WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.870 align:middle line:84% [MUSIC - BARBARA BONNEY, "AVE MARIA"] 00:00:04.870 --> 00:00:08.290 align:middle line:90% 00:00:08.290 --> 00:00:10.420 align:middle line:84% I see Congressman McGovern's here. 00:00:10.420 --> 00:00:14.284 align:middle line:90% 00:00:14.284 --> 00:00:18.148 align:middle line:90% [SOFT MUSIC] 00:00:18.148 --> 00:00:30.736 align:middle line:90% 00:00:30.736 --> 00:00:45.692 align:middle line:90% Ave Maria, [NON-ENGLISH SINGING] 00:00:45.692 --> 00:00:52.060 align:middle line:90% 00:00:52.060 --> 00:00:55.510 align:middle line:90% So I'm Will Brownsberger. 00:00:55.510 --> 00:00:57.100 align:middle line:90% I'm a state senator. 00:00:57.100 --> 00:01:02.920 align:middle line:84% I am the Senate co-chair of the Joint Redistricting Committee. 00:01:02.920 --> 00:01:06.190 align:middle line:84% And this is a hearing on the redistricting 00:01:06.190 --> 00:01:11.260 align:middle line:90% plans for the 2020-- 00:01:11.260 --> 00:01:15.070 align:middle line:84% 2022, really, as a result of the 2020 census. 00:01:15.070 --> 00:01:19.960 align:middle line:84% It's focused on the congressional district 00:01:19.960 --> 00:01:25.090 align:middle line:84% of Congressman McGovern, focused on that district in the sense 00:01:25.090 --> 00:01:27.880 align:middle line:84% of, first, about the lines of that district itself 00:01:27.880 --> 00:01:31.180 align:middle line:84% but also any of the Senate or House lines 00:01:31.180 --> 00:01:35.480 align:middle line:84% that are being drawn within that general area. 00:01:35.480 --> 00:01:38.380 align:middle line:84% So I'll introduce my Senate colleagues. 00:01:38.380 --> 00:01:40.510 align:middle line:84% And then I'll introduce the House chair. 00:01:40.510 --> 00:01:42.760 align:middle line:84% He'll introduced his House colleagues. 00:01:42.760 --> 00:01:47.780 align:middle line:84% And then we will recognize Congressman McGovern to begin. 00:01:47.780 --> 00:01:51.500 align:middle line:84% You should be able to see live captioning. 00:01:51.500 --> 00:01:57.767 align:middle line:84% And if you are intending to testify, 00:01:57.767 --> 00:01:59.350 align:middle line:84% the way to do it and make sure that we 00:01:59.350 --> 00:02:03.340 align:middle line:84% know that you want to testify is to be on the Zoom call. 00:02:03.340 --> 00:02:07.810 align:middle line:84% And the way to get to that is go to the state legislature's 00:02:07.810 --> 00:02:10.000 align:middle line:84% website and go to the Redistricting page. 00:02:10.000 --> 00:02:13.420 align:middle line:84% malegislature.gov, go to the Redistricting page. 00:02:13.420 --> 00:02:15.940 align:middle line:84% And you will see how to sign up for this hearing. 00:02:15.940 --> 00:02:19.210 align:middle line:84% And then I will see you quickly on the list. 00:02:19.210 --> 00:02:25.060 align:middle line:84% So with me from the Senate side are my vice chair, 00:02:25.060 --> 00:02:28.290 align:middle line:90% Senator Anne Gobi-- 00:02:28.290 --> 00:02:31.800 align:middle line:90% greetings, Anne-- Senator Hinds. 00:02:31.800 --> 00:02:34.680 align:middle line:90% 00:02:34.680 --> 00:02:39.140 align:middle line:84% And I know that Senator Fattman is trying to get in. 00:02:39.140 --> 00:02:41.340 align:middle line:84% We've been having some trouble connecting him on. 00:02:41.340 --> 00:02:42.300 align:middle line:90% But we expect-- 00:02:42.300 --> 00:02:43.740 align:middle line:90% Are we on? 00:02:43.740 --> 00:02:45.380 align:middle line:90% --him to join us shortly. 00:02:45.380 --> 00:02:46.442 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 00:02:46.442 --> 00:02:48.250 align:middle line:90% 00:02:48.250 --> 00:02:53.590 align:middle line:84% So stopping there, Chairman Moran, 00:02:53.590 --> 00:02:56.035 align:middle line:84% do you want to introduce your members? 00:02:56.035 --> 00:03:00.640 align:middle line:90% 00:03:00.640 --> 00:03:04.950 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Co-Chair Brownsberger. 00:03:04.950 --> 00:03:07.290 align:middle line:84% And thank you to Congressman McGovern 00:03:07.290 --> 00:03:10.350 align:middle line:84% for taking time out of his schedule to join us tonight. 00:03:10.350 --> 00:03:12.540 align:middle line:84% I want to introduce my colleagues that are here, 00:03:12.540 --> 00:03:14.850 align:middle line:90% starting with my vice chair. 00:03:14.850 --> 00:03:17.970 align:middle line:84% The gentleman from Lawrence, Marcos Devers, is here. 00:03:17.970 --> 00:03:23.010 align:middle line:84% I want to also introduce my colleague from Provincetown. 00:03:23.010 --> 00:03:26.190 align:middle line:84% Representative Sarah Peake is here. 00:03:26.190 --> 00:03:28.950 align:middle line:84% The gentleman from Lowell, Representative Tom Golden, 00:03:28.950 --> 00:03:30.390 align:middle line:90% is here. 00:03:30.390 --> 00:03:33.780 align:middle line:84% The gentleman from Worcester, Representative John Mahoney, 00:03:33.780 --> 00:03:34.890 align:middle line:90% is here. 00:03:34.890 --> 00:03:38.700 align:middle line:84% The gentle lady from Pittsfield, Representative Tricia 00:03:38.700 --> 00:03:40.740 align:middle line:90% Farley-Bouvier, is here. 00:03:40.740 --> 00:03:43.455 align:middle line:84% The gentle lady from Boston, Representative Chynah Tyler, 00:03:43.455 --> 00:03:45.020 align:middle line:90% is here. 00:03:45.020 --> 00:03:48.080 align:middle line:84% The leading ranking member of the Republican Party 00:03:48.080 --> 00:03:50.300 align:middle line:84% on this committee, the gentleman from Auburn, 00:03:50.300 --> 00:03:52.910 align:middle line:84% Representative Paul Frost, is here. 00:03:52.910 --> 00:03:56.180 align:middle line:84% And the gentle lady from Holden, Representative Kim Ferguson, 00:03:56.180 --> 00:03:56.830 align:middle line:90% is here. 00:03:56.830 --> 00:03:59.330 align:middle line:84% I also want to do so at this point in time-- it's customary; 00:03:59.330 --> 00:04:01.190 align:middle line:90% I like to do this-- 00:04:01.190 --> 00:04:03.680 align:middle line:84% Representative Jim O'Day to say a few words, 00:04:03.680 --> 00:04:06.500 align:middle line:84% since he is the ranking member of this committee 00:04:06.500 --> 00:04:10.400 align:middle line:84% from the 2nd congressional district 00:04:10.400 --> 00:04:11.937 align:middle line:84% and a member of House leadership. 00:04:11.937 --> 00:04:13.520 align:middle line:84% Jimmy, you want to introduce greetings 00:04:13.520 --> 00:04:16.459 align:middle line:84% from the great 2nd congressional district? 00:04:16.459 --> 00:04:17.329 align:middle line:90% Absolutely. 00:04:17.329 --> 00:04:18.860 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 00:04:18.860 --> 00:04:21.290 align:middle line:84% Great to be here with everyone this evening. 00:04:21.290 --> 00:04:23.540 align:middle line:84% Great to see all of our colleagues on the call. 00:04:23.540 --> 00:04:27.650 align:middle line:84% And I see my dear, dear friend, Congressman McGovern. 00:04:27.650 --> 00:04:28.770 align:middle line:90% Hope he's doing well. 00:04:28.770 --> 00:04:30.770 align:middle line:84% It's always a pleasure to see him. 00:04:30.770 --> 00:04:34.670 align:middle line:84% And I can tell you that the Congressman is here a lot. 00:04:34.670 --> 00:04:39.020 align:middle line:84% As a lot of the other folks on this call can tell you, 00:04:39.020 --> 00:04:42.750 align:middle line:84% his district spreads far and wide. 00:04:42.750 --> 00:04:45.830 align:middle line:84% And we're all extremely fortunate to have him 00:04:45.830 --> 00:04:47.400 align:middle line:90% as our congressman. 00:04:47.400 --> 00:04:53.500 align:middle line:84% But obviously wanted to wish everybody good greetings. 00:04:53.500 --> 00:04:55.650 align:middle line:84% And thank you for joining us here this evening. 00:04:55.650 --> 00:04:58.490 align:middle line:84% And the Congressman's district, as I mentioned, 00:04:58.490 --> 00:05:01.870 align:middle line:84% does spread quite a ways away from the city of Worcester. 00:05:01.870 --> 00:05:06.700 align:middle line:84% But we do like to think of ourselves as certainly his home 00:05:06.700 --> 00:05:07.700 align:middle line:90% base. 00:05:07.700 --> 00:05:09.790 align:middle line:84% And I want to also bring greetings 00:05:09.790 --> 00:05:14.080 align:middle line:84% from our newest baseball team here in Worcester, 00:05:14.080 --> 00:05:17.200 align:middle line:90% the Worcester WooSox. 00:05:17.200 --> 00:05:20.455 align:middle line:84% They've had a tremendous first couple of weeks here. 00:05:20.455 --> 00:05:23.170 align:middle line:84% I think they've only lost two games. 00:05:23.170 --> 00:05:26.350 align:middle line:84% And I certainly want to bring greetings 00:05:26.350 --> 00:05:31.740 align:middle line:84% from all of my district mates here in the city of Worcester. 00:05:31.740 --> 00:05:35.860 align:middle line:84% Rep Mahoney, who you mentioned, Rep Keefe, who is not 00:05:35.860 --> 00:05:38.590 align:middle line:84% on the Committee but does a tremendous amount of work 00:05:38.590 --> 00:05:42.190 align:middle line:84% here in the city of Worcester, Rep Donahue and Rep LeBoeuf, 00:05:42.190 --> 00:05:45.940 align:middle line:84% certainly Senator Chandler and Senator Mike Moore, 00:05:45.940 --> 00:05:49.600 align:middle line:84% they all send their greetings and say thank you 00:05:49.600 --> 00:05:53.680 align:middle line:84% to all, particularly all those who are here 00:05:53.680 --> 00:05:57.070 align:middle line:84% to talk and to share ideas about the importance 00:05:57.070 --> 00:05:58.390 align:middle line:90% of redistricting. 00:05:58.390 --> 00:06:01.690 align:middle line:84% And so I can assure you that the entire committee is 00:06:01.690 --> 00:06:04.390 align:middle line:84% very interested to hear what our colleagues 00:06:04.390 --> 00:06:06.910 align:middle line:84% and what our constituents have to say. 00:06:06.910 --> 00:06:08.920 align:middle line:84% And I'll turn it back over to you, Mr. Chairman. 00:06:08.920 --> 00:06:10.840 align:middle line:84% Thanks very much for the opportunity 00:06:10.840 --> 00:06:12.700 align:middle line:90% to say good evening here. 00:06:12.700 --> 00:06:14.272 align:middle line:84% Thank you, thank you, Leader O'Day. 00:06:14.272 --> 00:06:15.730 align:middle line:84% And at this point in time, I'd like 00:06:15.730 --> 00:06:19.660 align:middle line:84% to turn it back to my co-chair, Senator Brownsberger, 00:06:19.660 --> 00:06:22.360 align:middle line:84% to officiate the rest of the hearing. 00:06:22.360 --> 00:06:23.610 align:middle line:90% Senator Brownsberger? 00:06:23.610 --> 00:06:24.610 align:middle line:90% Thank you so much, Mike. 00:06:24.610 --> 00:06:31.060 align:middle line:84% But you exposed me as remiss in not having invited my Senate 00:06:31.060 --> 00:06:37.000 align:middle line:84% vice chair, Senator Gobi, who greatly overlaps 00:06:37.000 --> 00:06:41.080 align:middle line:84% Senator McGovern's district from the top of the state 00:06:41.080 --> 00:06:44.527 align:middle line:84% to the bottom of the state in Worcester County. 00:06:44.527 --> 00:06:46.360 align:middle line:84% So, Senator Gobi, I don't know if you'd like 00:06:46.360 --> 00:06:48.280 align:middle line:90% to say anything at this point. 00:06:48.280 --> 00:06:50.230 align:middle line:90% Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman. 00:06:50.230 --> 00:06:52.300 align:middle line:90% And I'll be brief. 00:06:52.300 --> 00:06:56.680 align:middle line:84% But as you mentioned, of the 28 communities that I represent, 00:06:56.680 --> 00:06:59.500 align:middle line:84% the bulk of them are in Congressman McGovern's 00:06:59.500 --> 00:07:00.190 align:middle line:90% district. 00:07:00.190 --> 00:07:03.430 align:middle line:84% And for all the other folks on this call that may not 00:07:03.430 --> 00:07:07.570 align:middle line:84% have Congressman McGovern as their immediate congressman, 00:07:07.570 --> 00:07:09.790 align:middle line:84% I can tell you that every one of you 00:07:09.790 --> 00:07:12.580 align:middle line:84% have a second congressman in Jim McGovern. 00:07:12.580 --> 00:07:15.280 align:middle line:84% He is someone that has worked tirelessly 00:07:15.280 --> 00:07:17.600 align:middle line:84% throughout the entire Commonwealth, 00:07:17.600 --> 00:07:19.480 align:middle line:84% and I know this past year especially 00:07:19.480 --> 00:07:23.020 align:middle line:84% when dealing a lot with food insecurity issues. 00:07:23.020 --> 00:07:27.280 align:middle line:84% And he has been a champion for those issues, 00:07:27.280 --> 00:07:28.840 align:middle line:90% helping out statewide. 00:07:28.840 --> 00:07:32.230 align:middle line:84% And I know that Rep Ferguson and I especially do 00:07:32.230 --> 00:07:35.350 align:middle line:84% a lot of work with the Congressman in Rutland 00:07:35.350 --> 00:07:37.420 align:middle line:84% and Paxton and some of the communities 00:07:37.420 --> 00:07:39.310 align:middle line:90% that we represent together. 00:07:39.310 --> 00:07:43.240 align:middle line:84% And any time there is an issue, the Congressman is there. 00:07:43.240 --> 00:07:45.490 align:middle line:84% In fact, I had a call earlier today 00:07:45.490 --> 00:07:47.670 align:middle line:90% about an issue in Rutland. 00:07:47.670 --> 00:07:51.400 align:middle line:84% And it was something that he had heard about even before Kim 00:07:51.400 --> 00:07:52.125 align:middle line:90% and I did. 00:07:52.125 --> 00:07:53.500 align:middle line:84% That's the type of congressman he 00:07:53.500 --> 00:07:56.320 align:middle line:84% is, someone who's there to reach out, 00:07:56.320 --> 00:07:58.810 align:middle line:84% to be there for the people, and to make sure 00:07:58.810 --> 00:08:00.830 align:middle line:84% that we work together all the time. 00:08:00.830 --> 00:08:03.300 align:middle line:84% So I am very pleased to welcome you, Congressman. 00:08:03.300 --> 00:08:05.920 align:middle line:84% And again, I thank you for the great work that you do. 00:08:05.920 --> 00:08:08.790 align:middle line:90% 00:08:08.790 --> 00:08:09.920 align:middle line:90% Excellent. 00:08:09.920 --> 00:08:13.410 align:middle line:84% With that welcome, Congressman McGovern, 00:08:13.410 --> 00:08:17.663 align:middle line:84% the floor is yours to speak to the Committee. 00:08:17.663 --> 00:08:18.330 align:middle line:90% Well, thank you. 00:08:18.330 --> 00:08:22.110 align:middle line:84% Thank you very much, Chairman Brownsberger and Chairman Moran 00:08:22.110 --> 00:08:24.930 align:middle line:84% and members of the Joint Committee on Redistricting. 00:08:24.930 --> 00:08:27.420 align:middle line:84% A special thanks to Representative O'Day 00:08:27.420 --> 00:08:30.540 align:middle line:84% and Senator Gobi for the nice build up. 00:08:30.540 --> 00:08:32.340 align:middle line:84% I can hardly wait to hear what I'm going 00:08:32.340 --> 00:08:33.990 align:middle line:90% to say after those nice words. 00:08:33.990 --> 00:08:35.400 align:middle line:90% But I appreciate it very much. 00:08:35.400 --> 00:08:37.110 align:middle line:84% And it's a joy to serve with them, 00:08:37.110 --> 00:08:42.630 align:middle line:84% and Representative Ferguson, as well, who's on the call. 00:08:42.630 --> 00:08:45.420 align:middle line:84% We have some really good people here in Central and Western 00:08:45.420 --> 00:08:46.080 align:middle line:90% Massachusetts. 00:08:46.080 --> 00:08:48.870 align:middle line:84% So I'm grateful for their leadership. 00:08:48.870 --> 00:08:53.070 align:middle line:84% And I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity 00:08:53.070 --> 00:08:55.230 align:middle line:90% to be here tonight. 00:08:55.230 --> 00:08:58.020 align:middle line:84% I want to thank you for your work on this committee. 00:08:58.020 --> 00:09:00.690 align:middle line:84% And I extend my appreciation to all of you, 00:09:00.690 --> 00:09:03.360 align:middle line:84% as your committee works towards deadlines 00:09:03.360 --> 00:09:07.470 align:middle line:84% that were severely shortened because of the pandemic. 00:09:07.470 --> 00:09:10.470 align:middle line:84% And, look, I understand the challenge before you. 00:09:10.470 --> 00:09:13.133 align:middle line:84% And I know that you will all work diligently 00:09:13.133 --> 00:09:14.550 align:middle line:84% over the next few months to ensure 00:09:14.550 --> 00:09:16.500 align:middle line:84% that every resident of the Commonwealth 00:09:16.500 --> 00:09:20.670 align:middle line:84% receives equal and fair representation. 00:09:20.670 --> 00:09:25.140 align:middle line:84% Let me just say, and this is probably 00:09:25.140 --> 00:09:28.440 align:middle line:84% a common opening of all the members of the delegation, 00:09:28.440 --> 00:09:30.430 align:middle line:84% but let me say first and foremost, 00:09:30.430 --> 00:09:33.240 align:middle line:84% I want to say that I love the 2nd congressional [CHUCKLES] 00:09:33.240 --> 00:09:37.740 align:middle line:84% district, from the Blackstone Valley to the Pioneer Valley, 00:09:37.740 --> 00:09:41.670 align:middle line:84% from Central Massachusetts to Western Massachusetts. 00:09:41.670 --> 00:09:44.010 align:middle line:84% The 2nd congressional district has it all-- 00:09:44.010 --> 00:09:47.520 align:middle line:90% urban, rural, suburban. 00:09:47.520 --> 00:09:50.010 align:middle line:84% I'm proud to represent my hometown of Worcester, 00:09:50.010 --> 00:09:52.860 align:middle line:84% the second largest city in New England. 00:09:52.860 --> 00:09:56.910 align:middle line:84% And I, too, want to urge you all to come to a WooSox game. 00:09:56.910 --> 00:10:01.350 align:middle line:84% 10 years ago, when the Commonwealth lost a seat 00:10:01.350 --> 00:10:04.680 align:middle line:84% in Congress, I and many others strongly 00:10:04.680 --> 00:10:08.070 align:middle line:84% advocated that Western Massachusetts 00:10:08.070 --> 00:10:11.168 align:middle line:84% continue to be represented by two members of Congress. 00:10:11.168 --> 00:10:13.920 align:middle line:90% 00:10:13.920 --> 00:10:17.880 align:middle line:84% It's a challenging part of the state in many respects. 00:10:17.880 --> 00:10:23.190 align:middle line:84% There's urban, rural, and suburban. 00:10:23.190 --> 00:10:28.620 align:middle line:84% But I think that it benefits by having two representatives, 00:10:28.620 --> 00:10:32.820 align:middle line:84% and in this case Congressman Neal and myself. 00:10:32.820 --> 00:10:37.050 align:middle line:84% And as much as I love the 2nd congressional district, 00:10:37.050 --> 00:10:42.330 align:middle line:84% I understand that, as a result of the census, 00:10:42.330 --> 00:10:46.920 align:middle line:84% that population growth throughout the state 00:10:46.920 --> 00:10:48.120 align:middle line:90% has varied. 00:10:48.120 --> 00:10:52.860 align:middle line:84% And so I know that changes are going to have to be made. 00:10:52.860 --> 00:10:54.870 align:middle line:84% And Chairman Moran and Chairman Brownsberger 00:10:54.870 --> 00:10:59.280 align:middle line:84% and members of the Committee, I appreciate the opportunity 00:10:59.280 --> 00:11:01.530 align:middle line:84% to share my thoughts on this matter. 00:11:01.530 --> 00:11:05.280 align:middle line:84% Look, when I first got elected to Congress in 1996, 00:11:05.280 --> 00:11:07.260 align:middle line:84% I had the Ivy League district, they called it. 00:11:07.260 --> 00:11:09.570 align:middle line:84% It went from Princeton to Dartmouth. 00:11:09.570 --> 00:11:16.440 align:middle line:84% Worcester actually was in a district with Fall River. 00:11:16.440 --> 00:11:19.380 align:middle line:84% And it had beautiful beaches in Westport. 00:11:19.380 --> 00:11:21.310 align:middle line:90% It was challenging. 00:11:21.310 --> 00:11:24.450 align:middle line:84% But again, it was a wonderful experience for me. 00:11:24.450 --> 00:11:26.837 align:middle line:90% 00:11:26.837 --> 00:11:28.170 align:middle line:90% There was another redistricting. 00:11:28.170 --> 00:11:31.350 align:middle line:84% And I assumed a big chunk of MetroWest. 00:11:31.350 --> 00:11:37.050 align:middle line:84% Again, it was a challenging but an interesting district. 00:11:37.050 --> 00:11:41.100 align:middle line:84% And now I have a district that goes from Worcester out 00:11:41.100 --> 00:11:42.720 align:middle line:90% to the Pioneer Valley. 00:11:42.720 --> 00:11:45.390 align:middle line:84% And one of the reasons why I would 00:11:45.390 --> 00:11:50.120 align:middle line:84% like you to consider making sure that the Central Mass 00:11:50.120 --> 00:11:54.050 align:middle line:84% District goes into Western Mass and continues to go to Western 00:11:54.050 --> 00:12:00.020 align:middle line:84% Mass is because I'm the only member of the delegation that 00:12:00.020 --> 00:12:02.270 align:middle line:84% actually has a seat on the Agriculture Committee. 00:12:02.270 --> 00:12:07.970 align:middle line:84% And we have a very strong and vibrant agricultural sector 00:12:07.970 --> 00:12:10.430 align:middle line:84% in this state that sometimes gets overlooked and taken 00:12:10.430 --> 00:12:12.710 align:middle line:90% for granted. 00:12:12.710 --> 00:12:17.690 align:middle line:84% And I think I can continue to be a voice for their interests. 00:12:17.690 --> 00:12:21.920 align:middle line:90% Farms in New England are unique. 00:12:21.920 --> 00:12:24.290 align:middle line:84% And they don't always get represented 00:12:24.290 --> 00:12:28.220 align:middle line:84% in the full Agriculture Committee in the Congress. 00:12:28.220 --> 00:12:30.770 align:middle line:84% And I think I've been a good representative in that regard. 00:12:30.770 --> 00:12:32.360 align:middle line:90% I want to continue to do that. 00:12:32.360 --> 00:12:34.100 align:middle line:84% I also chair their House Rules Committee, 00:12:34.100 --> 00:12:36.870 align:middle line:90% which oversees everything. 00:12:36.870 --> 00:12:40.790 align:middle line:84% And so I can advocate for my areas 00:12:40.790 --> 00:12:43.340 align:middle line:84% as well through that chairmanship. 00:12:43.340 --> 00:12:46.220 align:middle line:84% Just again, in addition to keeping 00:12:46.220 --> 00:12:52.460 align:middle line:84% a part of the 2nd district to go to Western Massachusetts, 00:12:52.460 --> 00:12:55.435 align:middle line:84% I would again urge that we keep Worcester whole 00:12:55.435 --> 00:12:57.560 align:middle line:84% and that we understand that some of the communities 00:12:57.560 --> 00:13:00.720 align:middle line:84% around Worcester kind of go together with Worcester. 00:13:00.720 --> 00:13:03.020 align:middle line:84% We talk about regional activities 00:13:03.020 --> 00:13:05.760 align:middle line:84% and regional approaches to economic development here. 00:13:05.760 --> 00:13:07.880 align:middle line:84% It involves a lot of those other towns. 