.890 align:middle line:90% Thank you so much, Mr. Chairman. 01:20:52.890 --> 01:20:57.880 align:middle line:84% Thank you so much for your leadership on so many issues. 01:20:57.880 --> 01:21:01.020 align:middle line:84% I do see that Jack Perenick has asked 01:21:01.020 --> 01:21:04.950 align:middle line:84% if he could make a brief addition to his remarks. 01:21:04.950 --> 01:21:08.260 align:middle line:90% I'm going to permit that. 01:21:08.260 --> 01:21:12.610 align:middle line:84% So if-- thank you-- we could get Jack in a position 01:21:12.610 --> 01:21:13.960 align:middle line:90% to add to his remarks. 01:21:13.960 --> 01:21:15.187 align:middle line:90% Go ahead, Jack. 01:21:15.187 --> 01:21:16.520 align:middle line:90% Thank you so much, Mr. Chairman. 01:21:16.520 --> 01:21:20.710 align:middle line:84% I just want to reiterate on that question of where 01:21:20.710 --> 01:21:22.750 align:middle line:90% the district is to expand-- 01:21:22.750 --> 01:21:25.360 align:middle line:84% just for Representative Williams' benefit here-- 01:21:25.360 --> 01:21:28.210 align:middle line:84% it is not possible, what was suggested tonight, 01:21:28.210 --> 01:21:29.680 align:middle line:84% to have a district that is composed 01:21:29.680 --> 01:21:31.600 align:middle line:84% of only the Berkshires, Franklin, and Hamden. 01:21:31.600 --> 01:21:34.990 align:middle line:84% That's 380-- something-- thousand people. 01:21:34.990 --> 01:21:35.800 align:middle line:90% It's not enough. 01:21:35.800 --> 01:21:38.890 align:middle line:84% It's nowhere near the requirement. 01:21:38.890 --> 01:21:41.410 align:middle line:84% You cannot create a district that does not involve 01:21:41.410 --> 01:21:43.420 align:middle line:90% Springfield and Worcester. 01:21:43.420 --> 01:21:46.100 align:middle line:84% The question is really, where do you make that expansion? 01:21:46.100 --> 01:21:48.460 align:middle line:84% Right now, it includes parts of it. 01:21:48.460 --> 01:21:51.600 align:middle line:84% And it was suggested in the course of the testimony that, 01:21:51.600 --> 01:21:54.460 align:middle line:84% oh, have a district that is the Berkshires, and Franklin, 01:21:54.460 --> 01:21:55.130 align:middle line:90% and Hampshire. 01:21:55.130 --> 01:21:56.620 align:middle line:84% And while that might be desirable, 01:21:56.620 --> 01:21:58.900 align:middle line:84% it simply isn't mathematically possible. 01:21:58.900 --> 01:22:01.280 align:middle line:84% It's only about a half a congressional district. 01:22:01.280 --> 01:22:03.170 align:middle line:84% And so the question really becomes, 01:22:03.170 --> 01:22:07.630 align:middle line:84% where do you get that other 350,000 people? 01:22:07.630 --> 01:22:11.130 align:middle line:84% Because Camden County is, as a whole, included, 01:22:11.130 --> 01:22:13.570 align:middle line:84% I advocate very strongly going into Worcester County, 01:22:13.570 --> 01:22:15.640 align:middle line:84% because if you combine those counties in the top, 01:22:15.640 --> 01:22:17.290 align:middle line:84% you then force the 2nd Congressional 01:22:17.290 --> 01:22:19.150 align:middle line:84% District-- it must, mathematically, 01:22:19.150 --> 01:22:20.800 align:middle line:90% go into Middlesex County. 01:22:20.800 --> 01:22:22.870 align:middle line:84% And so then you really have no representation 01:22:22.870 --> 01:22:25.915 align:middle line:84% for Western Mass, because just the push down 01:22:25.915 --> 01:22:27.790 align:middle line:84% effect of what happens there-- and maybe this 01:22:27.790 --> 01:22:29.710 align:middle line:84% is something to bring up during the 2nd Congressional 01:22:29.710 --> 01:22:31.840 align:middle line:84% District's testimony-- but just mathematically, 01:22:31.840 --> 01:22:34.870 align:middle line:84% if the first takes on that many more people in the north, 01:22:34.870 --> 01:22:38.140 align:middle line:84% you force the 2nd District to not be a Western Mass 01:22:38.140 --> 01:22:39.410 align:middle line:90% district anymore. 01:22:39.410 --> 01:22:41.920 align:middle line:84% It has to take on votes from Middlesex 01:22:41.920 --> 01:22:44.230 align:middle line:84% or creep down into the South Shores. 01:22:44.230 --> 01:22:46.420 align:middle line:84% So I just want to make that point very saliently 01:22:46.420 --> 01:22:48.160 align:middle line:84% and say it's critically important 01:22:48.160 --> 01:22:50.140 align:middle line:84% that, while that might be desirable to have 01:22:50.140 --> 01:22:52.390 align:middle line:84% a district that is Berkshires, Franklin, in Hampshire, 01:22:52.390 --> 01:22:53.630 align:middle line:90% it's not possible. 01:22:53.630 --> 01:22:55.750 align:middle line:84% And so for that reason, it's critically important 01:22:55.750 --> 01:22:58.630 align:middle line:84% to think about extending into that the south 01:22:58.630 --> 01:22:59.770 align:middle line:90% on the Connecticut border. 01:22:59.770 --> 01:23:02.350 align:middle line:84% Thank you for allowing me to come in and ammend that. 01:23:02.350 --> 01:23:05.490 align:middle line:84% And if I can answer any question on that, I'd be willing to. 01:23:05.490 --> 01:23:05.990 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:23:05.990 --> 01:23:06.615 align:middle line:90% Thank you, sir. 01:23:06.615 --> 01:23:11.560 align:middle line:90% 01:23:11.560 --> 01:23:14.260 align:middle line:90% All right. 01:23:14.260 --> 01:23:15.430 align:middle line:90% Nobody else jumping in. 01:23:15.430 --> 01:23:18.110 align:middle line:84% I'd entertain a motion to adjourn. 01:23:18.110 --> 01:23:19.550 align:middle line:90% So moved, Mr. Chairman. 01:23:19.550 --> 01:23:21.130 align:middle line:90% Second. 01:23:21.130 --> 01:23:22.850 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Representative Williams. 01:23:22.850 --> 01:23:26.050 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Representative Farley-Bouvier. 01:23:26.050 --> 01:23:27.595 align:middle line:90% All in favor, say aye. 01:23:27.595 --> 01:23:28.580 align:middle line:90% Aye. 01:23:28.580 --> 01:23:29.080 align:middle line:90% Aye. 01:23:29.080 --> 01:23:29.580 align:middle line:90% Aye. 01:23:29.580 --> 01:23:30.670 align:middle line:90% Aye. 01:23:30.670 --> 01:23:33.140 align:middle line:90% Any opposed? 01:23:33.140 --> 01:23:35.250 align:middle line:90% The hearing is adjourned. 01:23:35.250 --> 01:23:35.750 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:23:35.750 --> 01:23:36.875 align:middle line:90% Good meeting, Mr. Chairman. 01:23:36.875 --> 01:23:37.550 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:23:37.550 --> 01:23:38.790 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much. 01:23:38.790 --> 01:23:40.780 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 01:23:40.780 --> 01:24:14.422 align:middle line:90%