00:13:07.880 --> 00:13:11.330 align:middle line:84% So again, as you decide how you want to draw the map, 00:13:11.330 --> 00:13:13.730 align:middle line:84% I would just leave you with those two thoughts. 00:13:13.730 --> 00:13:17.460 align:middle line:84% But again, you have a big job ahead of you 00:13:17.460 --> 00:13:20.240 align:middle line:84% and a lot of hearings that you have to deal with. 00:13:20.240 --> 00:13:24.145 align:middle line:84% But I'm happy to answer any questions that you may have. 00:13:24.145 --> 00:13:25.520 align:middle line:84% Any members of the Committee have 00:13:25.520 --> 00:13:27.217 align:middle line:90% questions for the Congressman? 00:13:27.217 --> 00:13:33.227 align:middle line:90% 00:13:33.227 --> 00:13:35.310 align:middle line:84% Congressman, thank you so much for taking the time 00:13:35.310 --> 00:13:37.390 align:middle line:90% to appear with us for this. 00:13:37.390 --> 00:13:38.640 align:middle line:90% We're grateful for your input. 00:13:38.640 --> 00:13:41.010 align:middle line:84% And we look forward to working with you through the process. 00:13:41.010 --> 00:13:41.610 align:middle line:90% Well, thank you. 00:13:41.610 --> 00:13:43.777 align:middle line:84% And again, thank you all for serving this committee. 00:13:43.777 --> 00:13:45.940 align:middle line:84% And I'm looking at my screen here, 00:13:45.940 --> 00:13:48.550 align:middle line:90% which is like Hollywood Squares. 00:13:48.550 --> 00:13:50.220 align:middle line:84% A lot of you, even though we don't 00:13:50.220 --> 00:13:52.770 align:middle line:84% share some of the same cities and towns, 00:13:52.770 --> 00:13:55.800 align:middle line:84% I'm well aware of your leadership in the legislature. 00:13:55.800 --> 00:13:57.490 align:middle line:90% And I appreciate your service. 00:13:57.490 --> 00:13:59.040 align:middle line:90% So with that, I thank you. 00:13:59.040 --> 00:14:00.930 align:middle line:84% And I wish you have a good night. 00:14:00.930 --> 00:14:02.646 align:middle line:90% Thank you again. 00:14:02.646 --> 00:14:05.140 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Congressman. 00:14:05.140 --> 00:14:05.940 align:middle line:90% So let's see. 00:14:05.940 --> 00:14:10.920 align:middle line:84% I'm going to call on the mayor of Northampton, David 00:14:10.920 --> 00:14:11.550 align:middle line:90% Narkewicz. 00:14:11.550 --> 00:14:18.270 align:middle line:90% 00:14:18.270 --> 00:14:23.520 align:middle line:84% So what we'll be doing as, people, I recognize you, 00:14:23.520 --> 00:14:26.040 align:middle line:84% you will be promoted to be a member of the panel 00:14:26.040 --> 00:14:28.590 align:middle line:84% so that everybody can see and hear you. 00:14:28.590 --> 00:14:30.440 align:middle line:84% So we just need a moment for that to happen. 00:14:30.440 --> 00:14:40.200 align:middle line:90% 00:14:40.200 --> 00:14:41.130 align:middle line:90% OK, am I here? 00:14:41.130 --> 00:14:42.210 align:middle line:90% You can hear me? 00:14:42.210 --> 00:14:42.780 align:middle line:90% We are. 00:14:42.780 --> 00:14:43.530 align:middle line:90% You're there. 00:14:43.530 --> 00:14:47.700 align:middle line:84% OK, I had to begin with that standard Zoom line 00:14:47.700 --> 00:14:48.510 align:middle line:90% that we all hear. 00:14:48.510 --> 00:14:50.850 align:middle line:90% Sorry for that. 00:14:50.850 --> 00:14:52.560 align:middle line:90% Good afternoon. 00:14:52.560 --> 00:14:57.840 align:middle line:84% I'm Mayor David Narkewicz from the city of Northampton. 00:14:57.840 --> 00:15:00.390 align:middle line:84% Chairperson Brownsberger, Chairperson Moran, 00:15:00.390 --> 00:15:03.480 align:middle line:84% other members of the committee, I appreciate the opportunity 00:15:03.480 --> 00:15:07.270 align:middle line:84% to offer my thoughts on this important topic. 00:15:07.270 --> 00:15:11.820 align:middle line:84% It's also great to be here with Northampton's congressman 00:15:11.820 --> 00:15:15.090 align:middle line:84% in the 2nd district, Representative Jim McGovern, 00:15:15.090 --> 00:15:18.330 align:middle line:84% who has been a great advocate for our city 00:15:18.330 --> 00:15:22.620 align:middle line:84% and for Western Massachusetts since he became our congressman 00:15:22.620 --> 00:15:25.110 align:middle line:90% after the last census. 00:15:25.110 --> 00:15:27.900 align:middle line:84% And it was 10 years ago that the legislature 00:15:27.900 --> 00:15:31.800 align:middle line:84% led a very open and transparent process around redistricting. 00:15:31.800 --> 00:15:35.430 align:middle line:84% And I'm glad to see that that spirit will continue 00:15:35.430 --> 00:15:38.280 align:middle line:84% into this new census with this and other hearings 00:15:38.280 --> 00:15:41.310 align:middle line:84% that you'll be holding around our Commonwealth. 00:15:41.310 --> 00:15:43.560 align:middle line:84% For those of you who aren't familiar with Northampton, 00:15:43.560 --> 00:15:47.220 align:middle line:84% we're in the county seat in Hampshire County. 00:15:47.220 --> 00:15:54.300 align:middle line:84% We're home to the regional court system, the regional hospital. 00:15:54.300 --> 00:15:57.930 align:middle line:84% We have a major college and are in the center 00:15:57.930 --> 00:16:00.360 align:middle line:90% of a five-college area. 00:16:00.360 --> 00:16:05.910 align:middle line:84% And we're a medium-sized city in the scale of things. 00:16:05.910 --> 00:16:12.270 align:middle line:84% But we are very much in the heart of economic activity, 00:16:12.270 --> 00:16:15.900 align:middle line:84% cultural activity in the Pioneer Valley. 00:16:15.900 --> 00:16:18.570 align:middle line:84% So as Congressman McGovern alluded to, obviously 00:16:18.570 --> 00:16:22.950 align:middle line:84% the initial 2020 census findings have shown what many of us 00:16:22.950 --> 00:16:24.960 align:middle line:84% here in Western Mass have been concerned about. 00:16:24.960 --> 00:16:27.510 align:middle line:84% And that is shrinking population. 00:16:27.510 --> 00:16:30.840 align:middle line:84% I am glad, though, to hear that Massachusetts will not 00:16:30.840 --> 00:16:32.100 align:middle line:90% lose a seat in Congress. 00:16:32.100 --> 00:16:37.530 align:middle line:84% But I am here to express the opinion how important it 00:16:37.530 --> 00:16:39.630 align:middle line:84% is to have two members of Congress 00:16:39.630 --> 00:16:42.750 align:middle line:84% representing and advocating for us here in Western 00:16:42.750 --> 00:16:46.260 align:middle line:84% Massachusetts, especially here in the Pioneer Valley, 00:16:46.260 --> 00:16:49.890 align:middle line:84% and whether that's advocating for major regional economic 00:16:49.890 --> 00:16:52.530 align:middle line:84% development projects, making sure 00:16:52.530 --> 00:16:57.210 align:middle line:84% that policy and legislation that benefits our region 00:16:57.210 --> 00:16:59.790 align:middle line:84% can advance through the leadership of the chair 00:16:59.790 --> 00:17:02.850 align:middle line:84% of the Rules Committee and the chair of the Ways and Means 00:17:02.850 --> 00:17:05.190 align:middle line:84% Committee here in Western Massachusetts, 00:17:05.190 --> 00:17:07.319 align:middle line:84% making sure Western Massachusetts receives 00:17:07.319 --> 00:17:11.819 align:middle line:84% its fair share in federal aid, or simply addressing the needs 00:17:11.819 --> 00:17:14.880 align:middle line:84% and challenges faced every day by residents 00:17:14.880 --> 00:17:16.530 align:middle line:90% through constituent casework. 00:17:16.530 --> 00:17:18.960 align:middle line:84% I've seen firsthand the benefit of having 00:17:18.960 --> 00:17:21.210 align:middle line:84% two people representing our region 00:17:21.210 --> 00:17:23.040 align:middle line:90% of the state in the Congress. 00:17:23.040 --> 00:17:25.470 align:middle line:84% I say this as a mayor who worked closely 00:17:25.470 --> 00:17:27.990 align:middle line:84% with both of our Western Massachusetts members 00:17:27.990 --> 00:17:30.240 align:middle line:84% of Congress during my 10 years in office 00:17:30.240 --> 00:17:33.360 align:middle line:84% on a variety of issues and projects of importance 00:17:33.360 --> 00:17:35.190 align:middle line:90% to Northampton and the region. 00:17:35.190 --> 00:17:38.820 align:middle line:84% I also say it as a former staffer to retired Congressman 00:17:38.820 --> 00:17:42.660 align:middle line:84% John Olver when he represented the 1st district, the old 1st 00:17:42.660 --> 00:17:45.060 align:middle line:90% district pre-2010. 00:17:45.060 --> 00:17:48.390 align:middle line:84% As John's district economic development coordinator, 00:17:48.390 --> 00:17:51.030 align:middle line:84% I can say firsthand how challenging 00:17:51.030 --> 00:17:54.270 align:middle line:84% it was to represent just our Western Mass communities 00:17:54.270 --> 00:17:57.390 align:middle line:84% while working closely with Congressman Neal and his staff 00:17:57.390 --> 00:18:00.870 align:middle line:84% to ensure the entire region was well served in Washington. 00:18:00.870 --> 00:18:03.480 align:middle line:84% I could not imagine the challenges 00:18:03.480 --> 00:18:05.550 align:middle line:84% of one member trying to represent 00:18:05.550 --> 00:18:08.640 align:middle line:84% all of these communities in the 413. 00:18:08.640 --> 00:18:11.520 align:middle line:84% The Pioneer Valley, where Northampton is located, 00:18:11.520 --> 00:18:13.620 align:middle line:84% stretches across the Connecticut River Valley, 00:18:13.620 --> 00:18:15.090 align:middle line:90% spanning three counties-- 00:18:15.090 --> 00:18:18.360 align:middle line:84% Franklin, where I grew up, and Hampshire, where Northampton is 00:18:18.360 --> 00:18:20.880 align:middle line:90% located, and Hampden counties. 00:18:20.880 --> 00:18:23.250 align:middle line:84% These counties are home to the third largest 00:18:23.250 --> 00:18:24.450 align:middle line:90% city in the Commonwealth-- 00:18:24.450 --> 00:18:27.540 align:middle line:84% Springfield-- as well as medium-sized cities 00:18:27.540 --> 00:18:31.410 align:middle line:84% like mine to small towns to some of our state's most 00:18:31.410 --> 00:18:33.810 align:middle line:90% rural farming communities. 00:18:33.810 --> 00:18:37.020 align:middle line:84% The interest of each of these municipalities are unique. 00:18:37.020 --> 00:18:39.090 align:middle line:84% But we all have a shared stake in the future 00:18:39.090 --> 00:18:42.720 align:middle line:84% of our region, which is why strong regional representation 00:18:42.720 --> 00:18:45.370 align:middle line:90% in Congress is so important. 00:18:45.370 --> 00:18:48.390 align:middle line:84% So as you work over these next few months 00:18:48.390 --> 00:18:51.510 align:middle line:84% to translate the 2020 census into updated 00:18:51.510 --> 00:18:53.790 align:middle line:84% congressional and state legislative district 00:18:53.790 --> 00:18:57.720 align:middle line:84% boundaries, I hope you will make continuity of representation 00:18:57.720 --> 00:19:01.590 align:middle line:84% and geographic balance and equity top priorities, 00:19:01.590 --> 00:19:04.590 align:middle line:84% particularly for Western Massachusetts. 00:19:04.590 --> 00:19:06.840 align:middle line:84% Thank you again for holding this hearing 00:19:06.840 --> 00:19:11.110 align:middle line:84% and for this opportunity to testify. 00:19:11.110 --> 00:19:12.850 align:middle line:84% Thank you very much for your testimony. 00:19:12.850 --> 00:19:15.910 align:middle line:84% It's very helpful to frame it in those terms. 00:19:15.910 --> 00:19:18.850 align:middle line:84% Do members of the committee have questions for the mayor? 00:19:18.850 --> 00:19:24.355 align:middle line:90% 00:19:24.355 --> 00:19:25.480 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much, Mayor. 00:19:25.480 --> 00:19:27.080 align:middle line:90% Appreciate your testimony. 00:19:27.080 --> 00:19:27.580 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:19:27.580 --> 00:19:31.930 align:middle line:84% And thank you for accommodating me early in the process today. 00:19:31.930 --> 00:19:32.770 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:19:32.770 --> 00:19:33.340 align:middle line:90% No problem. 00:19:33.340 --> 00:19:36.230 align:middle line:90% 00:19:36.230 --> 00:19:42.250 align:middle line:84% So next on the list, I've got Amy Frankis. 00:19:42.250 --> 00:19:45.020 align:middle line:90% Is Amy online? 00:19:45.020 --> 00:19:46.910 align:middle line:90% I'm not seeing Amy. 00:19:46.910 --> 00:19:49.700 align:middle line:84% So I'm going to go to the next person. 00:19:49.700 --> 00:19:53.750 align:middle line:84% We'll come back to you, Amy, if you are here. 00:19:53.750 --> 00:19:58.530 align:middle line:84% I see also signed up is a Leah [INAUDIBLE].. 00:19:58.530 --> 00:20:04.320 align:middle line:84% And I don't see Leah present among the participants either. 00:20:04.320 --> 00:20:08.890 align:middle line:84% So we will bypass with the possibility of coming back. 00:20:08.890 --> 00:20:16.695 align:middle line:90% Deonna Johnson, not present. 00:20:16.695 --> 00:20:20.170 align:middle line:90% 00:20:20.170 --> 00:20:23.180 align:middle line:90% Matt Baron is present. 00:20:23.180 --> 00:20:28.240 align:middle line:84% So if we could promote Matt Baron to testify at this time, 00:20:28.240 --> 00:20:28.740 align:middle line:90% please. 00:20:28.740 --> 00:20:45.910 align:middle line:90% 00:20:45.910 --> 00:20:47.530 align:middle line:90% Hello. 00:20:47.530 --> 00:20:48.550 align:middle line:90% You're on. 00:20:48.550 --> 00:20:50.390 align:middle line:84% Thank you so much for being here. 00:20:50.390 --> 00:20:52.630 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:20:52.630 --> 00:20:55.240 align:middle line:84% I'm a resident of Chesterfield in the 1st Congressional 00:20:55.240 --> 00:20:55.930 align:middle line:90% District. 00:20:55.930 --> 00:20:58.270 align:middle line:84% And along with some of my neighbors, 00:20:58.270 --> 00:21:01.000 align:middle line:84% we're very unhappy with our current Congressman 00:21:01.000 --> 00:21:05.050 align:middle line:84% and would like to be moved into the 2nd district. 00:21:05.050 --> 00:21:07.120 align:middle line:84% I used to be chair of our Democratic town 00:21:07.120 --> 00:21:08.560 align:middle line:90% committee for 18 years. 00:21:08.560 --> 00:21:12.010 align:middle line:84% And in January of 2012, Congressman Neal 00:21:12.010 --> 00:21:15.010 align:middle line:84% called me and said, quote, "You're 00:21:15.010 --> 00:21:17.830 align:middle line:84% going to get the same great rural representation with me 00:21:17.830 --> 00:21:20.890 align:middle line:84% as you did with the Congressman Olver," unquote. 00:21:20.890 --> 00:21:22.840 align:middle line:90% And I said, OK, we'll see. 00:21:22.840 --> 00:21:24.795 align:middle line:84% And it hasn't been a good experience. 00:21:24.795 --> 00:21:27.040 align:middle line:90% [CHUCKLES] 00:21:27.040 --> 00:21:30.760 align:middle line:84% We call him the "Inaccessible Congressman" because he doesn't 00:21:30.760 --> 00:21:32.440 align:middle line:90% hold town hall meetings. 00:21:32.440 --> 00:21:34.660 align:middle line:84% He doesn't hold district office hours. 00:21:34.660 --> 00:21:37.420 align:middle line:90% He's rarely here. 00:21:37.420 --> 00:21:38.650 align:middle line:90% We're very rural. 00:21:38.650 --> 00:21:42.670 align:middle line:84% And I'd like to see 10 of the rural communities 00:21:42.670 --> 00:21:46.390 align:middle line:84% in Western Franklin and Hampshire County-- 00:21:46.390 --> 00:21:50.410 align:middle line:84% Ashfield, Bernardston, Buckland, Chesterfield, Colrain, Conway, 00:21:50.410 --> 00:21:54.370 align:middle line:84% Goshen, Lyden, Shelburne, and Williamsburg; 00:21:54.370 --> 00:21:59.560 align:middle line:84% collective population of about 16,284-- 00:21:59.560 --> 00:22:03.550 align:middle line:84% become the western edge of the 2nd congressional district 00:22:03.550 --> 00:22:07.000 align:middle line:84% and towns that Congressman Neal used to represent 00:22:07.000 --> 00:22:08.420 align:middle line:90% in Southern Worcester County-- 00:22:08.420 --> 00:22:12.490 align:middle line:84% Spencer, Webster, North Brookfield; 00:22:12.490 --> 00:22:16.420 align:middle line:84% those three have a population of over 33,000-- 00:22:16.420 --> 00:22:20.320 align:middle line:90% be moved into the 1st district. 00:22:20.320 --> 00:22:23.440 align:middle line:84% And those are towns that Congressman Neal represented 00:22:23.440 --> 00:22:28.450 align:middle line:84% for many years from 1992 until 2012 00:22:28.450 --> 00:22:32.590 align:middle line:84% in his old 2nd congressional district. 00:22:32.590 --> 00:22:37.090 align:middle line:84% In the last two Democratic primaries, 00:22:37.090 --> 00:22:40.540 align:middle line:84% these communities that are rural and in Western Franklin 00:22:40.540 --> 00:22:46.780 align:middle line:84% and Hampshire have voted for Mr. Neal's challenger-- all 10 00:22:46.780 --> 00:22:50.590 align:middle line:84% in last year's primary and seven of the 10 in 2018. 00:22:50.590 --> 00:22:56.830 align:middle line:84% So you can look at the electoral evidence 00:22:56.830 --> 00:22:59.140 align:middle line:90% that we're not happy with him. 00:22:59.140 --> 00:23:01.900 align:middle line:84% And he's probably not happy with us. 00:23:01.900 --> 00:23:03.850 align:middle line:84% Whereas as Congressman McGovern just said, 00:23:03.850 --> 00:23:06.310 align:middle line:84% he's on the Agriculture Committee. 00:23:06.310 --> 00:23:09.670 align:middle line:84% That takes in rural development with the US Department 00:23:09.670 --> 00:23:13.310 align:middle line:90% of Agriculture. 00:23:13.310 --> 00:23:17.900 align:middle line:84% I talk to Jim McGovern on a local radio show frequently. 00:23:17.900 --> 00:23:20.720 align:middle line:84% He does a question period once a week. 00:23:20.720 --> 00:23:23.030 align:middle line:90% And it's refreshing. 00:23:23.030 --> 00:23:25.430 align:middle line:84% I've asked him three questions this spring. 00:23:25.430 --> 00:23:29.240 align:middle line:84% I haven't been able to get any face time with Congressman Neal 00:23:29.240 --> 00:23:30.400 align:middle line:90% since he's represented me. 00:23:30.400 --> 00:23:31.320 align:middle line:90% [CHUCKLES] 00:23:31.320 --> 00:23:34.880 align:middle line:84% So we don't have the final numbers yet. 00:23:34.880 --> 00:23:36.740 align:middle line:84% I know that the 1st congressional district 00:23:36.740 --> 00:23:45.140 align:middle line:84% has to gain people to make up for the population loss. 00:23:45.140 --> 00:23:48.560 align:middle line:84% And I'll submit this map in this testimony for the record 00:23:48.560 --> 00:23:50.390 align:middle line:90% so you can see it. 00:23:50.390 --> 00:23:52.160 align:middle line:90% This would be a minor tweaking. 00:23:52.160 --> 00:23:57.810 align:middle line:84% But I think all parties would benefit by this change. 00:23:57.810 --> 00:23:58.610 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:23:58.610 --> 00:24:00.465 align:middle line:90% Happy to answer any questions. 00:24:00.465 --> 00:24:02.090 align:middle line:84% Thank you very much for your testimony. 00:24:02.090 --> 00:24:04.383 align:middle line:84% Do members of the committee have any questions? 00:24:04.383 --> 00:24:07.618 align:middle line:90% 00:24:07.618 --> 00:24:09.910 align:middle line:84% Members of the committee have been listening carefully. 00:24:09.910 --> 00:24:10.675 align:middle line:90% But they have no questions. 00:24:10.675 --> 00:24:11.430 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:24:11.430 --> 00:24:13.603 align:middle line:90% [INTERPOSING VOICES] 00:24:13.603 --> 00:24:16.540 align:middle line:90% 00:24:16.540 --> 00:24:17.380 align:middle line:90% Sorry, go ahead. 00:24:17.380 --> 00:24:18.520 align:middle line:90% Did I miss somebody? 00:24:18.520 --> 00:24:19.696 align:middle line:90% Please. 00:24:19.696 --> 00:24:21.026 align:middle line:90% [INTERPOSING VOICES] 00:24:21.026 --> 00:24:24.270 align:middle line:84% Oops, someone else, too, I guess. 00:24:24.270 --> 00:24:25.200 align:middle line:90% This is Rep Frost. 00:24:25.200 --> 00:24:29.970 align:middle line:84% I put up the little hand there on the Zoom. 00:24:29.970 --> 00:24:33.320 align:middle line:84% Yeah, no, I think my question is-- 00:24:33.320 --> 00:24:39.630 align:middle line:84% and I appreciate the testimony on what communities to possibly 00:24:39.630 --> 00:24:40.830 align:middle line:90% swap out and swap in. 00:24:40.830 --> 00:24:45.180 align:middle line:84% But I think Congressman McGovern did also mention, 00:24:45.180 --> 00:24:48.540 align:middle line:84% I know he wants to keep as much of his Western Mass district 00:24:48.540 --> 00:24:56.070 align:middle line:84% as possible and gave some very good reasons on why 00:24:56.070 --> 00:24:59.190 align:middle line:84% he would want that, especially with the agriculture 00:24:59.190 --> 00:25:01.890 align:middle line:90% side of things. 00:25:01.890 --> 00:25:04.350 align:middle line:84% But for the first time 10 years ago, 00:25:04.350 --> 00:25:08.700 align:middle line:84% we got far more closer to a regional Central Mass district 00:25:08.700 --> 00:25:13.117 align:middle line:84% than we ever had in a very, very long time. 00:25:13.117 --> 00:25:14.700 align:middle line:84% And I would think that there are going 00:25:14.700 --> 00:25:15.992 align:middle line:90% to be communities out this way. 00:25:15.992 --> 00:25:18.123 align:middle line:84% I don't think it's just as easy to say, swap out 00:25:18.123 --> 00:25:20.790 align:middle line:84% Spencer and North Brookfield and put them back with Springfield, 00:25:20.790 --> 00:25:22.860 align:middle line:84% when the Congressman talked about, 00:25:22.860 --> 00:25:25.410 align:middle line:84% there are communities around Worcester 00:25:25.410 --> 00:25:27.990 align:middle line:84% that have more in common with Worcester than they might 00:25:27.990 --> 00:25:30.390 align:middle line:90% Springfield or another place. 00:25:30.390 --> 00:25:36.420 align:middle line:84% And I would just caution that I think there are probably 00:25:36.420 --> 00:25:40.980 align:middle line:84% communities now that, putting congressional personalities 00:25:40.980 --> 00:25:42.750 align:middle line:84% aside because congressmen can change, 00:25:42.750 --> 00:25:45.310 align:middle line:84% people can change over the next 10 years, 00:25:45.310 --> 00:25:50.322 align:middle line:84% but when you look at making a regional sense of a district, 00:25:50.322 --> 00:25:52.530 align:middle line:84% I mean, I could be one that could argue that Charlton 00:25:52.530 --> 00:25:56.070 align:middle line:84% and Dudley and Southbridge really have more in common 00:25:56.070 --> 00:26:02.780 align:middle line:84% with Worcester than they do Springfield and really should 00:26:02.780 --> 00:26:06.110 align:middle line:84% be part of a Worcester-based district opposed 00:26:06.110 --> 00:26:08.090 align:middle line:90% to a Springfield-based district. 00:26:08.090 --> 00:26:13.820 align:middle line:84% So I guess my concern or my question for the speaker 00:26:13.820 --> 00:26:16.840 align:middle line:84% is that, are you taking into account 00:26:16.840 --> 00:26:19.350 align:middle line:84% that other communities may not want to do that? 00:26:19.350 --> 00:26:21.450 align:middle line:84% I mean, I understand you want to jump in 00:26:21.450 --> 00:26:23.020 align:middle line:84% on the 2nd congressional district. 00:26:23.020 --> 00:26:24.720 align:middle line:90% And I understand your rationale. 00:26:24.720 --> 00:26:27.510 align:middle line:84% But there may be communities that you 00:26:27.510 --> 00:26:28.950 align:middle line:84% want to swap out that may not want 00:26:28.950 --> 00:26:31.043 align:middle line:84% to be swapped out and like staying 00:26:31.043 --> 00:26:32.460 align:middle line:84% in the 2nd congressional district. 00:26:32.460 --> 00:26:35.450 align:middle line:90% 00:26:35.450 --> 00:26:36.020 align:middle line:90% Sure. 00:26:36.020 --> 00:26:39.050 align:middle line:84% I mean, you all have the power to draw 00:26:39.050 --> 00:26:40.610 align:middle line:90% the maps later this year. 00:26:40.610 --> 00:26:42.053 align:middle line:90% [CHUCKLES] 00:26:42.053 --> 00:26:45.910 align:middle line:90% 00:26:45.910 --> 00:26:48.317 align:middle line:90% OK, well, thank you. 00:26:48.317 --> 00:26:49.525 align:middle line:90% Senator Hinds has a question. 00:26:49.525 --> 00:26:52.270 align:middle line:90% 00:26:52.270 --> 00:26:53.910 align:middle line:90% I was just trying to picture-- 00:26:53.910 --> 00:26:55.020 align:middle line:90% I didn't look at the map. 00:26:55.020 --> 00:26:56.640 align:middle line:84% I was trying to picture if the towns-- 00:26:56.640 --> 00:26:59.820 align:middle line:84% do they follow county lines, as well? 00:26:59.820 --> 00:27:01.520 align:middle line:84% You can maybe just-- oh, there you go. 00:27:01.520 --> 00:27:03.594 align:middle line:90% [LAUGHS] So it does. 00:27:03.594 --> 00:27:04.400 align:middle line:90% Mhm. 00:27:04.400 --> 00:27:07.550 align:middle line:90% Yeah, OK. 00:27:07.550 --> 00:27:08.510 align:middle line:90% I think it does. 00:27:08.510 --> 00:27:09.640 align:middle line:90% Well, anyway, we'll look. 00:27:09.640 --> 00:27:12.650 align:middle line:90% Yeah, it seems it does. 00:27:12.650 --> 00:27:14.520 align:middle line:90% No towns are split. 00:27:14.520 --> 00:27:16.910 align:middle line:84% That's one thing in redistricting, 00:27:16.910 --> 00:27:18.920 align:middle line:90% is no matter where you are-- 00:27:18.920 --> 00:27:21.920 align:middle line:84% I believe it's sort of one of the cardinal rules-- you, 00:27:21.920 --> 00:27:25.280 align:middle line:84% at all costs, try not to split communities 00:27:25.280 --> 00:27:28.040 align:middle line:84% by giving some precincts or wards to one 00:27:28.040 --> 00:27:30.500 align:middle line:84% district and another to another congressional district. 00:27:30.500 --> 00:27:32.330 align:middle line:84% I think we have very few of that, 00:27:32.330 --> 00:27:34.830 align:middle line:84% unless it's a major city like Boston. 00:27:34.830 --> 00:27:38.090 align:middle line:84% But at the municipal level, I think Palmer in Western Mass 00:27:38.090 --> 00:27:40.610 align:middle line:84% is one of the few communities that is actually 00:27:40.610 --> 00:27:42.050 align:middle line:90% split between districts. 00:27:42.050 --> 00:27:43.520 align:middle line:90% So this doesn't do that. 00:27:43.520 --> 00:27:49.110 align:middle line:90% 00:27:49.110 --> 00:27:49.980 align:middle line:90% OK, thank you. 00:27:49.980 --> 00:27:52.650 align:middle line:90% Now, I see Ralph Toran. 00:27:52.650 --> 00:27:53.790 align:middle line:90% I'm going to recognize you. 00:27:53.790 --> 00:27:55.493 align:middle line:84% But I just want make sure who you are. 00:27:55.493 --> 00:27:56.910 align:middle line:84% I'm wondering whether you're maybe 00:27:56.910 --> 00:28:00.120 align:middle line:84% a legislator with the wrong name coming up or something? 00:28:00.120 --> 00:28:02.460 align:middle line:90% I'm not a legislator. 00:28:02.460 --> 00:28:06.420 align:middle line:84% I'm a retired superintendent of schools. 00:28:06.420 --> 00:28:07.170 align:middle line:90% OK, all right. 00:28:07.170 --> 00:28:10.950 align:middle line:84% And I don't know if anybody among you 00:28:10.950 --> 00:28:14.160 align:middle line:84% would remember the name of Walter Boverini. 00:28:14.160 --> 00:28:15.210 align:middle line:90% Sure. 00:28:15.210 --> 00:28:17.380 align:middle line:84% Let me stop you, sir, just for a moment. 00:28:17.380 --> 00:28:19.270 align:middle line:90% So you're here to testify? 00:28:19.270 --> 00:28:21.690 align:middle line:84% Did you wish to testify at some point? 00:28:21.690 --> 00:28:24.630 align:middle line:84% I just wished to make a few suggestions 00:28:24.630 --> 00:28:28.320 align:middle line:84% relative to the task that you have at hand, 00:28:28.320 --> 00:28:31.380 align:middle line:84% how difficult it is, and how the Great and General 00:28:31.380 --> 00:28:33.750 align:middle line:90% Court may deal with it. 00:28:33.750 --> 00:28:36.990 align:middle line:84% All right, well, somehow you've come in as a panelist. 00:28:36.990 --> 00:28:37.860 align:middle line:90% And that's fine. 00:28:37.860 --> 00:28:39.630 align:middle line:84% So we'll recognize you at this time 00:28:39.630 --> 00:28:42.600 align:middle line:84% to give testimony to the committee about your thoughts 00:28:42.600 --> 00:28:44.130 align:middle line:90% on the redistricting process. 00:28:44.130 --> 00:28:46.510 align:middle line:90% We welcome your suggestions. 00:28:46.510 --> 00:28:47.010 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:28:47.010 --> 00:28:49.470 align:middle line:84% I think the Great and General Court 00:28:49.470 --> 00:28:55.650 align:middle line:84% itself needs to look at redistricting 00:28:55.650 --> 00:28:57.330 align:middle line:90% for better governance. 00:28:57.330 --> 00:29:03.240 align:middle line:84% And in the process, I've taken and worked with a map 00:29:03.240 --> 00:29:09.810 align:middle line:84% and, myself, come up with seven districts for the Great 00:29:09.810 --> 00:29:14.190 align:middle line:84% and General Court that would be of a size 00:29:14.190 --> 00:29:20.880 align:middle line:84% and consider citizens from infants to early childhood 00:29:20.880 --> 00:29:25.350 align:middle line:84% on through adult education and higher education 00:29:25.350 --> 00:29:31.800 align:middle line:84% and would consider special-ed programs, mentally challenged, 00:29:31.800 --> 00:29:39.300 align:middle line:84% blind, deaf, addicted, and otherwise challenged citizens. 00:29:39.300 --> 00:29:44.280 align:middle line:84% And problems that don't exist in many communities 00:29:44.280 --> 00:29:49.490 align:middle line:84% would exist within the districts that I've established. 00:29:49.490 --> 00:29:53.480 align:middle line:84% All of the districts would share these problems. 00:29:53.480 --> 00:29:58.120 align:middle line:84% And they would share an interest in solving them. 00:29:58.120 --> 00:30:03.610 align:middle line:84% And so I won't spend a great deal of time. 00:30:03.610 --> 00:30:07.960 align:middle line:84% But one district would involve Berkshire County, 00:30:07.960 --> 00:30:10.600 align:middle line:84% a third of Franklin, a third of Hampshire, 00:30:10.600 --> 00:30:11.680 align:middle line:90% and a third of Hampden. 00:30:11.680 --> 00:30:14.950 align:middle line:90% 00:30:14.950 --> 00:30:19.810 align:middle line:84% Two thirds of the remaining districts-- 00:30:19.810 --> 00:30:22.240 align:middle line:84% Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden-- 00:30:22.240 --> 00:30:30.640 align:middle line:84% would be linked with Worcester to make a second district. 00:30:30.640 --> 00:30:34.910 align:middle line:84% So the first district would be a Berkshire district, 00:30:34.910 --> 00:30:38.930 align:middle line:84% which involve Berkshire and a third of those three. 00:30:38.930 --> 00:30:42.500 align:middle line:84% A second district would be Worcester and the remaining 00:30:42.500 --> 00:30:44.510 align:middle line:84% third of the three that I mentioned. 00:30:44.510 --> 00:30:54.680 align:middle line:84% Middlesex, which would run from Pepperell to Lexington, 00:30:54.680 --> 00:31:00.520 align:middle line:84% and then an Essex district, a Norfolk district, 00:31:00.520 --> 00:31:05.980 align:middle line:84% and a Plymouth, Bristol, Barnstable, 00:31:05.980 --> 00:31:11.350 align:middle line:84% and Islands district, they would be much larger districts. 00:31:11.350 --> 00:31:14.020 align:middle line:84% And the Great and General Court would 00:31:14.020 --> 00:31:21.520 align:middle line:84% consider how to allocate the existing representative 00:31:21.520 --> 00:31:25.750 align:middle line:84% positions and senatorial positions to those districts. 00:31:25.750 --> 00:31:27.760 align:middle line:90% But they would be larger. 00:31:27.760 --> 00:31:30.880 align:middle line:84% And they would all share and provide 00:31:30.880 --> 00:31:37.510 align:middle line:84% for the common good, which oftentimes gets overlooked. 00:31:37.510 --> 00:31:44.110 align:middle line:84% Our current districts, to some degree, reinforce racism. 00:31:44.110 --> 00:31:48.070 align:middle line:84% They reinforce other structural deficits 00:31:48.070 --> 00:31:50.830 align:middle line:84% that haven't taken into account the changes that 00:31:50.830 --> 00:31:53.290 align:middle line:90% exist across the Commonwealth. 00:31:53.290 --> 00:31:56.140 align:middle line:84% So I won't take any more of your time 00:31:56.140 --> 00:31:59.470 align:middle line:84% because I know what you have at hand 00:31:59.470 --> 00:32:02.500 align:middle line:84% in trying to deal with the federal issues. 00:32:02.500 --> 00:32:06.760 align:middle line:84% But the Court itself, when you look 00:32:06.760 --> 00:32:13.360 align:middle line:84% at the Great and General court and the tasks 00:32:13.360 --> 00:32:17.110 align:middle line:84% that it's faced with and all of the work 00:32:17.110 --> 00:32:23.260 align:middle line:84% that current representatives and senators work on, 00:32:23.260 --> 00:32:27.340 align:middle line:84% they don't work as much in the common good 00:32:27.340 --> 00:32:32.170 align:middle line:84% as they would if they were structured differently. 00:32:32.170 --> 00:32:34.150 align:middle line:84% OK, thank you very much for that suggestion. 00:32:34.150 --> 00:32:37.150 align:middle line:84% Do you want to make sure that you submit that 00:32:37.150 --> 00:32:40.600 align:middle line:84% to the committee in writing, as well, so we can take a look 00:32:40.600 --> 00:32:43.390 align:middle line:84% at the districts that you're suggesting? 00:32:43.390 --> 00:32:45.340 align:middle line:90% I have. 00:32:45.340 --> 00:32:47.740 align:middle line:84% Yeah, if I could link up with an aide 00:32:47.740 --> 00:32:50.380 align:middle line:84% of some sort from somebody's committee, 00:32:50.380 --> 00:32:55.120 align:middle line:84% I would be glad to show them several maps that 00:32:55.120 --> 00:32:58.990 align:middle line:84% were developed back around the time of 1973 00:32:58.990 --> 00:33:05.580 align:middle line:84% or '74 for district organization. 00:33:05.580 --> 00:33:08.700 align:middle line:84% OK, are you able to see the chat if we put something in the chat 00:33:08.700 --> 00:33:11.410 align:middle line:90% for you? 00:33:11.410 --> 00:33:12.850 align:middle line:90% I could, yes. 00:33:12.850 --> 00:33:15.790 align:middle line:84% All right, well, I'm going to put in-- 00:33:15.790 --> 00:33:30.070 align:middle line:90% 00:33:30.070 --> 00:33:31.990 align:middle line:84% actually maybe the easier thing is 00:33:31.990 --> 00:33:35.712 align:middle line:84% to-- what's our address for the Redistricting Committee? 00:33:35.712 --> 00:33:37.420 align:middle line:84% That would probably be better, if we can. 00:33:37.420 --> 00:33:41.560 align:middle line:84% I just put the Contact form in the chat. 00:33:41.560 --> 00:33:42.530 align:middle line:90% OK, good. 00:33:42.530 --> 00:33:44.440 align:middle line:84% Andrew put the Contact form in the chat. 00:33:44.440 --> 00:33:47.950 align:middle line:90% So does everybody see that? 00:33:47.950 --> 00:33:50.440 align:middle line:90% I see that right now. 00:33:50.440 --> 00:33:52.025 align:middle line:90% OK. 00:33:52.025 --> 00:33:53.650 align:middle line:84% All right, so that's a good place, too, 00:33:53.650 --> 00:33:56.170 align:middle line:84% if you want to submit the outlines of those districts 00:33:56.170 --> 00:33:59.350 align:middle line:84% or describe them or to make a contact with the committee 00:33:59.350 --> 00:34:00.500 align:middle line:90% to go through that form. 00:34:00.500 --> 00:34:01.380 align:middle line:90% I will. 00:34:01.380 --> 00:34:03.410 align:middle line:90% I'll be glad to go over it. 00:34:03.410 --> 00:34:05.320 align:middle line:90% OK. 00:34:05.320 --> 00:34:08.920 align:middle line:84% All right, we appreciate your testimony. 00:34:08.920 --> 00:34:15.070 align:middle line:84% Now, the next person signed up is Linda Dunlavy. 00:34:15.070 --> 00:34:18.980 align:middle line:90% 00:34:18.980 --> 00:34:22.190 align:middle line:90% Is Linda Dunlavy here? 00:34:22.190 --> 00:34:24.929 align:middle line:90% I don't see Linda Dunlavy in-- 00:34:24.929 --> 00:34:25.429 align:middle line:90% oh, yes. 00:34:25.429 --> 00:34:26.130 align:middle line:90% I see Linda. 00:34:26.130 --> 00:34:31.350 align:middle line:84% So let's promote Linda so you can speak. 00:34:31.350 --> 00:34:34.850 align:middle line:90% Are you up there, Linda? 00:34:34.850 --> 00:34:35.547 align:middle line:90% There you go. 00:34:35.547 --> 00:34:36.630 align:middle line:90% You're in the right place. 00:34:36.630 --> 00:34:38.900 align:middle line:84% You just need to unmute, and we can hear you. 00:34:38.900 --> 00:34:41.469 align:middle line:90% 00:34:41.469 --> 00:34:43.239 align:middle line:90% Linda is still on mute. 00:34:43.239 --> 00:34:46.139 align:middle line:90% There you go. 00:34:46.139 --> 00:34:47.130 align:middle line:90% Hi. 00:34:47.130 --> 00:34:49.830 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:34:49.830 --> 00:34:51.030 align:middle line:90% I'm Linda Dunlavy. 00:34:51.030 --> 00:34:53.699 align:middle line:84% I'm the executive director of the Franklin Regional 00:34:53.699 --> 00:34:55.020 align:middle line:90% Council of Governments. 00:34:55.020 --> 00:34:59.190 align:middle line:84% And the COG serves the 26 towns of Franklin County, which 00:34:59.190 --> 00:35:01.920 align:middle line:84% is the most rural county in Massachusetts, 00:35:01.920 --> 00:35:07.470 align:middle line:84% with 70,000 residents across 725 square miles. 00:35:07.470 --> 00:35:11.730 align:middle line:84% I'm also the chair of the Rural Policy Advisory Commission. 00:35:11.730 --> 00:35:15.870 align:middle line:84% And the RPAC was created by the legislature in 2015 00:35:15.870 --> 00:35:19.770 align:middle line:84% with the mission of enhancing the economic vitality 00:35:19.770 --> 00:35:22.980 align:middle line:90% of rural municipalities. 00:35:22.980 --> 00:35:25.170 align:middle line:84% The legislation that created the RPAC 00:35:25.170 --> 00:35:29.370 align:middle line:84% defined "rural" as communities with a population density 00:35:29.370 --> 00:35:32.520 align:middle line:84% of less than 500 people per square mile. 00:35:32.520 --> 00:35:36.390 align:middle line:84% And in 2010, using 2010 census figures, 00:35:36.390 --> 00:35:41.520 align:middle line:84% that's 170 municipalities, 59% of the land 00:35:41.520 --> 00:35:47.940 align:middle line:84% area of Massachusetts, but only 13% of the population. 00:35:47.940 --> 00:35:52.500 align:middle line:84% In 2019, we issued the Massachusetts Rural Policy Plan 00:35:52.500 --> 00:35:56.490 align:middle line:84% that conducted an analysis of rural assets and challenges 00:35:56.490 --> 00:36:00.930 align:middle line:84% and demonstrated how rural areas need different policy 00:36:00.930 --> 00:36:04.440 align:middle line:84% investment and regulatory actions to support 00:36:04.440 --> 00:36:06.270 align:middle line:90% their unique issues. 00:36:06.270 --> 00:36:09.810 align:middle line:84% And this is critical as we think about redistricting. 00:36:09.810 --> 00:36:12.420 align:middle line:84% We strongly advocate for as little change 00:36:12.420 --> 00:36:15.690 align:middle line:84% to the representation of rural Western Massachusetts as 00:36:15.690 --> 00:36:17.070 align:middle line:90% possible. 00:36:17.070 --> 00:36:20.910 align:middle line:84% We currently have a strong and dedicated delegation 00:36:20.910 --> 00:36:24.180 align:middle line:84% who understand the complexities and unique challenges 00:36:24.180 --> 00:36:26.670 align:middle line:90% that rural municipalities face. 00:36:26.670 --> 00:36:30.060 align:middle line:84% And we very much hope to maintain their strength 00:36:30.060 --> 00:36:33.180 align:middle line:90% of understanding and advocacy. 00:36:33.180 --> 00:36:36.780 align:middle line:84% And if I could talk both about state and federal districts 00:36:36.780 --> 00:36:40.440 align:middle line:84% very briefly, currently Franklin County 00:36:40.440 --> 00:36:42.570 align:middle line:84% is split in its representation and is 00:36:42.570 --> 00:36:45.900 align:middle line:84% divided into districts that create effective communities 00:36:45.900 --> 00:36:47.250 align:middle line:90% of interest. 00:36:47.250 --> 00:36:51.180 align:middle line:84% Our western hill towns have very similar demographics 00:36:51.180 --> 00:36:54.390 align:middle line:84% and share a labor force and employment opportunities 00:36:54.390 --> 00:36:56.550 align:middle line:84% with communities in Berkshire County 00:36:56.550 --> 00:36:58.590 align:middle line:84% that are represented by Senator Hinds-- 00:36:58.590 --> 00:37:02.472 align:middle line:84% hi, Senator Hinds-- and Representative Mark. 00:37:02.472 --> 00:37:04.460 align:middle line:84% Our Eastern Franklin County towns 00:37:04.460 --> 00:37:06.200 align:middle line:84% are part of the North Quabbin region 00:37:06.200 --> 00:37:07.790 align:middle line:84% that's shared with Worcester County 00:37:07.790 --> 00:37:11.630 align:middle line:84% and represented by Representative Whipps. 00:37:11.630 --> 00:37:13.850 align:middle line:84% And these communities have a long history 00:37:13.850 --> 00:37:16.100 align:middle line:84% of working together and sharing schools, 00:37:16.100 --> 00:37:18.950 align:middle line:90% social services, and economies. 00:37:18.950 --> 00:37:21.770 align:middle line:84% And finally, our communities in the center and south 00:37:21.770 --> 00:37:25.190 align:middle line:84% of Franklin County are served by Senator Comerford 00:37:25.190 --> 00:37:27.560 align:middle line:84% and Representative Blais, who also serve 00:37:27.560 --> 00:37:30.160 align:middle line:90% portions of Hampshire County. 00:37:30.160 --> 00:37:32.770 align:middle line:84% This area of Franklin County and Hampshire County 00:37:32.770 --> 00:37:35.810 align:middle line:84% also create a synergistic community of interest. 00:37:35.810 --> 00:37:40.000 align:middle line:84% The University of Massachusetts is the largest employer 00:37:40.000 --> 00:37:41.830 align:middle line:90% of Franklin County. 00:37:41.830 --> 00:37:44.650 align:middle line:84% Several of our social service organizations 00:37:44.650 --> 00:37:47.620 align:middle line:84% serve both Franklin and Hampshire counties. 00:37:47.620 --> 00:37:50.620 align:middle line:84% And the demographics, economies, and social priorities 00:37:50.620 --> 00:37:52.190 align:middle line:84% of the two counties are very similar. 00:37:52.190 --> 00:37:54.830 align:middle line:90% 00:37:54.830 --> 00:37:58.040 align:middle line:84% And while we could not imagine a world 00:37:58.040 --> 00:38:00.290 align:middle line:84% without the support of Congressman John 00:38:00.290 --> 00:38:04.340 align:middle line:84% Olver 10 years ago, we have welcomed Congressman Neal 00:38:04.340 --> 00:38:05.810 align:middle line:84% and Congressman McGovern and have 00:38:05.810 --> 00:38:09.800 align:middle line:84% been particularly heartened by the commitment of Jim McGovern 00:38:09.800 --> 00:38:12.340 align:middle line:90% to our region. 00:38:12.340 --> 00:38:14.920 align:middle line:84% I thank you for the opportunity to testify. 00:38:14.920 --> 00:38:18.490 align:middle line:84% I know that asking for things to stay the same 00:38:18.490 --> 00:38:21.040 align:middle line:90% is not entirely possible. 00:38:21.040 --> 00:38:24.860 align:middle line:84% And I know the task before you is difficult. 00:38:24.860 --> 00:38:27.070 align:middle line:84% But I thank you for your consideration 00:38:27.070 --> 00:38:29.680 align:middle line:84% of the unique needs of our rural region 00:38:29.680 --> 00:38:32.500 align:middle line:84% and how fortunate we feel to have 00:38:32.500 --> 00:38:36.160 align:middle line:84% the strong group of dedicated, knowledgeable legislators 00:38:36.160 --> 00:38:38.060 align:middle line:90% currently serving us. 00:38:38.060 --> 00:38:40.100 align:middle line:90% Thanks so much. 00:38:40.100 --> 00:38:42.650 align:middle line:84% Thank you very much for your thoughtful testimony. 00:38:42.650 --> 00:38:44.650 align:middle line:84% Are there questions or comments from the members 00:38:44.650 --> 00:38:47.570 align:middle line:90% of the committee? 00:38:47.570 --> 00:38:48.993 align:middle line:90% I want to say thanks. 00:38:48.993 --> 00:38:51.410 align:middle line:84% Thanks for all the work that you do for rural communities. 00:38:51.410 --> 00:38:54.950 align:middle line:84% And now adding to the political strategization, 00:38:54.950 --> 00:38:57.920 align:middle line:90% as well, is much appreciated. 00:38:57.920 --> 00:39:00.110 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:39:00.110 --> 00:39:01.770 align:middle line:84% Thank you so much for being with us. 00:39:01.770 --> 00:39:04.640 align:middle line:84% I want to take the opportunity to recognize Representative 00:39:04.640 --> 00:39:06.020 align:middle line:90% Diggs, who has joined us now. 00:39:06.020 --> 00:39:09.950 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Representative Diggs. 00:39:09.950 --> 00:39:14.660 align:middle line:84% And I understand the registrar of deeds, Mary Olberding, 00:39:14.660 --> 00:39:16.040 align:middle line:90% is present with us. 00:39:16.040 --> 00:39:19.520 align:middle line:84% And so I recognize her if she's ready to testify at this time. 00:39:19.520 --> 00:39:28.720 align:middle line:90% 00:39:28.720 --> 00:39:30.710 align:middle line:90% There we go. 00:39:30.710 --> 00:39:32.000 align:middle line:90% You can see me? 00:39:32.000 --> 00:39:35.030 align:middle line:90% Yes, ma'am. 00:39:35.030 --> 00:39:37.010 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Senator Brownsberger. 00:39:37.010 --> 00:39:42.200 align:middle line:84% I testified 10 years ago at the last redistricting committee 00:39:42.200 --> 00:39:42.830 align:middle line:90% meeting. 00:39:42.830 --> 00:39:47.780 align:middle line:84% And I recognize Chairman Moran as well as Vice Chair Anne Gobi 00:39:47.780 --> 00:39:49.340 align:middle line:84% and several other friends who are 00:39:49.340 --> 00:39:53.780 align:middle line:84% on the committee, Senator Hinds, Representative Farley-Bouvier. 00:39:53.780 --> 00:39:56.060 align:middle line:84% I appreciate all of your time here today. 00:39:56.060 --> 00:39:56.960 align:middle line:90% I'm Mary Olberding. 00:39:56.960 --> 00:40:00.080 align:middle line:84% I am registrar of deeds for Hampshire County. 00:40:00.080 --> 00:40:02.550 align:middle line:84% We are located in the Western part of the state. 00:40:02.550 --> 00:40:07.910 align:middle line:84% There are approximately 150,000 people in 20 cities and towns. 00:40:07.910 --> 00:40:10.940 align:middle line:90% I was elected in 2012. 00:40:10.940 --> 00:40:17.090 align:middle line:84% And even prior to my election, I served on the finance committee 00:40:17.090 --> 00:40:20.700 align:middle line:84% in the town of Belchertown, where I still live today. 00:40:20.700 --> 00:40:26.960 align:middle line:84% And so my testimony will be in both my professional 00:40:26.960 --> 00:40:29.450 align:middle line:90% and personal capacity. 00:40:29.450 --> 00:40:31.700 align:middle line:84% Belchertown is situated in Congressman McGovern's 00:40:31.700 --> 00:40:32.720 align:middle line:90% district. 00:40:32.720 --> 00:40:36.180 align:middle line:84% And as you heard from several other people, 00:40:36.180 --> 00:40:40.820 align:middle line:84% we all changed 10 years ago, with the difficult process 00:40:40.820 --> 00:40:43.670 align:middle line:84% of losing a congressional representative. 00:40:43.670 --> 00:40:49.320 align:middle line:84% And though we all were sad to have Congressman Olver leave, 00:40:49.320 --> 00:40:52.100 align:middle line:84% we're very happy with Congressman McGovern. 00:40:52.100 --> 00:40:54.770 align:middle line:90% 00:40:54.770 --> 00:40:57.410 align:middle line:84% I submitted my testimony already. 00:40:57.410 --> 00:40:58.340 align:middle line:90% So I won't read it. 00:40:58.340 --> 00:41:02.210 align:middle line:84% I'll just give you some highlights, if I may. 00:41:02.210 --> 00:41:06.740 align:middle line:90% 00:41:06.740 --> 00:41:08.480 align:middle line:84% I've been interested in redistricting 00:41:08.480 --> 00:41:10.085 align:middle line:90% pretty much since I was a child. 00:41:10.085 --> 00:41:10.865 align:middle line:90% [CHUCKLES] 00:41:10.865 --> 00:41:14.750 align:middle line:84% I've been involved with politics and grew up in Ohio 00:41:14.750 --> 00:41:18.380 align:middle line:84% and started campaigning for a congressman 00:41:18.380 --> 00:41:19.850 align:middle line:90% before I could walk. 00:41:19.850 --> 00:41:25.460 align:middle line:84% And then he moved away and we no longer campaigned for him. 00:41:25.460 --> 00:41:28.310 align:middle line:84% And I learned the hard lessons of redistricting 00:41:28.310 --> 00:41:30.560 align:middle line:84% at an early age and been following the process ever 00:41:30.560 --> 00:41:31.510 align:middle line:90% since. 00:41:31.510 --> 00:41:36.410 align:middle line:84% So I take it very seriously, where 00:41:36.410 --> 00:41:39.380 align:middle line:84% the lines are, even if imaginary, 00:41:39.380 --> 00:41:41.750 align:middle line:84% through our neighborhoods and cities. 00:41:41.750 --> 00:41:46.280 align:middle line:84% And I know the importance of allocating available resources 00:41:46.280 --> 00:41:51.200 align:middle line:84% and how it changes the direction and the history of our region. 00:41:51.200 --> 00:41:54.450 align:middle line:84% That is why I know the work that you do is very important. 00:41:54.450 --> 00:41:56.900 align:middle line:84% And I'm very appreciative of all the time and effort 00:41:56.900 --> 00:42:01.130 align:middle line:84% I know that you will have to put into redrawing the districts. 00:42:01.130 --> 00:42:04.613 align:middle line:84% And as Linda Dunlavy said, none of us wants to change. 00:42:04.613 --> 00:42:06.530 align:middle line:84% And we're all quite happy, the way things are. 00:42:06.530 --> 00:42:09.500 align:middle line:84% But if my testimony can offer you 00:42:09.500 --> 00:42:12.680 align:middle line:84% any suggestions or recommendations on the best way 00:42:12.680 --> 00:42:20.820 align:middle line:84% to keep areas congruous and compatible, I happily do that. 00:42:20.820 --> 00:42:24.020 align:middle line:84% I'm also grateful for your work, given 00:42:24.020 --> 00:42:26.750 align:middle line:84% the challenges of the census in this last year 00:42:26.750 --> 00:42:31.460 align:middle line:84% and the pandemic times we continue to live in. 00:42:31.460 --> 00:42:33.680 align:middle line:84% But one silver lining is I'm very 00:42:33.680 --> 00:42:37.010 align:middle line:84% grateful to be testifying from my home 00:42:37.010 --> 00:42:39.020 align:middle line:84% and not driving all the way into Boston. 00:42:39.020 --> 00:42:40.630 align:middle line:90% So I appreciate that, as well. 00:42:40.630 --> 00:42:43.970 align:middle line:90% 00:42:43.970 --> 00:42:47.580 align:middle line:84% I know that 10 years ago, the committee's work 00:42:47.580 --> 00:42:52.680 align:middle line:84% was deemed successful because of the objectives of achieving 00:42:52.680 --> 00:42:58.230 align:middle line:84% minority majority districts, also 00:42:58.230 --> 00:43:01.740 align:middle line:84% by reducing the congressional delegation and then also 00:43:01.740 --> 00:43:05.700 align:middle line:84% because the maps were not challenged in the courts. 00:43:05.700 --> 00:43:07.830 align:middle line:84% So I wish you all luck and success 00:43:07.830 --> 00:43:09.780 align:middle line:84% in meeting those objectives this time. 00:43:09.780 --> 00:43:14.340 align:middle line:90% 00:43:14.340 --> 00:43:17.970 align:middle line:84% The area of congressional district 1 and 2 00:43:17.970 --> 00:43:20.640 align:middle line:90% both lie in Hampshire County. 00:43:20.640 --> 00:43:25.350 align:middle line:84% There are eight state representatives. 00:43:25.350 --> 00:43:28.230 align:middle line:90% There are five state senators. 00:43:28.230 --> 00:43:30.990 align:middle line:84% Only three of those representatives 00:43:30.990 --> 00:43:34.390 align:middle line:90% live in Hampshire County. 00:43:34.390 --> 00:43:38.140 align:middle line:84% Only one of the five senators lives in Hampshire County. 00:43:38.140 --> 00:43:40.428 align:middle line:84% None of the congressional representatives 00:43:40.428 --> 00:43:41.470 align:middle line:90% live in Hampshire County. 00:43:41.470 --> 00:43:45.370 align:middle line:90% 00:43:45.370 --> 00:43:49.060 align:middle line:84% Even though this hearing is about congressional district 2, 00:43:49.060 --> 00:43:50.950 align:middle line:84% some of my comments, my testimony, 00:43:50.950 --> 00:43:54.190 align:middle line:84% do apply to congressional district 1, as well. 00:43:54.190 --> 00:43:57.647 align:middle line:84% It's about half and half distribution of the towns 00:43:57.647 --> 00:43:58.480 align:middle line:90% of Hampshire County. 00:43:58.480 --> 00:44:01.510 align:middle line:90% 00:44:01.510 --> 00:44:06.120 align:middle line:84% The critical request that I have are, 00:44:06.120 --> 00:44:08.970 align:middle line:84% as you've heard from the mayor and others 00:44:08.970 --> 00:44:13.290 align:middle line:84% testifying, the huge importance of having the two 00:44:13.290 --> 00:44:18.210 align:middle line:84% congressional districts here in Western Massachusetts, 00:44:18.210 --> 00:44:20.700 align:middle line:84% especially because those two members of Congress 00:44:20.700 --> 00:44:23.850 align:middle line:84% have important positions on Ways and Means and Rules. 00:44:23.850 --> 00:44:26.550 align:middle line:90% 00:44:26.550 --> 00:44:28.885 align:middle line:84% We are not as well populated, as you 00:44:28.885 --> 00:44:30.510 align:middle line:84% know, as the Eastern part of the state. 00:44:30.510 --> 00:44:35.610 align:middle line:84% And having two in a greater territory and number of towns 00:44:35.610 --> 00:44:38.820 align:middle line:84% is essential to getting the resources 00:44:38.820 --> 00:44:40.690 align:middle line:90% that we need for the towns. 00:44:40.690 --> 00:44:45.270 align:middle line:84% It's already been mentioned, the rural nature of our district. 00:44:45.270 --> 00:44:49.020 align:middle line:84% And with Congressman McGovern being on the Agricultural 00:44:49.020 --> 00:44:52.740 align:middle line:84% Committee, that is very important. 00:44:52.740 --> 00:44:57.930 align:middle line:84% We have nine hill towns that Senator Hinds 00:44:57.930 --> 00:45:01.530 align:middle line:84% represents in the western part of the county. 00:45:01.530 --> 00:45:04.470 align:middle line:84% And those, along with Hatfield and Hadley, 00:45:04.470 --> 00:45:08.160 align:middle line:84% are very rural still and largely made up 00:45:08.160 --> 00:45:11.580 align:middle line:84% of family farms and land that has been 00:45:11.580 --> 00:45:14.350 align:middle line:90% passed through generations. 00:45:14.350 --> 00:45:19.158 align:middle line:84% So I would strongly advocate keeping Congressman McGovern 00:45:19.158 --> 00:45:20.700 align:middle line:84% not only for half of Hampshire County 00:45:20.700 --> 00:45:22.950 align:middle line:84% but for my own hometown of Belchertown. 00:45:22.950 --> 00:45:27.330 align:middle line:84% He is excellent, fair, just, dedicated 00:45:27.330 --> 00:45:29.890 align:middle line:84% in his public service to the district, 00:45:29.890 --> 00:45:31.350 align:middle line:90% as well as the Commonwealth. 00:45:31.350 --> 00:45:33.043 align:middle line:84% And I might add, on January 6, he 00:45:33.043 --> 00:45:34.710 align:middle line:84% was so dedicated to his position that he 00:45:34.710 --> 00:45:37.590 align:middle line:84% was the last to leave the House of Representatives 00:45:37.590 --> 00:45:39.165 align:middle line:90% when it was being attacked. 00:45:39.165 --> 00:45:41.760 align:middle line:90% 00:45:41.760 --> 00:45:45.120 align:middle line:84% 10 years ago, I introduced Congressman McGovern 00:45:45.120 --> 00:45:49.690 align:middle line:84% to the towns of Hampshire County that were in his district, 00:45:49.690 --> 00:45:53.610 align:middle line:84% including my own of Belchertown, as well as giving him tours 00:45:53.610 --> 00:45:55.230 align:middle line:90% of some of the local farms. 00:45:55.230 --> 00:45:58.710 align:middle line:84% And needless to say, he took to the job 00:45:58.710 --> 00:46:00.870 align:middle line:90% very easily and quickly. 00:46:00.870 --> 00:46:03.777 align:middle line:84% And they were all very grateful to have his representation. 00:46:03.777 --> 00:46:07.600 align:middle line:90% 00:46:07.600 --> 00:46:12.520 align:middle line:84% That being said, for Belchertown, Eric Lesser 00:46:12.520 --> 00:46:13.840 align:middle line:90% is our state senator. 00:46:13.840 --> 00:46:18.130 align:middle line:84% 10 years ago was the first time all of Belchertown 00:46:18.130 --> 00:46:21.670 align:middle line:84% was included as one state Senate district. 00:46:21.670 --> 00:46:24.670 align:middle line:90% We are not quite 16,000 people. 00:46:24.670 --> 00:46:30.820 align:middle line:84% So it seemed sufficient to have one state senator. 00:46:30.820 --> 00:46:34.600 align:middle line:84% But at the time, I would respectfully 00:46:34.600 --> 00:46:38.680 align:middle line:84% request that you reconsider the state representative lines. 00:46:38.680 --> 00:46:42.550 align:middle line:84% Matt Baron suggested earlier that there 00:46:42.550 --> 00:46:43.750 align:middle line:90% weren't that many towns. 00:46:43.750 --> 00:46:46.600 align:middle line:84% There are three towns in Hampshire County-- 00:46:46.600 --> 00:46:48.820 align:middle line:90% Granby, Belchertown, and Ware-- 00:46:48.820 --> 00:46:51.070 align:middle line:84% that have multiple representatives. 00:46:51.070 --> 00:46:57.250 align:middle line:84% And Belchertown is the largest, with just under 16,000. 00:46:57.250 --> 00:47:01.150 align:middle line:84% So it's possible that none of them need more than one. 00:47:01.150 --> 00:47:05.540 align:middle line:84% But I know that the maps are not perfect. 00:47:05.540 --> 00:47:08.770 align:middle line:84% So I'm testifying in my own interest for Belchertown, 00:47:08.770 --> 00:47:12.730 align:middle line:84% and that is that the 2nd Franklin 00:47:12.730 --> 00:47:18.340 align:middle line:84% district is represented by Representative Whipps. 00:47:18.340 --> 00:47:24.040 align:middle line:84% And her district only meets Belchertown down in Precinct A 00:47:24.040 --> 00:47:25.660 align:middle line:90% through the Quabbin. 00:47:25.660 --> 00:47:30.670 align:middle line:84% There's no parts of her district that physically meet. 00:47:30.670 --> 00:47:33.500 align:middle line:84% And our districts are very different. 00:47:33.500 --> 00:47:35.800 align:middle line:84% And the needs of precinct A and Belchertown 00:47:35.800 --> 00:47:37.900 align:middle line:84% are not the same as those of the rest 00:47:37.900 --> 00:47:41.500 align:middle line:84% of the district in Franklin and Worcester County. 00:47:41.500 --> 00:47:45.130 align:middle line:84% We have four precincts in Belchertown-- two 00:47:45.130 --> 00:47:48.850 align:middle line:84% are northern, closer to the Amherst-Pelham line, 00:47:48.850 --> 00:47:52.630 align:middle line:84% and two are southern, closer to the Ludlow line. 00:47:52.630 --> 00:47:55.140 align:middle line:90% 00:47:55.140 --> 00:47:58.470 align:middle line:84% Jake Oliveira is the newly elected representative 00:47:58.470 --> 00:48:01.080 align:middle line:84% for the remaining three precincts. 00:48:01.080 --> 00:48:04.620 align:middle line:84% Traditionally Belchertown, when it has been divided, 00:48:04.620 --> 00:48:08.820 align:middle line:84% has been divided by those northern and southern precincts 00:48:08.820 --> 00:48:12.690 align:middle line:84% because it's very distinct here in town. 00:48:12.690 --> 00:48:16.350 align:middle line:84% The northern, closer to Amherst, is very much 00:48:16.350 --> 00:48:19.020 align:middle line:90% where people work and recreate. 00:48:19.020 --> 00:48:23.340 align:middle line:84% And the same is true of the southern precincts. 00:48:23.340 --> 00:48:25.590 align:middle line:84% People tend to work in Hampden County. 00:48:25.590 --> 00:48:28.950 align:middle line:90% 00:48:28.950 --> 00:48:34.460 align:middle line:90% Back to my Hampshire County hat. 00:48:34.460 --> 00:48:36.620 align:middle line:84% The only other thing I would suggest is that, 00:48:36.620 --> 00:48:42.380 align:middle line:84% in the Senate districts, Senator Hind's district of Berkshire, 00:48:42.380 --> 00:48:47.270 align:middle line:84% Hampshire, Franklin, Hampden-- did I leave any of them out-- 00:48:47.270 --> 00:48:48.800 align:middle line:90% is rather large. 00:48:48.800 --> 00:48:52.460 align:middle line:90% And that district might-- 00:48:52.460 --> 00:48:57.050 align:middle line:84% I suspect would might need to move towards the East. 00:48:57.050 --> 00:49:00.830 align:middle line:84% And if that were the case, the towns 00:49:00.830 --> 00:49:03.230 align:middle line:84% of Southampton and/or Easthampton 00:49:03.230 --> 00:49:06.050 align:middle line:84% are contiguous with his current district 00:49:06.050 --> 00:49:09.290 align:middle line:84% and would benefit from his representation. 00:49:09.290 --> 00:49:14.720 align:middle line:84% Senator Velis' district, which is the 2nd Hampden-Hampshire 00:49:14.720 --> 00:49:17.360 align:middle line:90% district-- excuse me-- 00:49:17.360 --> 00:49:20.060 align:middle line:84% they only have two towns in Hampshire County-- 00:49:20.060 --> 00:49:22.370 align:middle line:90% Southampton and Easthampton. 00:49:22.370 --> 00:49:30.000 align:middle line:84% And both of those towns are much more compatible geographically, 00:49:30.000 --> 00:49:33.530 align:middle line:84% politically, culturally to Berkshire and Hampshire County. 00:49:33.530 --> 00:49:35.840 align:middle line:84% Hampden County, where the majority 00:49:35.840 --> 00:49:40.070 align:middle line:84% of the 2nd Hampden-Hampshire district is based in Westfield. 00:49:40.070 --> 00:49:44.450 align:middle line:84% And it's just an entirely different geography. 00:49:44.450 --> 00:49:50.210 align:middle line:84% In my testimony I did make suggestions with population 00:49:50.210 --> 00:49:52.820 align:middle line:90% counts if you need to move. 00:49:52.820 --> 00:49:54.560 align:middle line:90% They're only suggestions. 00:49:54.560 --> 00:49:58.348 align:middle line:84% Other than these four requests that I've made respectfully, 00:49:58.348 --> 00:50:00.390 align:middle line:84% the suggestions are just to try and help you out. 00:50:00.390 --> 00:50:03.518 align:middle line:84% And I'm happy to answer any questions. 00:50:03.518 --> 00:50:05.310 align:middle line:84% That's very helpful and specific testimony. 00:50:05.310 --> 00:50:06.580 align:middle line:90% We do appreciate it. 00:50:06.580 --> 00:50:09.230 align:middle line:84% Do members of the committee have any questions? 00:50:09.230 --> 00:50:14.440 align:middle line:90% 00:50:14.440 --> 00:50:16.010 align:middle line:90% Mr. Chair, if-- 00:50:16.010 --> 00:50:16.510 align:middle line:90% Please. 00:50:16.510 --> 00:50:18.550 align:middle line:84% I guess I also want to make sure you bring 00:50:18.550 --> 00:50:21.400 align:middle line:84% your voice into the hearing on the 1st CD, 00:50:21.400 --> 00:50:24.010 align:middle line:84% as well, since you're really overlapping a lot. 00:50:24.010 --> 00:50:27.970 align:middle line:84% So whether you do it physically or otherwise, 00:50:27.970 --> 00:50:30.490 align:middle line:84% I think that's relevant because you bring up a lot of points 00:50:30.490 --> 00:50:32.980 align:middle line:90% that touch on CD1. 00:50:32.980 --> 00:50:36.570 align:middle line:84% So maybe we'll just make that note during that hearing, 00:50:36.570 --> 00:50:37.070 align:middle line:90% as well. 00:50:37.070 --> 00:50:38.875 align:middle line:90% 00:50:38.875 --> 00:50:40.750 align:middle line:84% I want to make sure we've gotten your written 00:50:40.750 --> 00:50:44.470 align:middle line:84% testimony, that you submitted that through the Redistricting 00:50:44.470 --> 00:50:45.850 align:middle line:90% email. 00:50:45.850 --> 00:50:46.660 align:middle line:90% I did. 00:50:46.660 --> 00:50:49.420 align:middle line:84% And if there's any trouble or you need more, 00:50:49.420 --> 00:50:52.340 align:middle line:84% Adam and Anne certainly know how to get a hold of me. 00:50:52.340 --> 00:50:54.520 align:middle line:90% And I can submit it again. 00:50:54.520 --> 00:50:57.940 align:middle line:84% If you want me to offer anything more specific about CD1, 00:50:57.940 --> 00:50:59.950 align:middle line:84% I'm happy to attend that hearing, as well. 00:50:59.950 --> 00:51:02.690 align:middle line:90% 00:51:02.690 --> 00:51:03.380 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:51:03.380 --> 00:51:04.400 align:middle line:90% Thank you, thank you. 00:51:04.400 --> 00:51:06.210 align:middle line:90% Appreciate your testimony. 00:51:06.210 --> 00:51:09.020 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much. 00:51:09.020 --> 00:51:12.710 align:middle line:84% I see that Representative Mary Keefe is waiting to testify. 00:51:12.710 --> 00:51:15.410 align:middle line:84% Mary, would you like to be-- can we promote Mary Keefe? 00:51:15.410 --> 00:51:33.325 align:middle line:90% 00:51:33.325 --> 00:51:34.450 align:middle line:90% Mary, you've been promoted. 00:51:34.450 --> 00:51:35.825 align:middle line:84% You just need to unmute yourself. 00:51:35.825 --> 00:51:47.930 align:middle line:90% 00:51:47.930 --> 00:51:49.250 align:middle line:90% You're still on mute, Mary. 00:51:49.250 --> 00:52:01.720 align:middle line:90% 00:52:01.720 --> 00:52:04.978 align:middle line:84% Mary, I'm going to assume that Mary may be away from her desk. 00:52:04.978 --> 00:52:05.770 align:middle line:90% We've promoted her. 00:52:05.770 --> 00:52:07.690 align:middle line:84% But she may not really be online. 00:52:07.690 --> 00:52:09.940 align:middle line:90% So we'll move past Mary. 00:52:09.940 --> 00:52:11.470 align:middle line:90% We'll come back to you, Mary. 00:52:11.470 --> 00:52:13.690 align:middle line:84% If you're having trouble, we will come back to you. 00:52:13.690 --> 00:52:17.022 align:middle line:84% I will text her and let her know when she's ready to go. 00:52:17.022 --> 00:52:19.230 align:middle line:84% You can move to somebody else for the time being, OK? 00:52:19.230 --> 00:52:22.240 align:middle line:90% All right, thank you. 00:52:22.240 --> 00:52:24.700 align:middle line:90% So I see Isabel-- 00:52:24.700 --> 00:52:29.050 align:middle line:90% 00:52:29.050 --> 00:52:31.030 align:middle line:90% sorry. 00:52:31.030 --> 00:52:32.900 align:middle line:84% Don't have the whole name in front of me. 00:52:32.900 --> 00:52:37.970 align:middle line:84% Isabel Gonzรกlez-Webster is next in line. 00:52:37.970 --> 00:52:41.780 align:middle line:90% And Isabel is part of a group. 00:52:41.780 --> 00:52:44.930 align:middle line:84% And I will call the members one at a time in the order 00:52:44.930 --> 00:52:46.843 align:middle line:84% that they've identified themselves 00:52:46.843 --> 00:52:47.760 align:middle line:90% as part of that group. 00:52:47.760 --> 00:52:51.430 align:middle line:84% So Isabel Gonzรกlez-Webster is who we're looking for now. 00:52:51.430 --> 00:52:54.380 align:middle line:90% 00:52:54.380 --> 00:52:55.310 align:middle line:90% Yes, hi. 00:52:55.310 --> 00:52:56.590 align:middle line:90% Good evening. 00:52:56.590 --> 00:52:58.670 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:52:58.670 --> 00:53:03.548 align:middle line:84% So I want to apologize ahead of time. 00:53:03.548 --> 00:53:06.530 align:middle line:84% I'm driving back from the airport. 00:53:06.530 --> 00:53:09.570 align:middle line:84% And so I don't have the speech in front of me. 00:53:09.570 --> 00:53:13.490 align:middle line:84% But I'm so glad to be here in front of you all to testify. 00:53:13.490 --> 00:53:16.820 align:middle line:84% And thank you, Chairman Brownsberger, 00:53:16.820 --> 00:53:21.020 align:middle line:84% for allowing us all to give our input, Representative 00:53:21.020 --> 00:53:24.410 align:middle line:84% O'Day from Worcester, Representative Mary 00:53:24.410 --> 00:53:30.260 align:middle line:84% Keefe, and so many others, and Congressman McGovern obviously. 00:53:30.260 --> 00:53:34.880 align:middle line:84% So I testified earlier in one of the first hearings. 00:53:34.880 --> 00:53:38.780 align:middle line:84% And I'm going to probably share a lot of what 00:53:38.780 --> 00:53:42.320 align:middle line:90% I did the first time around. 00:53:42.320 --> 00:53:43.830 align:middle line:84% My name is Isabel Gonzรกlez-Webster. 00:53:43.830 --> 00:53:45.800 align:middle line:84% I'm the director of Worcester Interfaith. 00:53:45.800 --> 00:53:49.100 align:middle line:84% And we're part of the Drawing Democracy Fund, 00:53:49.100 --> 00:53:53.930 align:middle line:84% Democracy HUBS, and a lot of other state and local 00:53:53.930 --> 00:53:57.950 align:middle line:84% initiatives to make sure that we have representative democracy, 00:53:57.950 --> 00:54:00.050 align:middle line:90% not just in Worcester-- 00:54:00.050 --> 00:54:03.590 align:middle line:84% statewide and obviously nationally through our friends 00:54:03.590 --> 00:54:05.210 align:middle line:90% at Demos. 00:54:05.210 --> 00:54:11.780 align:middle line:84% And for us, what we've seen is challenges not just in terms 00:54:11.780 --> 00:54:18.710 align:middle line:84% of having folks of color want to run for elected office 00:54:18.710 --> 00:54:21.830 align:middle line:84% but also challenges within systems. 00:54:21.830 --> 00:54:25.970 align:middle line:84% And so Worcester Interfaith and the NAACP 00:54:25.970 --> 00:54:29.510 align:middle line:84% recently filed a lawsuit against the city of Worcester's school 00:54:29.510 --> 00:54:33.080 align:middle line:84% committee electoral system because it was an all, 00:54:33.080 --> 00:54:35.630 align:middle line:84% at-large system and, for the majority of its history, 00:54:35.630 --> 00:54:38.880 align:middle line:84% had all white school committee members, 00:54:38.880 --> 00:54:42.740 align:middle line:84% even though we have 70% kids of color in the public school 00:54:42.740 --> 00:54:43.620 align:middle line:90% system. 00:54:43.620 --> 00:54:48.770 align:middle line:84% And that has brought challenges around graduation rates, 00:54:48.770 --> 00:54:53.180 align:middle line:84% absenteeism, disparate disciplinary policies 00:54:53.180 --> 00:54:55.170 align:middle line:90% for kids of color. 00:54:55.170 --> 00:54:56.048 align:middle line:90% I won't say more. 00:54:56.048 --> 00:54:57.090 align:middle line:90% I'll just leave it there. 00:54:57.090 --> 00:54:59.300 align:middle line:84% I'm bringing it to the very micro level 00:54:59.300 --> 00:55:03.740 align:middle line:84% because we know folks start at the micro level and then 00:55:03.740 --> 00:55:10.025 align:middle line:84% move on to state representative, Congress, et cetera, et cetera. 00:55:10.025 --> 00:55:14.010 align:middle line:84% On our state delegation, we have seven delegation seats. 00:55:14.010 --> 00:55:17.990 align:middle line:84% And only three of those seven delegation seats 00:55:17.990 --> 00:55:19.730 align:middle line:90% solely represent Worcester. 00:55:19.730 --> 00:55:23.150 align:middle line:84% And we know that the city of Worcester in Central Mass 00:55:23.150 --> 00:55:24.320 align:middle line:90% is the most diverse. 00:55:24.320 --> 00:55:27.440 align:middle line:84% And so it's very problematic when you have-- 00:55:27.440 --> 00:55:30.320 align:middle line:84% and we have great partnerships with all our seven 00:55:30.320 --> 00:55:31.160 align:middle line:90% representatives. 00:55:31.160 --> 00:55:32.780 align:middle line:84% But it's really hard when you only 00:55:32.780 --> 00:55:35.390 align:middle line:84% have three that solely represent Worcester. 00:55:35.390 --> 00:55:39.230 align:middle line:84% And the rest of the seven delegation members 00:55:39.230 --> 00:55:42.650 align:middle line:84% have to split their attention from advocating for Worcester 00:55:42.650 --> 00:55:46.220 align:middle line:84% and then advocating for the surrounding towns that 00:55:46.220 --> 00:55:49.190 align:middle line:84% are mostly white, very conservative, and much more 00:55:49.190 --> 00:55:51.470 align:middle line:84% wealthy than the city of Worcester. 00:55:51.470 --> 00:55:54.560 align:middle line:84% And so for us, it's really important 00:55:54.560 --> 00:55:58.490 align:middle line:84% to make sure that we're really looking at redistricting, 00:55:58.490 --> 00:56:07.010 align:middle line:84% making sure that we're keeping communities together when we're 00:56:07.010 --> 00:56:10.760 align:middle line:84% redrawing lines, whether it's statewide, federally, 00:56:10.760 --> 00:56:13.790 align:middle line:84% or locally, that we can be communities of interest 00:56:13.790 --> 00:56:18.530 align:middle line:84% together, that we're making sure that cities like Worcester 00:56:18.530 --> 00:56:20.750 align:middle line:84% don't get left out because we're surrounded 00:56:20.750 --> 00:56:25.550 align:middle line:84% by all these conservative, all-white, suburban towns that 00:56:25.550 --> 00:56:26.760 align:middle line:90% have a lot more interest. 00:56:26.760 --> 00:56:33.470 align:middle line:84% And so our votes of color get diluted by the white majority 00:56:33.470 --> 00:56:35.280 align:middle line:90% vote around us. 00:56:35.280 --> 00:56:38.660 align:middle line:84% And so we want to ensure that the commitment to making sure 00:56:38.660 --> 00:56:42.980 align:middle line:84% that we draw more majority-minority seats 00:56:42.980 --> 00:56:47.060 align:middle line:84% is really important to us, that you ensure access 00:56:47.060 --> 00:56:47.840 align:middle line:90% to these meetings. 00:56:47.840 --> 00:56:49.700 align:middle line:90% And thank you so much. 00:56:49.700 --> 00:56:52.190 align:middle line:84% Someone mentioned earlier about not having 00:56:52.190 --> 00:56:53.600 align:middle line:90% to drive into this meeting. 00:56:53.600 --> 00:56:58.610 align:middle line:84% I would also encourage having interpretation and sign 00:56:58.610 --> 00:57:02.630 align:middle line:84% language for future meetings so that other people can 00:57:02.630 --> 00:57:04.820 align:middle line:84% be part of this conversation that 00:57:04.820 --> 00:57:08.930 align:middle line:84% speak other languages other than English. 00:57:08.930 --> 00:57:11.870 align:middle line:84% I would also encourage you to work with community partners 00:57:11.870 --> 00:57:14.210 align:middle line:84% when you're looking at drawing lines, 00:57:14.210 --> 00:57:16.460 align:middle line:84% looking at drawing communities of interest. 00:57:16.460 --> 00:57:18.470 align:middle line:84% I know in Drawing Democracy, the partners 00:57:18.470 --> 00:57:20.240 align:middle line:84% that are part of Drawing Democracy 00:57:20.240 --> 00:57:22.790 align:middle line:84% are looking at drawing a unity map. 00:57:22.790 --> 00:57:25.400 align:middle line:84% And we really want to make sure that when 00:57:25.400 --> 00:57:27.770 align:middle line:84% we're looking at representative democracy 00:57:27.770 --> 00:57:31.070 align:middle line:84% and having more people of color being representative 00:57:31.070 --> 00:57:34.040 align:middle line:84% in the state legislature and in Congress, 00:57:34.040 --> 00:57:36.950 align:middle line:84% it's not because we just want more people of color 00:57:36.950 --> 00:57:38.030 align:middle line:90% to have power. 00:57:38.030 --> 00:57:41.360 align:middle line:84% But having true representative democracy 00:57:41.360 --> 00:57:43.220 align:middle line:84% is not just good for people of color. 00:57:43.220 --> 00:57:46.520 align:middle line:84% But it's good for democracy in general. 00:57:46.520 --> 00:57:48.110 align:middle line:90% So I'll yield my time. 00:57:48.110 --> 00:57:51.560 align:middle line:84% Thank you so much for allowing me to speak. 00:57:51.560 --> 00:57:53.420 align:middle line:90% Appreciate your testimony. 00:57:53.420 --> 00:57:55.820 align:middle line:84% And I'm going to recognize Chairman 00:57:55.820 --> 00:57:58.000 align:middle line:90% Moran for his statement. 00:57:58.000 --> 00:57:58.870 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Senator. 00:57:58.870 --> 00:58:01.600 align:middle line:84% And thank you, Isabella, for your testimony. 00:58:01.600 --> 00:58:05.860 align:middle line:84% I just want to just point out a few things if I could. 00:58:05.860 --> 00:58:08.770 align:middle line:84% This is the second time at a redistricting hearing-- 00:58:08.770 --> 00:58:11.950 align:middle line:84% issues around Worcester and the municipal maps 00:58:11.950 --> 00:58:13.690 align:middle line:84% that they drew during redistricting 00:58:13.690 --> 00:58:15.880 align:middle line:90% have surfaced at our hearings. 00:58:15.880 --> 00:58:17.380 align:middle line:84% And I just want to remind people-- 00:58:17.380 --> 00:58:19.360 align:middle line:84% Isabella, as well; I'm sure she probably 00:58:19.360 --> 00:58:21.430 align:middle line:84% knows, but other people who are watching-- 00:58:21.430 --> 00:58:24.220 align:middle line:84% that municipal-level redistricting maps have nothing 00:58:24.220 --> 00:58:26.140 align:middle line:90% to do with our process. 00:58:26.140 --> 00:58:30.190 align:middle line:84% Our process has to do with the state representative maps 00:58:30.190 --> 00:58:32.470 align:middle line:84% and state Senate maps, the governor's council maps, 00:58:32.470 --> 00:58:33.610 align:middle line:90% and the congressional maps. 00:58:33.610 --> 00:58:35.920 align:middle line:84% And if I could draw you back to 10 years ago 00:58:35.920 --> 00:58:38.920 align:middle line:84% when I was fortunate enough to chair this committee then, 00:58:38.920 --> 00:58:43.780 align:middle line:84% we drew 20 minority-majority districts, 00:58:43.780 --> 00:58:45.940 align:middle line:84% which doubled the amount we had before. 00:58:45.940 --> 00:58:51.070 align:middle line:84% And in the city of Worcester, which is about 185,000 people, 00:58:51.070 --> 00:58:53.950 align:middle line:84% the only district that we could draw 00:58:53.950 --> 00:58:55.900 align:middle line:84% that was a majority-minority district 00:58:55.900 --> 00:58:57.700 align:middle line:84% was the one represented by Mary Keefe 00:58:57.700 --> 00:59:01.540 align:middle line:84% currently, then represented by Vinny Pedone. 00:59:01.540 --> 00:59:03.730 align:middle line:84% It was the utmost important for us, 00:59:03.730 --> 00:59:06.730 align:middle line:84% as it is this time around, to make sure 00:59:06.730 --> 00:59:08.890 align:middle line:84% that where we have the opportunity 00:59:08.890 --> 00:59:14.170 align:middle line:84% to draw districts that have majority-minority in them, 00:59:14.170 --> 00:59:14.990 align:middle line:90% we do. 00:59:14.990 --> 00:59:18.010 align:middle line:90% That commitment hasn't changed. 00:59:18.010 --> 00:59:20.860 align:middle line:84% But I think it's important to recognize the fact that we 00:59:20.860 --> 00:59:23.170 align:middle line:90% did that 10 years ago. 00:59:23.170 --> 00:59:25.600 align:middle line:90% And we did it all over the map. 00:59:25.600 --> 00:59:29.650 align:middle line:84% And because of what we did, we have seen many people of color 00:59:29.650 --> 00:59:32.470 align:middle line:84% be elected to the House and to the Senate. 00:59:32.470 --> 00:59:35.380 align:middle line:84% So while I appreciate what's going on 00:59:35.380 --> 00:59:38.680 align:middle line:84% at the municipal level, whether it be at the municipal level, 00:59:38.680 --> 00:59:41.410 align:middle line:84% whether it be in Lowell or in Worcester, 00:59:41.410 --> 00:59:46.270 align:middle line:84% that is a municipal-level problem, municipal-level issue. 00:59:46.270 --> 00:59:49.060 align:middle line:84% At the state level, we had no problem 10 years ago. 00:59:49.060 --> 00:59:52.510 align:middle line:84% And it's our intent to take that same attitude and openness 00:59:52.510 --> 00:59:55.600 align:middle line:84% and transparency in this process to make sure that we 00:59:55.600 --> 00:59:57.820 align:middle line:90% do the same this time around. 00:59:57.820 --> 01:00:01.180 align:middle line:84% So I just wanted to say a few words regarding what Isabel 01:00:01.180 --> 01:00:03.820 align:middle line:84% was saying and give her assurance 01:00:03.820 --> 01:00:06.940 align:middle line:84% that we are going to do exactly the same as we 01:00:06.940 --> 01:00:08.050 align:middle line:90% did 10 years ago. 01:00:08.050 --> 01:00:11.470 align:middle line:84% And hopefully we get the same results. 01:00:11.470 --> 01:00:12.470 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 01:00:12.470 --> 01:00:14.780 align:middle line:84% Were there any other comments or questions 01:00:14.780 --> 01:00:16.165 align:middle line:90% from members of the committee? 01:00:16.165 --> 01:00:19.420 align:middle line:90% 01:00:19.420 --> 01:00:23.050 align:middle line:84% I do want to also speak to the point of languages. 01:00:23.050 --> 01:00:26.950 align:middle line:84% We are working on plans to conduct 01:00:26.950 --> 01:00:30.820 align:middle line:84% some of our later hearings in dedicated languages 01:00:30.820 --> 01:00:34.120 align:middle line:84% so that people speaking different languages 01:00:34.120 --> 01:00:36.580 align:middle line:84% will have the opportunity to address the committee, 01:00:36.580 --> 01:00:39.510 align:middle line:90% for sure. 01:00:39.510 --> 01:00:43.320 align:middle line:90% OK, thank you very much. 01:00:43.320 --> 01:00:46.310 align:middle line:84% I know that there is sort of a sequence 01:00:46.310 --> 01:00:49.520 align:middle line:84% here that people had mapped out for testifying together. 01:00:49.520 --> 01:00:51.510 align:middle line:84% And they're close in line in the sign-up list. 01:00:51.510 --> 01:00:53.510 align:middle line:84% So I'm just going to recognize them in the order 01:00:53.510 --> 01:00:55.600 align:middle line:90% that they appear in the panel. 01:00:55.600 --> 01:00:57.290 align:middle line:90% Jordan Berg Powers, please. 01:00:57.290 --> 01:01:11.220 align:middle line:90% 01:01:11.220 --> 01:01:14.390 align:middle line:90% Welcome, Jordan. 01:01:14.390 --> 01:01:15.440 align:middle line:90% You ready for me? 01:01:15.440 --> 01:01:15.978 align:middle line:90% Yes, sir. 01:01:15.978 --> 01:01:16.478 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:01:16.478 --> 01:01:19.790 align:middle line:84% [LAUGHS] So dear Chairperson Moran 01:01:19.790 --> 01:01:23.150 align:middle line:84% and Chairperson Brownsberger, my name is Jordan Berg Powers. 01:01:23.150 --> 01:01:24.500 align:middle line:90% I use he/him. 01:01:24.500 --> 01:01:25.940 align:middle line:90% I'm a Worcester resident. 01:01:25.940 --> 01:01:28.380 align:middle line:84% In my day job, I'm executive director of Mass Alliance. 01:01:28.380 --> 01:01:31.760 align:middle line:84% Mass Alliance is a part of the Drawing Democracy Coalition. 01:01:31.760 --> 01:01:35.090 align:middle line:84% But today I come to you as a resident of CD2 01:01:35.090 --> 01:01:37.980 align:middle line:84% and not as an executive director of Mass Alliance. 01:01:37.980 --> 01:01:38.480 align:middle line:90% OK. 01:01:38.480 --> 01:01:41.780 align:middle line:84% As you both know, and indeed as the members of the committee 01:01:41.780 --> 01:01:44.157 align:middle line:84% know, I don't normally have positive words 01:01:44.157 --> 01:01:44.990 align:middle line:90% for the state House. 01:01:44.990 --> 01:01:47.640 align:middle line:84% [LAUGHS] In fact, this might be one of the few times 01:01:47.640 --> 01:01:50.810 align:middle line:84% you will hear me say, publicly, job well done 01:01:50.810 --> 01:01:52.730 align:middle line:90% to anyone at the state House. 01:01:52.730 --> 01:01:54.020 align:middle line:90% But 10 years ago-- 01:01:54.020 --> 01:01:56.360 align:middle line:84% I cannot believe it's been that long-- 01:01:56.360 --> 01:01:59.330 align:middle line:84% Chairperson Moran, you did a great job creating ultimately 01:01:59.330 --> 01:02:03.410 align:middle line:84% two majority-minority districts, districts of opportunity 01:02:03.410 --> 01:02:05.330 align:middle line:84% and opportunities for people of color 01:02:05.330 --> 01:02:08.480 align:middle line:84% to have influence across all seven state-level districts 01:02:08.480 --> 01:02:10.040 align:middle line:90% in the city of Worcester. 01:02:10.040 --> 01:02:11.840 align:middle line:90% That is not an easy balance. 01:02:11.840 --> 01:02:16.640 align:middle line:84% And chairperson Moran, I think you got that balance right. 01:02:16.640 --> 01:02:19.550 align:middle line:84% Chairperson, you ultimately created-- 01:02:19.550 --> 01:02:23.120 align:middle line:84% it was originally one majority-minority district-- 01:02:23.120 --> 01:02:25.400 align:middle line:84% through time and people moving in 01:02:25.400 --> 01:02:28.460 align:middle line:84% and changes in demographics, which of course necessitate 01:02:28.460 --> 01:02:32.540 align:middle line:84% changing lines today, two now majority-minority districts 01:02:32.540 --> 01:02:34.020 align:middle line:84% if the lines were to stay the same. 01:02:34.020 --> 01:02:35.437 align:middle line:84% It looks like-- we don't obviously 01:02:35.437 --> 01:02:37.040 align:middle line:84% have the final data from the census. 01:02:37.040 --> 01:02:38.570 align:middle line:84% But from initial reports, it looks 01:02:38.570 --> 01:02:41.112 align:middle line:84% like we would have ultimately two majority-minority districts 01:02:41.112 --> 01:02:44.870 align:middle line:84% in the city of Worcester and provide opportunity for people 01:02:44.870 --> 01:02:47.930 align:middle line:84% of color to have an important say across all 01:02:47.930 --> 01:02:49.130 align:middle line:90% the representation. 01:02:49.130 --> 01:02:51.440 align:middle line:84% To me, that was the right balance. 01:02:51.440 --> 01:02:54.410 align:middle line:84% Additionally, rather than packing us 01:02:54.410 --> 01:02:57.380 align:middle line:84% into one state Senate district, people of color 01:02:57.380 --> 01:02:59.210 align:middle line:84% rightly have influence and, I would 01:02:59.210 --> 01:03:03.290 align:middle line:84% argue, significant influence of the two state Senate districts, 01:03:03.290 --> 01:03:05.120 align:middle line:90% with Worcester as their heart. 01:03:05.120 --> 01:03:07.880 align:middle line:84% That was also, I believe, the right balance. 01:03:07.880 --> 01:03:10.700 align:middle line:84% I've heard talk that there is an interest of packing people 01:03:10.700 --> 01:03:14.120 align:middle line:84% of color into one state Senate district and/or one state 01:03:14.120 --> 01:03:17.300 align:middle line:84% representative district to better ensure a person of color 01:03:17.300 --> 01:03:19.100 align:middle line:90% will be elected from Worcester. 01:03:19.100 --> 01:03:21.710 align:middle line:84% Not only would that be illegal and possibly trigger 01:03:21.710 --> 01:03:24.470 align:middle line:84% needless lawsuit, it is also morally wrong. 01:03:24.470 --> 01:03:26.690 align:middle line:84% Yes, we have failed as a community 01:03:26.690 --> 01:03:29.930 align:middle line:84% to capitalize on the two state representative 01:03:29.930 --> 01:03:32.600 align:middle line:84% majority-minority districts if your goal is simply 01:03:32.600 --> 01:03:34.345 align:middle line:90% to elect people of color. 01:03:34.345 --> 01:03:35.720 align:middle line:84% But when given the choice, voters 01:03:35.720 --> 01:03:39.230 align:middle line:84% of color in both instances voted for white candidates. 01:03:39.230 --> 01:03:42.440 align:middle line:84% We cannot and should not pack people of color into a district 01:03:42.440 --> 01:03:45.200 align:middle line:84% because we do not like the choices of voters of color 01:03:45.200 --> 01:03:47.653 align:middle line:90% to vote for white candidates. 01:03:47.653 --> 01:03:49.070 align:middle line:84% I live in one of the poorest parts 01:03:49.070 --> 01:03:51.020 align:middle line:84% of the state, the fourth poorest according 01:03:51.020 --> 01:03:53.120 align:middle line:90% to one study I found online. 01:03:53.120 --> 01:03:55.610 align:middle line:84% I like that my ward, ward 10, has 01:03:55.610 --> 01:03:58.580 align:middle line:84% such an outsized role to play in the state's delegation 01:03:58.580 --> 01:03:59.930 align:middle line:90% we send to Boston. 01:03:59.930 --> 01:04:02.390 align:middle line:84% That should continue, not shrink. 01:04:02.390 --> 01:04:04.778 align:middle line:84% Worcester has many problems-- a racist system 01:04:04.778 --> 01:04:07.070 align:middle line:84% for electing our school committee, which you mentioned, 01:04:07.070 --> 01:04:09.260 align:middle line:84% and an at-large weak mayor system and government. 01:04:09.260 --> 01:04:12.140 align:middle line:84% But our forms of government, our racist school committee system 01:04:12.140 --> 01:04:13.970 align:middle line:84% is not the concern of this committee, 01:04:13.970 --> 01:04:16.490 align:middle line:84% nor can it be rectified through a state-level redistricting 01:04:16.490 --> 01:04:17.360 align:middle line:90% process. 01:04:17.360 --> 01:04:19.100 align:middle line:84% I think you should lean on your instincts 01:04:19.100 --> 01:04:21.650 align:middle line:84% and create similar districts to the ones you 01:04:21.650 --> 01:04:23.540 align:middle line:90% created 10 years ago. 01:04:23.540 --> 01:04:25.400 align:middle line:84% Finally, I think our congressional district 01:04:25.400 --> 01:04:28.070 align:middle line:84% shifting away from New Bedford and Norfolk County, Bristol 01:04:28.070 --> 01:04:30.980 align:middle line:84% County, and toward Berkshire County and Northampton-- 01:04:30.980 --> 01:04:34.430 align:middle line:84% and toward Berkshire County and Franklin County 01:04:34.430 --> 01:04:36.883 align:middle line:84% and Northampton was the right decision. 01:04:36.883 --> 01:04:39.050 align:middle line:84% I know that there are some pressure from other state 01:04:39.050 --> 01:04:40.967 align:middle line:84% senators who want to run for Congress to shift 01:04:40.967 --> 01:04:43.700 align:middle line:84% our congressional seat back East. 01:04:43.700 --> 01:04:46.490 align:middle line:84% But the concerns of the coast are not as similar 01:04:46.490 --> 01:04:48.560 align:middle line:84% as the concerns of Central Worcester County 01:04:48.560 --> 01:04:52.070 align:middle line:84% and into the rural parts of the state. 01:04:52.070 --> 01:04:53.870 align:middle line:84% We have more in common with Northampton 01:04:53.870 --> 01:04:56.600 align:middle line:84% than eastern communities like Dover and Weymouth. 01:04:56.600 --> 01:05:00.320 align:middle line:84% We have more in common with Leominster than we do Rehoboth. 01:05:00.320 --> 01:05:02.618 align:middle line:84% And if you drive out West, like I have many times, 01:05:02.618 --> 01:05:04.160 align:middle line:84% you know that Princeton and Petersham 01:05:04.160 --> 01:05:08.430 align:middle line:84% are similar communities with similar concerns. 01:05:08.430 --> 01:05:10.010 align:middle line:84% The redistricting from 10 years ago 01:05:10.010 --> 01:05:12.380 align:middle line:84% got our congressional district right. 01:05:12.380 --> 01:05:16.250 align:middle line:84% And since we are without a need to lose a seat, 01:05:16.250 --> 01:05:19.150 align:middle line:84% I encourage the committee to keep it roughly the same. 01:05:19.150 --> 01:05:20.150 align:middle line:90% Thank you for your time. 01:05:20.150 --> 01:05:24.380 align:middle line:90% 01:05:24.380 --> 01:05:27.325 align:middle line:84% Are there questions or comments from members of the committee? 01:05:27.325 --> 01:05:32.310 align:middle line:90% 01:05:32.310 --> 01:05:35.160 align:middle line:84% So I have a question, actually, if I may. 01:05:35.160 --> 01:05:38.080 align:middle line:84% I'm interested in your testimony. 01:05:38.080 --> 01:05:40.260 align:middle line:84% And I thought it sounded a little different 01:05:40.260 --> 01:05:42.097 align:middle line:84% from what I just heard the last witness say. 01:05:42.097 --> 01:05:43.680 align:middle line:84% I thought I heard the last witness say 01:05:43.680 --> 01:05:50.480 align:middle line:84% that because Worcester was diluted by-- 01:05:50.480 --> 01:05:53.670 align:middle line:84% I'm talking about the Senate districts now-- 01:05:53.670 --> 01:05:57.870 align:middle line:84% was diluted by grouping it with the surrounding 01:05:57.870 --> 01:06:01.320 align:middle line:84% suburban communities, the urban voices forget about color-- 01:06:01.320 --> 01:06:05.910 align:middle line:84% the urban, lower income, rental population 01:06:05.910 --> 01:06:09.750 align:middle line:84% that Worcester was diluted and didn't get the full attention. 01:06:09.750 --> 01:06:11.970 align:middle line:84% That's what I thought I heard her saying. 01:06:11.970 --> 01:06:15.510 align:middle line:84% And so that would be an argument for having a district that 01:06:15.510 --> 01:06:17.340 align:middle line:90% contained more of the-- 01:06:17.340 --> 01:06:21.270 align:middle line:84% Worcester is big enough that it has to be split no matter what. 01:06:21.270 --> 01:06:23.250 align:middle line:84% It's over the size of a Senate district. 01:06:23.250 --> 01:06:26.610 align:middle line:84% But she seemed to be making an argument for a district that 01:06:26.610 --> 01:06:29.880 align:middle line:84% was dominated by Worcester as opposed 01:06:29.880 --> 01:06:32.700 align:middle line:84% to split between Worcester and suburban communities. 01:06:32.700 --> 01:06:36.103 align:middle line:84% You can have two districts that are split between Worcester 01:06:36.103 --> 01:06:37.020 align:middle line:90% and urban communities. 01:06:37.020 --> 01:06:38.490 align:middle line:84% Or you can split Worcester in half. 01:06:38.490 --> 01:06:41.340 align:middle line:84% Or you can have a district that's, whatever, 80% or 90% 01:06:41.340 --> 01:06:44.580 align:middle line:84% of Worcester, or entirely in Worcester for that matter, 01:06:44.580 --> 01:06:47.810 align:middle line:84% but would be not quite all the community. 01:06:47.810 --> 01:06:49.950 align:middle line:84% I heard you saying that you felt that would 01:06:49.950 --> 01:06:52.020 align:middle line:84% diminish the representation of Worcester. 01:06:52.020 --> 01:06:53.600 align:middle line:90% Help me out. 01:06:53.600 --> 01:06:55.490 align:middle line:84% Yeah, I think that people of conscience 01:06:55.490 --> 01:06:56.960 align:middle line:84% can come to different conclusions 01:06:56.960 --> 01:07:00.270 align:middle line:84% with the same information and data. 01:07:00.270 --> 01:07:02.750 align:middle line:84% And I would say that my personal preference on this 01:07:02.750 --> 01:07:05.690 align:middle line:84% is for Worcester to have an outsized role in two 01:07:05.690 --> 01:07:08.882 align:middle line:84% districts as opposed to having one district where 01:07:08.882 --> 01:07:11.090 align:middle line:84% we have an outsized role and another where we're just 01:07:11.090 --> 01:07:14.090 align:middle line:90% sort of left-overs in it. 01:07:14.090 --> 01:07:15.740 align:middle line:84% That would be my personal preference. 01:07:15.740 --> 01:07:18.230 align:middle line:84% I think that no matter what, because the urban core 01:07:18.230 --> 01:07:20.000 align:middle line:84% of Worcester has increased, it's going 01:07:20.000 --> 01:07:22.880 align:middle line:84% to be impossible to keep the lines the exact same place. 01:07:22.880 --> 01:07:26.030 align:middle line:84% And so I think, where possible, where you can keep us together, 01:07:26.030 --> 01:07:27.487 align:middle line:90% I think that's beneficial. 01:07:27.487 --> 01:07:29.820 align:middle line:84% But if you're talking about the whole city of Worcester, 01:07:29.820 --> 01:07:34.040 align:middle line:84% I think it helps that Worcester is the heart of both 01:07:34.040 --> 01:07:35.840 align:middle line:84% of those communities and then, therefore, 01:07:35.840 --> 01:07:38.870 align:middle line:84% has an outsized role, as opposed to if we had one Senator where 01:07:38.870 --> 01:07:39.980 align:middle line:90% we had an outsized role. 01:07:39.980 --> 01:07:41.900 align:middle line:84% I think you can accomplish both things. 01:07:41.900 --> 01:07:44.030 align:middle line:84% I think, because of the population growth, 01:07:44.030 --> 01:07:46.040 align:middle line:90% it's possible to do both things. 01:07:46.040 --> 01:07:48.265 align:middle line:84% I think what we're talking about is degrees 01:07:48.265 --> 01:07:49.890 align:middle line:84% that we're leaning on one or the other. 01:07:49.890 --> 01:07:52.160 align:middle line:84% And we might disagree a little bit 01:07:52.160 --> 01:07:55.620 align:middle line:84% on how far we lean one way or another. 01:07:55.620 --> 01:07:57.720 align:middle line:90% OK, that's helpful. 01:07:57.720 --> 01:08:00.790 align:middle line:84% I'd like to pursue that with you as the process goes forward. 01:08:00.790 --> 01:08:02.460 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:08:02.460 --> 01:08:06.167 align:middle line:84% Other questions, comments from members of the committee? 01:08:06.167 --> 01:08:09.440 align:middle line:90% 01:08:09.440 --> 01:08:12.837 align:middle line:90% All right, thank you very much. 01:08:12.837 --> 01:08:15.170 align:middle line:84% I know there's a couple of other members of this, quote, 01:08:15.170 --> 01:08:15.878 align:middle line:90% unquote, "panel." 01:08:15.878 --> 01:08:20.029 align:middle line:84% But let's jump to Representative Mary Keefe, 01:08:20.029 --> 01:08:22.854 align:middle line:84% also from Worcester-- an appropriate part 01:08:22.854 --> 01:08:23.729 align:middle line:90% of this conversation. 01:08:23.729 --> 01:08:26.729 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Mary, for being with us. 01:08:26.729 --> 01:08:27.229 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:08:27.229 --> 01:08:29.540 align:middle line:84% Thank you for all the members of the committee 01:08:29.540 --> 01:08:32.090 align:middle line:84% and for all your hard work in thinking about this. 01:08:32.090 --> 01:08:35.470 align:middle line:90% 01:08:35.470 --> 01:08:43.500 align:middle line:84% I grew up outside of Worcester in a town 01:08:43.500 --> 01:08:45.680 align:middle line:90% about 15 minutes away. 01:08:45.680 --> 01:08:51.260 align:middle line:84% And honestly, Worcester was our city. 01:08:51.260 --> 01:08:53.990 align:middle line:84% So I'd like to think about this redistricting 01:08:53.990 --> 01:08:57.950 align:middle line:84% as Jordan was talking about it, as the city of Worcester 01:08:57.950 --> 01:09:02.000 align:middle line:90% being pertinent to its suburbs. 01:09:02.000 --> 01:09:03.830 align:middle line:84% We wouldn't even call them suburbs. 01:09:03.830 --> 01:09:05.240 align:middle line:90% We'd call them towns. 01:09:05.240 --> 01:09:08.870 align:middle line:84% But then suburbia became a real movement. 01:09:08.870 --> 01:09:11.870 align:middle line:84% And then there was sort of a disassociation. 01:09:11.870 --> 01:09:17.229 align:middle line:90% The cities became a negative. 01:09:17.229 --> 01:09:19.510 align:middle line:84% And now we're seeing cities emerge again. 01:09:19.510 --> 01:09:24.370 align:middle line:84% And I'd really like to see us strengthen that association, 01:09:24.370 --> 01:09:30.189 align:middle line:84% to see our towns recognizing, oh, we go to the city for this. 01:09:30.189 --> 01:09:33.279 align:middle line:84% We don't have to create it for ourselves. 01:09:33.279 --> 01:09:35.410 align:middle line:90% And that helps with sprawl. 01:09:35.410 --> 01:09:37.240 align:middle line:90% And it helps with so much. 01:09:37.240 --> 01:09:40.450 align:middle line:84% And it helps with our politics as well because we're 01:09:40.450 --> 01:09:42.430 align:middle line:90% in it together, you know? 01:09:42.430 --> 01:09:43.135 align:middle line:90% It's our city. 01:09:43.135 --> 01:09:45.920 align:middle line:90% 01:09:45.920 --> 01:09:47.380 align:middle line:90% And these are our towns. 01:09:47.380 --> 01:09:51.439 align:middle line:84% So it's kind of a regional mentality in some ways. 01:09:51.439 --> 01:09:54.710 align:middle line:84% But I'd like to see us recognize that and get back 01:09:54.710 --> 01:09:56.070 align:middle line:90% to that to some degree. 01:09:56.070 --> 01:09:57.800 align:middle line:90% I think it's really healthy. 01:09:57.800 --> 01:10:04.620 align:middle line:84% And I think it would be good, especially for Central Mass. 01:10:04.620 --> 01:10:06.470 align:middle line:90% And I agree with Jordan. 01:10:06.470 --> 01:10:09.240 align:middle line:90% 01:10:09.240 --> 01:10:12.180 align:middle line:84% We love Fall River and New Bedford. 01:10:12.180 --> 01:10:15.300 align:middle line:84% But they're very different from where we are. 01:10:15.300 --> 01:10:21.360 align:middle line:84% And we identify more with Western Mass and our colleagues 01:10:21.360 --> 01:10:23.820 align:middle line:90% out there. 01:10:23.820 --> 01:10:30.550 align:middle line:84% We share so much with them around issues, agriculture 01:10:30.550 --> 01:10:31.710 align:middle line:90% especially. 01:10:31.710 --> 01:10:37.260 align:middle line:84% And just feeling remote from Boston in general 01:10:37.260 --> 01:10:44.660 align:middle line:84% is an important sentiment that I think we share, that I 01:10:44.660 --> 01:10:47.000 align:middle line:90% think we'd like to think about. 01:10:47.000 --> 01:10:50.100 align:middle line:84% We have some natural divides, like 128, 01:10:50.100 --> 01:10:53.570 align:middle line:90% 495, all those things. 01:10:53.570 --> 01:10:55.710 align:middle line:84% But I'm glad to see everyone here. 01:10:55.710 --> 01:10:59.390 align:middle line:84% And I just wanted to share that, that I 01:10:59.390 --> 01:11:02.060 align:middle line:84% think we're moving in a different direction in terms 01:11:02.060 --> 01:11:04.100 align:middle line:84% of how we think about our cities. 01:11:04.100 --> 01:11:07.270 align:middle line:84% And that's something to consider politically, as well. 01:11:07.270 --> 01:11:11.890 align:middle line:90% 01:11:11.890 --> 01:11:12.610 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:11:12.610 --> 01:11:15.190 align:middle line:90% 01:11:15.190 --> 01:11:17.970 align:middle line:84% Would you want to elaborate that last statement a little bit? 01:11:17.970 --> 01:11:25.170 align:middle line:90% 01:11:25.170 --> 01:11:27.180 align:middle line:84% I just think of our cities as being 01:11:27.180 --> 01:11:30.750 align:middle line:84% kind of nodes and some of the natural boundaries 01:11:30.750 --> 01:11:32.910 align:middle line:84% that we want to consider when we're 01:11:32.910 --> 01:11:34.890 align:middle line:90% talking about districting. 01:11:34.890 --> 01:11:42.700 align:middle line:84% And so I guess that's all I want to say, 01:11:42.700 --> 01:11:46.750 align:middle line:84% is to look at geography, as well, as something 01:11:46.750 --> 01:11:48.340 align:middle line:90% we need to consider. 01:11:48.340 --> 01:11:49.287 align:middle line:90% And possibly-- 01:11:49.287 --> 01:11:51.870 align:middle line:84% Look at municipal boundaries as something we need to consider, 01:11:51.870 --> 01:11:53.010 align:middle line:90% is that what you mean? 01:11:53.010 --> 01:11:55.590 align:middle line:90% Yeah. 01:11:55.590 --> 01:11:56.940 align:middle line:90% OK. 01:11:56.940 --> 01:11:57.817 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:11:57.817 --> 01:11:58.650 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much. 01:11:58.650 --> 01:11:59.700 align:middle line:90% Other members? 01:11:59.700 --> 01:12:01.847 align:middle line:90% Questions from the committee? 01:12:01.847 --> 01:12:05.810 align:middle line:90% 01:12:05.810 --> 01:12:06.310 align:middle line:90% All right. 01:12:06.310 --> 01:12:08.937 align:middle line:90% 01:12:08.937 --> 01:12:10.020 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much, Mary. 01:12:10.020 --> 01:12:13.560 align:middle line:90% 01:12:13.560 --> 01:12:20.470 align:middle line:84% I'm going to recognize now Nelly Medina. 01:12:20.470 --> 01:12:21.820 align:middle line:90% Is Nelly online? 01:12:21.820 --> 01:12:29.630 align:middle line:90% 01:12:29.630 --> 01:12:34.590 align:middle line:84% Hello, Congressman [INAUDIBLE],, Brownsberger, Congressman 01:12:34.590 --> 01:12:36.360 align:middle line:90% McGovern, and Mary Keefe. 01:12:36.360 --> 01:12:38.520 align:middle line:90% My name is Nelly Medina. 01:12:38.520 --> 01:12:41.480 align:middle line:90% Can you hear me? 01:12:41.480 --> 01:12:42.130 align:middle line:90% Hello? 01:12:42.130 --> 01:12:43.700 align:middle line:90% Yes, yes, you're online. 01:12:43.700 --> 01:12:44.200 align:middle line:90% You're good. 01:12:44.200 --> 01:12:44.867 align:middle line:90% We can hear you. 01:12:44.867 --> 01:12:45.370 align:middle line:90% OK. 01:12:45.370 --> 01:12:48.010 align:middle line:84% So as a community organizer and leader 01:12:48.010 --> 01:12:51.033 align:middle line:84% of the 17th congressional district, 01:12:51.033 --> 01:12:52.450 align:middle line:84% we want to ensure that communities 01:12:52.450 --> 01:12:54.100 align:middle line:84% have a fair shot at electing candidates 01:12:54.100 --> 01:12:56.380 align:middle line:84% who represent our unique needs and the capacity 01:12:56.380 --> 01:12:58.480 align:middle line:90% to answer their concerns. 01:12:58.480 --> 01:13:00.430 align:middle line:84% I live in the 17th congressional district, 01:13:00.430 --> 01:13:02.620 align:middle line:84% where two district communities are now 01:13:02.620 --> 01:13:04.742 align:middle line:90% spilling into each other. 01:13:04.742 --> 01:13:06.700 align:middle line:84% At Lakeside in Columbus Park, the neighborhoods 01:13:06.700 --> 01:13:08.590 align:middle line:84% began this gentrification process. 01:13:08.590 --> 01:13:10.270 align:middle line:90% And it's most notable here. 01:13:10.270 --> 01:13:11.800 align:middle line:84% The Columbus East-West Trail is now 01:13:11.800 --> 01:13:14.320 align:middle line:84% in the backyard of public housing yard. 01:13:14.320 --> 01:13:17.050 align:middle line:84% The diversity here is evident, as parks and playgrounds are 01:13:17.050 --> 01:13:20.108 align:middle line:84% locked and then BIPOC residents are 01:13:20.108 --> 01:13:21.400 align:middle line:90% on the wrong side of the fence. 01:13:21.400 --> 01:13:23.190 align:middle line:84% The community is two neighborhoods. 01:13:23.190 --> 01:13:24.807 align:middle line:90% There's nothing in common. 01:13:24.807 --> 01:13:26.890 align:middle line:84% The district stretches into the town of Leicester, 01:13:26.890 --> 01:13:29.050 align:middle line:84% where residents share less of a social identity 01:13:29.050 --> 01:13:30.700 align:middle line:90% than a decade ago. 01:13:30.700 --> 01:13:33.040 align:middle line:84% I think the Congressman is doing a really good job-- 01:13:33.040 --> 01:13:33.670 align:middle line:90% McGovern. 01:13:33.670 --> 01:13:35.650 align:middle line:84% He represents his district well and is a friend 01:13:35.650 --> 01:13:37.420 align:middle line:90% for so many of us living here. 01:13:37.420 --> 01:13:39.480 align:middle line:84% We are living really differently. 01:13:39.480 --> 01:13:41.020 align:middle line:84% And Worcester needs representation 01:13:41.020 --> 01:13:43.480 align:middle line:84% and the opportunity to have our voices heard. 01:13:43.480 --> 01:13:46.240 align:middle line:84% My concern is that if there was such a thoughtful process 01:13:46.240 --> 01:13:48.430 align:middle line:84% and consideration into drawing the lines, 01:13:48.430 --> 01:13:52.570 align:middle line:84% why are there disparities as evident as they are here? 01:13:52.570 --> 01:13:54.640 align:middle line:84% We have some parts of Worcester that 01:13:54.640 --> 01:13:57.550 align:middle line:84% are extreme poverty and some that are just bouncing 01:13:57.550 --> 01:14:00.440 align:middle line:90% back as if life never happened. 01:14:00.440 --> 01:14:02.770 align:middle line:84% We have to also take into consideration 01:14:02.770 --> 01:14:06.550 align:middle line:84% all the trauma and all the loss and how desperate we are now 01:14:06.550 --> 01:14:09.820 align:middle line:84% and how divided we are now because of COVID. 01:14:09.820 --> 01:14:11.800 align:middle line:84% So I think we really need to think, 01:14:11.800 --> 01:14:13.160 align:middle line:90% are the lines drawn well? 01:14:13.160 --> 01:14:16.510 align:middle line:84% Is it fair just because the diversity is creating 01:14:16.510 --> 01:14:18.610 align:middle line:84% unequal opportunities and a lack of equity 01:14:18.610 --> 01:14:21.790 align:middle line:84% for people living within just miles away from one another 01:14:21.790 --> 01:14:23.020 align:middle line:90% in the same district? 01:14:23.020 --> 01:14:25.120 align:middle line:90% And so those are my concerns. 01:14:25.120 --> 01:14:26.060 align:middle line:90% I yield my time. 01:14:26.060 --> 01:14:26.560 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:14:26.560 --> 01:14:29.870 align:middle line:90% 01:14:29.870 --> 01:14:32.590 align:middle line:84% Thank you very much for your testimony. 01:14:32.590 --> 01:14:35.187 align:middle line:84% Are there questions from members of the committee? 01:14:35.187 --> 01:14:41.660 align:middle line:90% 01:14:41.660 --> 01:14:45.520 align:middle line:90% I'm not seeing hands up. 01:14:45.520 --> 01:14:48.765 align:middle line:84% But thank you very much for elevating the concerns 01:14:48.765 --> 01:14:49.890 align:middle line:90% that you brought before us. 01:14:49.890 --> 01:14:51.090 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much. 01:14:51.090 --> 01:14:52.288 align:middle line:90% Thank you for listening. 01:14:52.288 --> 01:14:55.880 align:middle line:90% 01:14:55.880 --> 01:15:01.550 align:middle line:84% I've got Solomon Stein, please, if Solomon is online. 01:15:01.550 --> 01:15:10.100 align:middle line:90% 01:15:10.100 --> 01:15:12.800 align:middle line:90% Solomon, you're still on mute. 01:15:12.800 --> 01:15:14.450 align:middle line:90% You can unmute, if you would. 01:15:14.450 --> 01:15:23.500 align:middle line:90% 01:15:23.500 --> 01:15:25.818 align:middle line:84% My apologies, technical difficulties. 01:15:25.818 --> 01:15:26.360 align:middle line:90% There you go. 01:15:26.360 --> 01:15:27.110 align:middle line:90% There you go. 01:15:27.110 --> 01:15:28.270 align:middle line:90% There we go. 01:15:28.270 --> 01:15:31.700 align:middle line:84% So I would like to start by introducing myself. 01:15:31.700 --> 01:15:33.100 align:middle line:90% My name is Soloman Stein. 01:15:33.100 --> 01:15:36.130 align:middle line:84% I'm a resident of Worcester's 13th state 01:15:36.130 --> 01:15:39.580 align:middle line:84% legislative district, represented by John Mahoney, 01:15:39.580 --> 01:15:42.550 align:middle line:84% 2nd congressional district, Harriette Chandler Senate 01:15:42.550 --> 01:15:43.420 align:middle line:90% district. 01:15:43.420 --> 01:15:46.360 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Chair Brownsberger, Chair Moran 01:15:46.360 --> 01:15:49.840 align:middle line:84% for starting off and convening this event. 01:15:49.840 --> 01:15:54.340 align:middle line:84% I wanted to echo the comments of registrar Olberding and Ms. 01:15:54.340 --> 01:15:58.480 align:middle line:84% Gonzรกlez-Webster in expressing the appreciation of this 01:15:58.480 --> 01:16:01.420 align:middle line:84% pandemic-era accessibility effort. 01:16:01.420 --> 01:16:03.790 align:middle line:84% Hopefully, post-pandemic, the State House 01:16:03.790 --> 01:16:08.320 align:middle line:84% will continue these efforts to have virtual meetings to ensure 01:16:08.320 --> 01:16:10.810 align:middle line:84% that broader members of the public 01:16:10.810 --> 01:16:12.910 align:middle line:84% can participate in events like this. 01:16:12.910 --> 01:16:15.280 align:middle line:84% And as a member of the disability community 01:16:15.280 --> 01:16:17.080 align:middle line:84% and someone who works extensively 01:16:17.080 --> 01:16:18.950 align:middle line:84% with the local immigrant community, 01:16:18.950 --> 01:16:21.790 align:middle line:84% I definitely appreciate the attention 01:16:21.790 --> 01:16:25.390 align:middle line:84% the committee intends to pay to linguistic accessibility moving 01:16:25.390 --> 01:16:26.990 align:middle line:90% forward. 01:16:26.990 --> 01:16:31.360 align:middle line:84% So getting right into it, while I'm not here in the capacity 01:16:31.360 --> 01:16:34.840 align:middle line:84% representing any organization, I am a constituent 01:16:34.840 --> 01:16:38.060 align:middle line:84% who is active in the community with a number of local groups, 01:16:38.060 --> 01:16:40.300 align:middle line:84% including the local Friends Committee, 01:16:40.300 --> 01:16:43.820 align:middle line:84% doing immigrant advocacy, and Black Families Together, 01:16:43.820 --> 01:16:47.050 align:middle line:84% which recently had a successful effort to remove SROs 01:16:47.050 --> 01:16:48.730 align:middle line:90% from Worcester public schools. 01:16:48.730 --> 01:16:53.440 align:middle line:84% As previous members of the panel have testified, 01:16:53.440 --> 01:16:56.140 align:middle line:84% it is intimately understood by residents 01:16:56.140 --> 01:17:00.640 align:middle line:84% here how important the formal structure of elections 01:17:00.640 --> 01:17:03.970 align:middle line:84% are to ensuring that we get equitable representation, 01:17:03.970 --> 01:17:08.440 align:middle line:84% as demonstrated by our fight over the at-large election 01:17:08.440 --> 01:17:11.950 align:middle line:84% system in our municipal school committee here. 01:17:11.950 --> 01:17:14.980 align:middle line:84% And we definitely appreciate how that trickles up 01:17:14.980 --> 01:17:17.650 align:middle line:90% to higher levels of government. 01:17:17.650 --> 01:17:19.600 align:middle line:84% I'm sure members of this committee 01:17:19.600 --> 01:17:22.300 align:middle line:84% understand that at the outset of the pandemic, 01:17:22.300 --> 01:17:25.030 align:middle line:84% the delayed implementation of the Student Opportunity Act 01:17:25.030 --> 01:17:28.720 align:middle line:84% resulted in our schools losing out in approximately $20 01:17:28.720 --> 01:17:30.020 align:middle line:90% million of funds. 01:17:30.020 --> 01:17:33.370 align:middle line:84% So everyone here really appreciates 01:17:33.370 --> 01:17:38.230 align:middle line:84% how the bureaucratic structures that 01:17:38.230 --> 01:17:40.600 align:middle line:84% determine the lines of our districts 01:17:40.600 --> 01:17:42.910 align:middle line:84% have very direct and material consequences 01:17:42.910 --> 01:17:44.170 align:middle line:90% for our communities. 01:17:44.170 --> 01:17:47.020 align:middle line:84% And as a diverse community with a substantial immigrant 01:17:47.020 --> 01:17:50.650 align:middle line:84% population, we have significant internal diversity, 01:17:50.650 --> 01:17:53.920 align:middle line:84% including linguistic diversity with Vietnamese speakers, 01:17:53.920 --> 01:17:57.010 align:middle line:84% Cantonese speakers, Creole and French speakers. 01:17:57.010 --> 01:17:58.840 align:middle line:84% So we understand the importance of having 01:17:58.840 --> 01:18:03.910 align:middle line:84% districts that ensure that internal diversity is reflected 01:18:03.910 --> 01:18:05.740 align:middle line:84% in the construction of those districts 01:18:05.740 --> 01:18:10.600 align:middle line:84% so that we have smaller subcommunities of interests not 01:18:10.600 --> 01:18:13.630 align:middle line:84% being divided up and not having their power or their voice 01:18:13.630 --> 01:18:14.890 align:middle line:90% diluted. 01:18:14.890 --> 01:18:16.930 align:middle line:84% With that in mind, I would like to reiterate 01:18:16.930 --> 01:18:20.140 align:middle line:84% a testimony presented at an earlier hearing 01:18:20.140 --> 01:18:23.200 align:middle line:84% by Chelsea School Committee Member Roberto 01:18:23.200 --> 01:18:28.330 align:middle line:84% Jimenez, whose advocacy focused on the immigrant population. 01:18:28.330 --> 01:18:31.473 align:middle line:84% It's very important that as we ensure 01:18:31.473 --> 01:18:32.890 align:middle line:84% that we are drawing districts that 01:18:32.890 --> 01:18:36.200 align:middle line:84% have a majority of residents from marginalized communities, 01:18:36.200 --> 01:18:38.620 align:middle line:84% it's also important that we ensure those districts have 01:18:38.620 --> 01:18:42.340 align:middle line:84% a majority of eligible voters from marginalized communities. 01:18:42.340 --> 01:18:44.050 align:middle line:84% We don't want a situation where we're 01:18:44.050 --> 01:18:47.770 align:middle line:84% creating facially fair districts that in fact deprive 01:18:47.770 --> 01:18:50.860 align:middle line:84% marginalized communities of electoral voice. 01:18:50.860 --> 01:18:53.890 align:middle line:84% In that line, I saw Representative Tyler 01:18:53.890 --> 01:18:55.270 align:middle line:90% was on the call earlier. 01:18:55.270 --> 01:18:57.700 align:middle line:84% Very appreciative of all her work 01:18:57.700 --> 01:18:59.870 align:middle line:84% around the incarcerated population. 01:18:59.870 --> 01:19:03.910 align:middle line:84% I hope this committee will be having a broad interpretation 01:19:03.910 --> 01:19:06.310 align:middle line:84% of its mandate and will be working with its colleagues 01:19:06.310 --> 01:19:09.400 align:middle line:84% on rectifying the problem of prison gerrymandering. 01:19:09.400 --> 01:19:11.710 align:middle line:84% And I hope that because this committee 01:19:11.710 --> 01:19:13.630 align:middle line:84% has been so consistently interested 01:19:13.630 --> 01:19:17.260 align:middle line:84% in demographic representation and general equity 01:19:17.260 --> 01:19:20.830 align:middle line:84% in government, that it will be exploring some more ambitious 01:19:20.830 --> 01:19:23.620 align:middle line:84% innovations that other states have piloted, 01:19:23.620 --> 01:19:25.930 align:middle line:84% such as multimember districts that 01:19:25.930 --> 01:19:28.880 align:middle line:84% have been successfully used in New Hampshire and New Mexico, 01:19:28.880 --> 01:19:30.970 align:middle line:84% Arizona, to improve gender parity 01:19:30.970 --> 01:19:34.360 align:middle line:84% and demographic representation at all levels of government. 01:19:34.360 --> 01:19:35.720 align:middle line:90% Thank you so much for your time. 01:19:35.720 --> 01:19:38.520 align:middle line:90% Happy to take any questions. 01:19:38.520 --> 01:19:40.570 align:middle line:84% Thank you for that thoughtful testimony. 01:19:40.570 --> 01:19:41.120 align:middle line:90% Very helpful. 01:19:41.120 --> 01:19:43.130 align:middle line:90% Appreciate it. 01:19:43.130 --> 01:19:47.720 align:middle line:84% I'd like to give the chair Mike Moran an opportunity 01:19:47.720 --> 01:19:50.140 align:middle line:84% to ask questions or make comments. 01:19:50.140 --> 01:19:51.560 align:middle line:90% Solomon, thank you. 01:19:51.560 --> 01:19:55.520 align:middle line:84% You did bring up the issue of prison gerrymandering. 01:19:55.520 --> 01:19:58.920 align:middle line:84% And I agree with you 100% on that issue, 01:19:58.920 --> 01:20:02.480 align:middle line:84% so much so that the committee 10 years ago, 01:20:02.480 --> 01:20:07.700 align:middle line:84% when we did a sort of synopsis of what we learned and tried 01:20:07.700 --> 01:20:11.570 align:middle line:84% to put some sort of blueprint in place for actions 01:20:11.570 --> 01:20:16.490 align:middle line:84% that we could do between 2000 and 2010 and 2020, that 01:20:16.490 --> 01:20:19.220 align:middle line:84% was one of the issues that we highlighted. 01:20:19.220 --> 01:20:24.110 align:middle line:84% I think how we count prisoners in this state 01:20:24.110 --> 01:20:26.360 align:middle line:84% could be looked at and, I think, could be done better. 01:20:26.360 --> 01:20:27.570 align:middle line:90% I agree with you 100%. 01:20:27.570 --> 01:20:30.620 align:middle line:84% And thank you for mentioning that because I think 01:20:30.620 --> 01:20:32.930 align:middle line:84% that is a very important thing we 01:20:32.930 --> 01:20:36.937 align:middle line:84% need to look at on a go-forward basis. 01:20:36.937 --> 01:20:37.770 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much. 01:20:37.770 --> 01:20:40.380 align:middle line:90% 01:20:40.380 --> 01:20:43.603 align:middle line:84% Other questions or comments from members of the committee? 01:20:43.603 --> 01:20:48.040 align:middle line:90% 01:20:48.040 --> 01:20:49.680 align:middle line:90% Your testimony's appreciated. 01:20:49.680 --> 01:20:51.642 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much. 01:20:51.642 --> 01:20:52.960 align:middle line:90% Thanks for coming on. 01:20:52.960 --> 01:20:56.880 align:middle line:90% 01:20:56.880 --> 01:21:01.020 align:middle line:84% Next, I've got a group again of people that 01:21:01.020 --> 01:21:02.640 align:middle line:90% are sort of in the same list. 01:21:02.640 --> 01:21:06.120 align:middle line:84% Let me start with recognizing the honorable Mel 01:21:06.120 --> 01:21:11.820 align:middle line:84% Poindexter, a member of the Democratic National Committee, 01:21:11.820 --> 01:21:13.820 align:middle line:90% to testify, please. 01:21:13.820 --> 01:21:22.240 align:middle line:90% 01:21:22.240 --> 01:21:30.087 align:middle line:84% Let's make sure that Mel is getting promoted. 01:21:30.087 --> 01:21:30.670 align:middle line:90% There you are. 01:21:30.670 --> 01:21:31.622 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 01:21:31.622 --> 01:21:35.910 align:middle line:90% 01:21:35.910 --> 01:21:38.100 align:middle line:90% OK, thank you. 01:21:38.100 --> 01:21:42.360 align:middle line:84% Thank you, both two chairs, Senator Brownsberger 01:21:42.360 --> 01:21:45.000 align:middle line:84% and Representative Moran, as well as 01:21:45.000 --> 01:21:47.820 align:middle line:84% the other members of the committee hosting 01:21:47.820 --> 01:21:49.180 align:middle line:90% this public hearing tonight. 01:21:49.180 --> 01:21:52.110 align:middle line:84% And I also thank you for your commitment to the charge 01:21:52.110 --> 01:21:54.090 align:middle line:90% and the mission of engagement. 01:21:54.090 --> 01:21:56.730 align:middle line:84% I'm going to be really brief because a lot 01:21:56.730 --> 01:22:01.560 align:middle line:84% of the points that were raised today touches on my concerns. 01:22:01.560 --> 01:22:06.530 align:middle line:84% 10 years ago we went out on a mission 01:22:06.530 --> 01:22:11.020 align:middle line:84% of drawing majority-minority districts. 01:22:11.020 --> 01:22:15.120 align:middle line:84% And now we're at a point where, 10 years later, we 01:22:15.120 --> 01:22:17.760 align:middle line:84% have a migration across the state where we have 01:22:17.760 --> 01:22:20.100 align:middle line:90% many different communities-- 01:22:20.100 --> 01:22:24.480 align:middle line:84% Latinx, Black, Asian-American, Native American-- 01:22:24.480 --> 01:22:30.900 align:middle line:84% who have now moved into areas like Milford and Worcester 01:22:30.900 --> 01:22:32.310 align:middle line:90% and CD2. 01:22:32.310 --> 01:22:36.960 align:middle line:84% We've got movement in CD5 in Lowell and Lawrence 01:22:36.960 --> 01:22:40.920 align:middle line:84% with Asian and Latinx communities. 01:22:40.920 --> 01:22:45.000 align:middle line:84% In CD7, we have movement in cities 01:22:45.000 --> 01:22:46.560 align:middle line:90% like Watertown and Belmont. 01:22:46.560 --> 01:22:49.050 align:middle line:84% And now, to myself, I have the honor 01:22:49.050 --> 01:22:51.210 align:middle line:84% of both being represented and working 01:22:51.210 --> 01:22:53.910 align:middle line:84% with Senator Brownsberger and working 01:22:53.910 --> 01:22:55.770 align:middle line:90% with Representative Moran. 01:22:55.770 --> 01:22:57.720 align:middle line:84% But in many of these other communities, 01:22:57.720 --> 01:22:59.310 align:middle line:84% many of the residents there don't 01:22:59.310 --> 01:23:02.940 align:middle line:84% have the luxury of having the ability to have 01:23:02.940 --> 01:23:06.600 align:middle line:84% a one-on-one conversation with many of these representatives 01:23:06.600 --> 01:23:09.210 align:middle line:90% who represent their interests. 01:23:09.210 --> 01:23:12.240 align:middle line:84% So the concern becomes, how do we 01:23:12.240 --> 01:23:14.890 align:middle line:84% encourage those members or those people, 01:23:14.890 --> 01:23:16.740 align:middle line:84% as this redistricting process, to feel 01:23:16.740 --> 01:23:19.590 align:middle line:84% that this process is going to be fair, it's going to be just, 01:23:19.590 --> 01:23:22.800 align:middle line:84% and it's going to enable them to participate 01:23:22.800 --> 01:23:28.410 align:middle line:84% in a political process that for many feel a little 01:23:28.410 --> 01:23:30.150 align:middle line:90% not invited in? 01:23:30.150 --> 01:23:33.480 align:middle line:84% The hope here is that I would encourage, 01:23:33.480 --> 01:23:36.900 align:middle line:84% as I've seen in working in the past with this committee, 01:23:36.900 --> 01:23:43.260 align:middle line:84% that we use this opportunity to modify, create, and encourage 01:23:43.260 --> 01:23:48.090 align:middle line:84% in the redraw district lines that enable many 01:23:48.090 --> 01:23:50.460 align:middle line:84% of these communities who feel otherwise not 01:23:50.460 --> 01:23:54.900 align:middle line:84% disenfranchised, including, as I'm glad was mentioned, 01:23:54.900 --> 01:23:57.990 align:middle line:84% the immigrant community, that these disenfranchised 01:23:57.990 --> 01:24:00.630 align:middle line:84% communities then see the opportunity to participate 01:24:00.630 --> 01:24:03.000 align:middle line:84% in both a political and social process 01:24:03.000 --> 01:24:07.350 align:middle line:84% as well as feeling that their issues, concerns of education 01:24:07.350 --> 01:24:12.720 align:middle line:84% and health care are also and will be recognized in redrawing 01:24:12.720 --> 01:24:18.480 align:middle line:84% a state where, again, migration in areas from Congressman Neal, 01:24:18.480 --> 01:24:22.230 align:middle line:84% Congressman Lynch, Congressman Keating's areas, 01:24:22.230 --> 01:24:26.505 align:middle line:84% the migration in Congressman Clark's area, 01:24:26.505 --> 01:24:27.750 align:middle line:90% in these migrations, 01:24:27.750 --> 01:24:30.960 align:middle line:84% we now have to be sensitive to recognizing 01:24:30.960 --> 01:24:34.320 align:middle line:84% that many of the migration and the communities that have moved 01:24:34.320 --> 01:24:39.420 align:middle line:84% in these areas feel that they are not completely engaged 01:24:39.420 --> 01:24:42.000 align:middle line:84% in the political and social process. 01:24:42.000 --> 01:24:46.170 align:middle line:84% So all I ask is that this group, again, in its wisdom, 01:24:46.170 --> 01:24:49.650 align:middle line:84% consider in their drawing of the new maps 01:24:49.650 --> 01:24:54.150 align:middle line:84% and the goal to try to engage and invite communities 01:24:54.150 --> 01:24:57.060 align:middle line:84% otherwise disenfranchised to feel that they have 01:24:57.060 --> 01:25:01.170 align:middle line:84% the opportunity to participate both politically and socially, 01:25:01.170 --> 01:25:04.710 align:middle line:84% to be careful, to be wise, to accept 01:25:04.710 --> 01:25:10.260 align:middle line:84% the inevitability that we must encourage others to participate 01:25:10.260 --> 01:25:12.840 align:middle line:84% in a political process that otherwise, again, 01:25:12.840 --> 01:25:16.980 align:middle line:84% you feel you haven't been completely engaged in. 01:25:16.980 --> 01:25:21.900 align:middle line:84% At this point, I would like to [INAUDIBLE] of my time. 01:25:21.900 --> 01:25:26.100 align:middle line:84% So thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak today. 01:25:26.100 --> 01:25:29.160 align:middle line:84% Thank you very much for your testimony. 01:25:29.160 --> 01:25:30.780 align:middle line:84% Are there members of the committee 01:25:30.780 --> 01:25:34.748 align:middle line:84% that would like to make comments or ask questions? 01:25:34.748 --> 01:25:41.720 align:middle line:90% 01:25:41.720 --> 01:25:45.120 align:middle line:84% Well, I guess hearing none, I'll just comment, 01:25:45.120 --> 01:25:48.585 align:middle line:84% Mr. National Committeeman, that I definitely 01:25:48.585 --> 01:25:50.210 align:middle line:84% think we want to be trying to make sure 01:25:50.210 --> 01:25:52.830 align:middle line:90% that we promote engagement. 01:25:52.830 --> 01:25:55.320 align:middle line:84% That's what we're all about in the process. 01:25:55.320 --> 01:25:57.290 align:middle line:84% So that's something to keep in mind. 01:25:57.290 --> 01:26:01.070 align:middle line:84% And I also want to, again, echo the same appreciation 01:26:01.070 --> 01:26:03.860 align:middle line:84% for Congressman McGovern and his commitment, 01:26:03.860 --> 01:26:06.710 align:middle line:84% as well, to not only engaging in this conversation 01:26:06.710 --> 01:26:08.300 align:middle line:84% but in many other conversations where 01:26:08.300 --> 01:26:12.713 align:middle line:84% he has taken the time, effort, and energy to encourage 01:26:12.713 --> 01:26:14.630 align:middle line:84% the constituents in his congressional district 01:26:14.630 --> 01:26:16.700 align:middle line:84% to feel the need and the opportunity 01:26:16.700 --> 01:26:18.900 align:middle line:84% to express their concerns and needs. 01:26:18.900 --> 01:26:22.010 align:middle line:84% So again, thank the panel and the committee members today 01:26:22.010 --> 01:26:25.430 align:middle line:84% for giving me this opportunity to speak. 01:26:25.430 --> 01:26:26.840 align:middle line:90% OK, thank you again. 01:26:26.840 --> 01:26:29.920 align:middle line:90% 01:26:29.920 --> 01:26:31.180 align:middle line:90% Any other comments? 01:26:31.180 --> 01:26:36.430 align:middle line:84% By the way, let me recognize that Representative Dan 01:26:36.430 --> 01:26:38.090 align:middle line:90% Hunt has joined us. 01:26:38.090 --> 01:26:41.520 align:middle line:90% Thank you for being with us. 01:26:41.520 --> 01:26:46.570 align:middle line:90% Next, I've got Patrick Burke. 01:26:46.570 --> 01:26:49.090 align:middle line:90% Hi, thank you. 01:26:49.090 --> 01:26:50.230 align:middle line:90% My name's Patrick Burke. 01:26:50.230 --> 01:26:53.050 align:middle line:84% I'm President of the Hampshire/Franklin Labor 01:26:53.050 --> 01:26:54.070 align:middle line:90% Assembly. 01:26:54.070 --> 01:26:56.530 align:middle line:84% And I work for the United Auto Workers Local 01:26:56.530 --> 01:27:02.560 align:middle line:84% 2322, which represent about 4,000 members throughout mostly 01:27:02.560 --> 01:27:04.120 align:middle line:90% Western Massachusetts. 01:27:04.120 --> 01:27:08.530 align:middle line:84% And yeah, I'm thankful for the committee chairs, Senator 01:27:08.530 --> 01:27:11.830 align:middle line:84% Brownsberger and Representative Moran. 01:27:11.830 --> 01:27:14.950 align:middle line:84% And I do remember 10 years ago, [LAUGHS] 01:27:14.950 --> 01:27:18.470 align:middle line:90% when this process was happening. 01:27:18.470 --> 01:27:23.170 align:middle line:84% And I think the right kind of balance was struck. 01:27:23.170 --> 01:27:28.900 align:middle line:84% And I guess I'll echo what a few other folks from Hampshire 01:27:28.900 --> 01:27:30.640 align:middle line:84% and Franklin counties have said, is 01:27:30.640 --> 01:27:36.010 align:middle line:84% that having the two congressional representatives 01:27:36.010 --> 01:27:41.610 align:middle line:84% for Western Mass is something that helps us. 01:27:41.610 --> 01:27:48.010 align:middle line:90% I think that the Valley-- 01:27:48.010 --> 01:27:52.210 align:middle line:84% we have folks who commute across the Valley. 01:27:52.210 --> 01:27:59.710 align:middle line:84% But we have different concerns that really both Congressional 01:27:59.710 --> 01:28:04.300 align:middle line:84% Representative Neal and Congressional Rep McGovern 01:28:04.300 --> 01:28:07.090 align:middle line:90% are helpful with. 01:28:07.090 --> 01:28:11.710 align:middle line:84% And so I think that keeping that balance is helpful. 01:28:11.710 --> 01:28:16.870 align:middle line:90% 01:28:16.870 --> 01:28:23.450 align:middle line:84% Again, we have a lot of medium-sized cities and towns 01:28:23.450 --> 01:28:25.940 align:middle line:84% and then smaller rural communities 01:28:25.940 --> 01:28:27.470 align:middle line:90% in Hampshire and Franklin. 01:28:27.470 --> 01:28:34.130 align:middle line:84% And as much as possible to make sure that, again, 01:28:34.130 --> 01:28:38.195 align:middle line:84% as folks have said, with the decrease in population 01:28:38.195 --> 01:28:41.600 align:middle line:84% in some areas that communities that 01:28:41.600 --> 01:28:48.210 align:middle line:84% are alike and have strong similarities are kept together. 01:28:48.210 --> 01:28:51.420 align:middle line:84% And I also want to echo again that UAW, 01:28:51.420 --> 01:28:55.910 align:middle line:84% as part of the Drawing Democracy Coalition, 01:28:55.910 --> 01:28:59.360 align:middle line:84% really does support the creation of and the maintenance 01:28:59.360 --> 01:29:07.470 align:middle line:84% of districts that represent people of color, Black, 01:29:07.470 --> 01:29:08.610 align:middle line:90% Indigenous folks. 01:29:08.610 --> 01:29:12.960 align:middle line:84% And it is important to ensure that-- 01:29:12.960 --> 01:29:15.060 align:middle line:84% this will probably be more relevant 01:29:15.060 --> 01:29:17.550 align:middle line:84% for congressional district 1, where we also 01:29:17.550 --> 01:29:18.490 align:middle line:90% have many members-- 01:29:18.490 --> 01:29:20.490 align:middle line:84% but that some of the work that was 01:29:20.490 --> 01:29:22.620 align:middle line:84% done to ensure that in Springfield 01:29:22.620 --> 01:29:26.610 align:middle line:84% and surrounding communities is also strengthened and certainly 01:29:26.610 --> 01:29:32.460 align:middle line:84% support everything that my colleagues and friends 01:29:32.460 --> 01:29:35.550 align:middle line:84% in Worcester have said about the balance that 01:29:35.550 --> 01:29:37.000 align:middle line:90% needs to be struck there. 01:29:37.000 --> 01:29:39.887 align:middle line:84% So again, thank you for letting me testify. 01:29:39.887 --> 01:29:41.220 align:middle line:90% And thank you for all your work. 01:29:41.220 --> 01:29:45.750 align:middle line:90% 01:29:45.750 --> 01:29:46.740 align:middle line:90% Thank you so much. 01:29:46.740 --> 01:29:49.014 align:middle line:84% Are there questions from members of the committee? 01:29:49.014 --> 01:29:53.665 align:middle line:90% 01:29:53.665 --> 01:29:54.165 align:middle line:90% Comments? 01:29:54.165 --> 01:29:56.860 align:middle line:90% 01:29:56.860 --> 01:29:58.830 align:middle line:84% Thank you so much for testifying. 01:29:58.830 --> 01:30:00.360 align:middle line:90% Appreciate the thoughts. 01:30:00.360 --> 01:30:03.580 align:middle line:90% 01:30:03.580 --> 01:30:05.110 align:middle line:90% Let's see. 01:30:05.110 --> 01:30:13.045 align:middle line:84% Can I have Anh Sawyer if they're available? 01:30:13.045 --> 01:30:16.300 align:middle line:90% 01:30:16.300 --> 01:30:18.970 align:middle line:84% Anh, I believe you're already enlivened on the panel. 01:30:18.970 --> 01:30:21.650 align:middle line:90% 01:30:21.650 --> 01:30:24.171 align:middle line:84% You can testify if you're available. 01:30:24.171 --> 01:30:33.010 align:middle line:90% 01:30:33.010 --> 01:30:34.490 align:middle line:90% Good evening. 01:30:34.490 --> 01:30:36.640 align:middle line:84% Thank you so much for having me here. 01:30:36.640 --> 01:30:44.500 align:middle line:84% And thank you, Senator Brownsberger and Senator Moran. 01:30:44.500 --> 01:30:48.320 align:middle line:84% I'm so glad to be here to share with you. 01:30:48.320 --> 01:30:53.920 align:middle line:84% Listening to everything that everyone has been spoken 01:30:53.920 --> 01:30:58.100 align:middle line:84% made me realize how fortunate I am to be here today. 01:30:58.100 --> 01:31:01.150 align:middle line:84% I am a former Vietnamese refugee. 01:31:01.150 --> 01:31:06.430 align:middle line:84% You may have seen me on the rooftop of the American embassy 01:31:06.430 --> 01:31:12.490 align:middle line:84% on April 30, 1975, among many, many Vietnamese trying to leave 01:31:12.490 --> 01:31:14.440 align:middle line:90% Vietnam during that time. 01:31:14.440 --> 01:31:19.300 align:middle line:84% And I'm so glad to see Senator Moran here, as well. 01:31:19.300 --> 01:31:22.520 align:middle line:84% I was so honored to be in the same group 01:31:22.520 --> 01:31:28.900 align:middle line:84% with Senator Moran and Secretary Lopez, I think, 01:31:28.900 --> 01:31:33.940 align:middle line:84% and Nobel laureate Duflo to receive an award 01:31:33.940 --> 01:31:39.950 align:middle line:84% at the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy. 01:31:39.950 --> 01:31:44.350 align:middle line:84% And I'm here to speak on behalf of the immigrants 01:31:44.350 --> 01:31:49.540 align:middle line:84% and refugees of Central Mass and of Worcester. 01:31:49.540 --> 01:31:52.750 align:middle line:84% Specifically that's where I'm working. 01:31:52.750 --> 01:31:59.110 align:middle line:84% And I have to say I learned so much from listening in. 01:31:59.110 --> 01:32:02.530 align:middle line:84% But at the same time, I resonate with what Mel just said. 01:32:02.530 --> 01:32:06.820 align:middle line:84% I feel totally disengaged and marginalized because I 01:32:06.820 --> 01:32:09.400 align:middle line:84% didn't know enough about redistricting. 01:32:09.400 --> 01:32:12.790 align:middle line:84% I didn't understand how it happened, 01:32:12.790 --> 01:32:15.500 align:middle line:84% whether it's a good thing, or whether it's a bad thing. 01:32:15.500 --> 01:32:17.230 align:middle line:90% And I have so much to learn. 01:32:17.230 --> 01:32:20.740 align:middle line:84% And earlier someone mentioned that we also 01:32:20.740 --> 01:32:25.150 align:middle line:84% need to inform people whether they want to be swapped or not. 01:32:25.150 --> 01:32:32.960 align:middle line:84% And I have to say, we immigrants and refugees 01:32:32.960 --> 01:32:36.290 align:middle line:84% would like very, very much to contribute, 01:32:36.290 --> 01:32:39.380 align:middle line:90% to be a part of this process. 01:32:39.380 --> 01:32:42.330 align:middle line:84% We risk our lives to be in this country, 01:32:42.330 --> 01:32:44.900 align:middle line:90% not only for three meals a day. 01:32:44.900 --> 01:32:48.110 align:middle line:84% But we want to make an impact for the country that 01:32:48.110 --> 01:32:51.260 align:middle line:84% provides us shelter and hope and freedom, 01:32:51.260 --> 01:32:54.020 align:middle line:84% not only for ourselves, not only for our children. 01:32:54.020 --> 01:32:56.820 align:middle line:84% But we believe it's a good place, a place where 01:32:56.820 --> 01:33:00.170 align:middle line:84% the rest of the world will benefit from our democracy 01:33:00.170 --> 01:33:02.900 align:middle line:90% and our freedom and our liberty. 01:33:02.900 --> 01:33:08.390 align:middle line:84% And so because of that, I would like to know how we will be-- 01:33:08.390 --> 01:33:11.360 align:middle line:84% Senator Brownsberger said that there will be languages 01:33:11.360 --> 01:33:14.660 align:middle line:90% programmed for this meeting. 01:33:14.660 --> 01:33:17.330 align:middle line:84% And I would like to know how we will 01:33:17.330 --> 01:33:20.450 align:middle line:84% be able to do that so we can bring more people who 01:33:20.450 --> 01:33:25.730 align:middle line:84% want to learn, who want to contribute, into this group. 01:33:25.730 --> 01:33:27.830 align:middle line:84% The community has changed tremendously 01:33:27.830 --> 01:33:32.900 align:middle line:84% since I've been with the organization since 2012. 01:33:32.900 --> 01:33:35.840 align:middle line:84% Back then, we served mostly Southeast Asians 01:33:35.840 --> 01:33:38.180 align:middle line:84% from at least 14 different countries. 01:33:38.180 --> 01:33:41.750 align:middle line:84% But now we serve folks from Central America, 01:33:41.750 --> 01:33:46.350 align:middle line:84% South America, Arabic speakers from Iran, Iraq, Syria. 01:33:46.350 --> 01:33:49.520 align:middle line:84% And we even have people moving from different parts 01:33:49.520 --> 01:33:52.340 align:middle line:84% of Massachusetts to Worcester who 01:33:52.340 --> 01:33:55.370 align:middle line:84% are ethnic minorities of different Southeast Asian 01:33:55.370 --> 01:33:59.480 align:middle line:84% countries, like the Hmongs, the [INAUDIBLE],, Rohingyas, 01:33:59.480 --> 01:34:01.400 align:middle line:90% Myanmars. 01:34:01.400 --> 01:34:06.750 align:middle line:84% And in the last nine years that I've 01:34:06.750 --> 01:34:10.410 align:middle line:84% been with the organization, we learn to speak up. 01:34:10.410 --> 01:34:15.120 align:middle line:84% We learn to voice our concern, our need. 01:34:15.120 --> 01:34:21.750 align:middle line:84% And we're very grateful for the leaders of the city. 01:34:21.750 --> 01:34:25.170 align:middle line:84% I heard Congressman McGovern was mentioned several times. 01:34:25.170 --> 01:34:30.430 align:middle line:84% Representative Keefe is really wonderful. 01:34:30.430 --> 01:34:32.700 align:middle line:84% But we also would like very much not 01:34:32.700 --> 01:34:36.600 align:middle line:84% to be separated because we need all of our voices together. 01:34:36.600 --> 01:34:39.400 align:middle line:84% I don't understand enough about redistricting. 01:34:39.400 --> 01:34:42.510 align:middle line:84% So I cannot give you any suggestion or advices. 01:34:42.510 --> 01:34:46.110 align:middle line:84% But I really feel that the immigrants and refugee 01:34:46.110 --> 01:34:47.970 align:middle line:84% community in Worcester would like 01:34:47.970 --> 01:34:50.400 align:middle line:84% to be like Chairman Moran one of these days, 01:34:50.400 --> 01:34:51.520 align:middle line:90% that we'll be up there. 01:34:51.520 --> 01:34:53.610 align:middle line:90% We will be leading this group. 01:34:53.610 --> 01:34:56.310 align:middle line:84% We will be making good decisions, 01:34:56.310 --> 01:35:02.430 align:middle line:84% like what he did 10 years ago, as Jordan mentioned. 01:35:02.430 --> 01:35:07.290 align:middle line:84% So what does it take for us, for my community-based 01:35:07.290 --> 01:35:11.610 align:middle line:84% organizations in all of these cities, not just in Worcester, 01:35:11.610 --> 01:35:17.280 align:middle line:84% to be able to inform and educate our community members 01:35:17.280 --> 01:35:19.380 align:middle line:84% so that we will be able to take part 01:35:19.380 --> 01:35:23.170 align:middle line:84% in this incredible and important process? 01:35:23.170 --> 01:35:24.960 align:middle line:90% And that's what I'm saying. 01:35:24.960 --> 01:35:28.890 align:middle line:84% And I would like to thank you so much for being here. 01:35:28.890 --> 01:35:30.960 align:middle line:84% What happened with Belarus today, 01:35:30.960 --> 01:35:35.550 align:middle line:84% I realize that this country, to me and to many immigrants 01:35:35.550 --> 01:35:37.560 align:middle line:84% and refugees, even though we still 01:35:37.560 --> 01:35:40.440 align:middle line:84% have so much to learn and change, to us, 01:35:40.440 --> 01:35:42.120 align:middle line:90% it is still heaven on Earth. 01:35:42.120 --> 01:35:45.450 align:middle line:90% So I thank you. 01:35:45.450 --> 01:35:49.743 align:middle line:84% Thank you so much for that inspirational testimony. 01:35:49.743 --> 01:35:52.410 align:middle line:84% Just to respond directly to your question, what we do want to do 01:35:52.410 --> 01:36:01.030 align:middle line:84% is schedule a series of hearings that will be 01:36:01.030 --> 01:36:03.730 align:middle line:90% held in the specific languages. 01:36:03.730 --> 01:36:08.952 align:middle line:84% So we'll be working through the Voter Table and all 01:36:08.952 --> 01:36:10.660 align:middle line:84% the organizations that we can be in touch 01:36:10.660 --> 01:36:12.700 align:middle line:84% with to make as many people as possible aware 01:36:12.700 --> 01:36:15.550 align:middle line:84% of the opportunity to testify in particular languages. 01:36:15.550 --> 01:36:17.890 align:middle line:90% So that is a priority for us. 01:36:17.890 --> 01:36:19.630 align:middle line:90% So we will do that. 01:36:19.630 --> 01:36:21.610 align:middle line:84% I believe Chairman Moran would also 01:36:21.610 --> 01:36:23.670 align:middle line:90% like to make some comments. 01:36:23.670 --> 01:36:26.270 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Chair Brownsberger. 01:36:26.270 --> 01:36:29.780 align:middle line:84% We've been struggling with that issue of how 01:36:29.780 --> 01:36:32.900 align:middle line:84% we can make this more inclusive than we 01:36:32.900 --> 01:36:35.390 align:middle line:84% did 10 years ago, because 10 years ago I think it 01:36:35.390 --> 01:36:38.420 align:middle line:90% was a pretty inclusive process. 01:36:38.420 --> 01:36:41.600 align:middle line:84% We've done things like closed caption. 01:36:41.600 --> 01:36:46.100 align:middle line:84% Our website is translated into 110 different languages. 01:36:46.100 --> 01:36:48.260 align:middle line:84% But to be truly honest, and I think 01:36:48.260 --> 01:36:49.760 align:middle line:84% that's the best way to deal with it, 01:36:49.760 --> 01:36:51.590 align:middle line:84% we are struggling with how to include more 01:36:51.590 --> 01:36:55.340 align:middle line:84% people in these hearings who are not English-first language 01:36:55.340 --> 01:36:57.080 align:middle line:90% speakers. 01:36:57.080 --> 01:37:00.560 align:middle line:84% And we have some ideas on how to do that, 01:37:00.560 --> 01:37:04.700 align:middle line:90% as my co-chair just alluded to. 01:37:04.700 --> 01:37:07.010 align:middle line:84% But we're always open to suggestions. 01:37:07.010 --> 01:37:11.780 align:middle line:84% And we're always open to any comments you have 01:37:11.780 --> 01:37:14.180 align:middle line:90% that can help us in that regard. 01:37:14.180 --> 01:37:16.410 align:middle line:84% And also, thank you for your testimony. 01:37:16.410 --> 01:37:18.380 align:middle line:84% And thank you for all the work you 01:37:18.380 --> 01:37:21.830 align:middle line:84% do because without people like you, 01:37:21.830 --> 01:37:23.683 align:middle line:84% some people out there don't have a voice. 01:37:23.683 --> 01:37:25.600 align:middle line:84% So I very much appreciate all the work you do. 01:37:25.600 --> 01:37:29.000 align:middle line:90% 01:37:29.000 --> 01:37:34.077 align:middle line:84% Any other questions, comments for Anh Sawyer? 01:37:34.077 --> 01:37:35.910 align:middle line:84% Thank you so much for being with us tonight. 01:37:35.910 --> 01:37:40.290 align:middle line:84% Again, your testimony is very much appreciated. 01:37:40.290 --> 01:37:48.300 align:middle line:90% I've got Jake Lebovic. 01:37:48.300 --> 01:37:49.290 align:middle line:90% Are you there? 01:37:49.290 --> 01:37:50.430 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Jake. 01:37:50.430 --> 01:37:51.988 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:37:51.988 --> 01:37:52.530 align:middle line:90% Good evening. 01:37:52.530 --> 01:37:55.885 align:middle line:84% I'd like to thank Chairman Brownsberger, Chairman Moran, 01:37:55.885 --> 01:37:58.260 align:middle line:84% and the members of the committee for hosting this hearing 01:37:58.260 --> 01:38:00.420 align:middle line:84% and for your continued commitment to engaging 01:38:00.420 --> 01:38:03.420 align:middle line:84% community members throughout their districting process. 01:38:03.420 --> 01:38:04.530 align:middle line:90% My name is Jake Lebovic. 01:38:04.530 --> 01:38:07.380 align:middle line:84% I lead community outreach at Lawyers for Civil Rights. 01:38:07.380 --> 01:38:10.530 align:middle line:84% LCR protects and expands voting rights for people of color 01:38:10.530 --> 01:38:12.660 align:middle line:84% and traditionally disenfranchised groups. 01:38:12.660 --> 01:38:15.240 align:middle line:84% And as part of this work, we, along with our partners here 01:38:15.240 --> 01:38:17.037 align:middle line:84% under the Drawing Democracy coalition, 01:38:17.037 --> 01:38:18.870 align:middle line:84% are ensuring that the upcoming redistricting 01:38:18.870 --> 01:38:20.790 align:middle line:84% process is equitable, transparent, 01:38:20.790 --> 01:38:22.320 align:middle line:90% and community driven. 01:38:22.320 --> 01:38:24.600 align:middle line:84% I'm here today to echo the testimony provided 01:38:24.600 --> 01:38:26.820 align:middle line:84% by the committee members and groups here before you 01:38:26.820 --> 01:38:29.112 align:middle line:84% and to underscore the importance of keeping communities 01:38:29.112 --> 01:38:31.357 align:middle line:84% of interest together when redrawing district lines, 01:38:31.357 --> 01:38:33.690 align:middle line:84% particularly for the communities comprised predominantly 01:38:33.690 --> 01:38:35.160 align:middle line:84% of immigrants and people of color 01:38:35.160 --> 01:38:37.938 align:middle line:84% and cities such as Worcester and Northampton. 01:38:37.938 --> 01:38:39.480 align:middle line:84% Through our partnerships and advocacy 01:38:39.480 --> 01:38:41.507 align:middle line:84% on behalf of residents in CD2, we've 01:38:41.507 --> 01:38:43.590 align:middle line:84% seen that when communities of color are empowered, 01:38:43.590 --> 01:38:45.940 align:middle line:90% it strengthens our Commonwealth. 01:38:45.940 --> 01:38:48.370 align:middle line:84% As Isabel mentioned, in Worcester this year, 01:38:48.370 --> 01:38:51.910 align:middle line:84% LCR joined forces with Worcester Interfaith, the NAACP Worcester 01:38:51.910 --> 01:38:53.860 align:middle line:84% Branch, and Voters of Color to challenge 01:38:53.860 --> 01:38:55.720 align:middle line:84% the method of electing the Worcester School 01:38:55.720 --> 01:38:58.960 align:middle line:84% Committee, which illegally diluted the vote of Latinx 01:38:58.960 --> 01:39:00.160 align:middle line:90% and Black voters. 01:39:00.160 --> 01:39:01.750 align:middle line:84% The at-large voting system repeatedly 01:39:01.750 --> 01:39:03.375 align:middle line:84% produced an all-white school committee, 01:39:03.375 --> 01:39:05.560 align:middle line:84% despite communities of color comprising nearly half 01:39:05.560 --> 01:39:07.270 align:middle line:84% of Worcester's population and the student 01:39:07.270 --> 01:39:09.850 align:middle line:84% body of Worcester public schools being even more diverse. 01:39:09.850 --> 01:39:12.100 align:middle line:84% Community groups successfully brought a federal voting rights 01:39:12.100 --> 01:39:12.610 align:middle line:90% lawsuit. 01:39:12.610 --> 01:39:15.910 align:middle line:84% And important corrective action is now on the horizon. 01:39:15.910 --> 01:39:18.873 align:middle line:84% LCR's advocacy in Worcester has also centered the experiences 01:39:18.873 --> 01:39:21.040 align:middle line:84% of residents of color vis-รก-vis the Worcester police 01:39:21.040 --> 01:39:23.800 align:middle line:84% department, which recently failed to investigate a violent 01:39:23.800 --> 01:39:26.920 align:middle line:84% racist attack against a Black woman and her children. 01:39:26.920 --> 01:39:29.770 align:middle line:84% In the Pioneer Valley, we protected a student of color, 01:39:29.770 --> 01:39:31.300 align:middle line:84% against whom the Pelham Elementary 01:39:31.300 --> 01:39:34.090 align:middle line:84% School retaliated for reporting racial harassment. 01:39:34.090 --> 01:39:36.130 align:middle line:84% So based on our firsthand work in the district, 01:39:36.130 --> 01:39:38.710 align:middle line:84% we are firmly convinced that drawing lines that 01:39:38.710 --> 01:39:40.390 align:middle line:84% maximize voting strength in communities 01:39:40.390 --> 01:39:41.920 align:middle line:84% of color and immigrant communities 01:39:41.920 --> 01:39:44.500 align:middle line:84% is a necessary first step toward making fair representation 01:39:44.500 --> 01:39:45.490 align:middle line:90% a reality. 01:39:45.490 --> 01:39:47.470 align:middle line:84% LCR will continue to be a resource 01:39:47.470 --> 01:39:49.390 align:middle line:84% to elevate the voices of community members 01:39:49.390 --> 01:39:52.240 align:middle line:84% and to ensure compliance with federal voting rights laws 01:39:52.240 --> 01:39:55.143 align:middle line:84% on their behalf throughout the line-drawing process. 01:39:55.143 --> 01:39:56.560 align:middle line:84% We're grateful for the opportunity 01:39:56.560 --> 01:39:58.485 align:middle line:84% to support the residents in this district. 01:39:58.485 --> 01:39:59.860 align:middle line:84% And we look forward to continuing 01:39:59.860 --> 01:40:01.277 align:middle line:84% to work with the Drawing Democracy 01:40:01.277 --> 01:40:02.870 align:middle line:84% coalition and this committee to foster 01:40:02.870 --> 01:40:04.750 align:middle line:84% a more equitable and inclusive democracy. 01:40:04.750 --> 01:40:07.655 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:40:07.655 --> 01:40:09.280 align:middle line:84% Thank you very much for your testimony. 01:40:09.280 --> 01:40:12.790 align:middle line:84% We appreciate the work that LCR does. 01:40:12.790 --> 01:40:14.650 align:middle line:84% Any questions from members of the committee? 01:40:14.650 --> 01:40:15.150 align:middle line:90% Comments? 01:40:15.150 --> 01:40:18.762 align:middle line:90% 01:40:18.762 --> 01:40:21.220 align:middle line:84% All right, thank you for being with us and for weighing in. 01:40:21.220 --> 01:40:35.060 align:middle line:90% 01:40:35.060 --> 01:40:41.445 align:middle line:84% Let's go next to Allen Johannsson, if he's present. 01:40:41.445 --> 01:40:45.200 align:middle line:90% 01:40:45.200 --> 01:40:50.840 align:middle line:90% I'm not seeing him in the queue. 01:40:50.840 --> 01:40:54.350 align:middle line:90% Does anybody else see him? 01:40:54.350 --> 01:40:54.850 align:middle line:90% No. 01:40:54.850 --> 01:41:00.740 align:middle line:90% 01:41:00.740 --> 01:41:02.930 align:middle line:90% OK, John Wickstead? 01:41:02.930 --> 01:41:10.090 align:middle line:90% 01:41:10.090 --> 01:41:11.190 align:middle line:90% Not seeing him. 01:41:11.190 --> 01:41:15.250 align:middle line:90% 01:41:15.250 --> 01:41:17.110 align:middle line:90% Barry [INAUDIBLE]? 01:41:17.110 --> 01:41:20.920 align:middle line:90% 01:41:20.920 --> 01:41:22.170 align:middle line:90% Not seeing him. 01:41:22.170 --> 01:41:30.620 align:middle line:90% 01:41:30.620 --> 01:41:35.980 align:middle line:90% Is Cara LeTrez here? 01:41:35.980 --> 01:41:37.600 align:middle line:90% Not seeing her. 01:41:37.600 --> 01:41:41.840 align:middle line:90% 01:41:41.840 --> 01:41:49.440 align:middle line:90% Anita Tanini from Chelmsford? 01:41:49.440 --> 01:41:53.810 align:middle line:90% Not seeing her. 01:41:53.810 --> 01:41:59.530 align:middle line:90% Kaylee Aguilar from East Boston? 01:41:59.530 --> 01:42:01.510 align:middle line:90% Not seeing Kaylee. 01:42:01.510 --> 01:42:04.220 align:middle line:90% 01:42:04.220 --> 01:42:09.240 align:middle line:90% Margo Barnett from Worcester? 01:42:09.240 --> 01:42:12.900 align:middle line:90% Not seeing Margot. 01:42:12.900 --> 01:42:14.940 align:middle line:84% I just promoted Margot to the panel. 01:42:14.940 --> 01:42:16.260 align:middle line:90% Oh, thank you. 01:42:16.260 --> 01:42:18.083 align:middle line:90% Margot, so you're up, Margot. 01:42:18.083 --> 01:42:19.250 align:middle line:90% Thank you for being with us. 01:42:19.250 --> 01:42:22.040 align:middle line:90% 01:42:22.040 --> 01:42:22.670 align:middle line:90% I'm sorry. 01:42:22.670 --> 01:42:24.100 align:middle line:90% I signed on to listen. 01:42:24.100 --> 01:42:26.300 align:middle line:90% I wasn't intending to testify. 01:42:26.300 --> 01:42:30.500 align:middle line:84% OK, thank you for being with us to listen. 01:42:30.500 --> 01:42:34.200 align:middle line:90% I see Beth Huang. 01:42:34.200 --> 01:42:35.780 align:middle line:90% Are you ready to testify, Beth? 01:42:35.780 --> 01:42:43.880 align:middle line:90% 01:42:43.880 --> 01:42:46.346 align:middle line:90% Beth is an-- 01:42:46.346 --> 01:42:48.740 align:middle line:84% I think I can speak for some reason. 01:42:48.740 --> 01:42:50.270 align:middle line:90% You got it. 01:42:50.270 --> 01:42:51.960 align:middle line:90% OK, great. 01:42:51.960 --> 01:42:58.745 align:middle line:84% Well, it's so wonderful to join you, Chair Moran and Chair 01:42:58.745 --> 01:43:00.440 align:middle line:90% Brownsberger. 01:43:00.440 --> 01:43:01.530 align:middle line:90% My name is Beth Huang. 01:43:01.530 --> 01:43:04.100 align:middle line:84% I'm the director of the Massachusetts Voter Table. 01:43:04.100 --> 01:43:06.860 align:middle line:84% We are part of the Drawing Democracy Coalition. 01:43:06.860 --> 01:43:09.860 align:middle line:84% Thank you for making this process 01:43:09.860 --> 01:43:12.930 align:middle line:90% transparent and collaborative. 01:43:12.930 --> 01:43:17.360 align:middle line:84% I think, based off of some of the testimony that we've heard, 01:43:17.360 --> 01:43:21.680 align:middle line:84% we are eagerly anticipating the census data 01:43:21.680 --> 01:43:26.870 align:middle line:84% that should come out in a legacy format in mid-August 01:43:26.870 --> 01:43:29.210 align:middle line:84% of this year so that we can get a bit of a jumpstart. 01:43:29.210 --> 01:43:31.820 align:middle line:90% 01:43:31.820 --> 01:43:35.090 align:middle line:84% And I think we are eagerly awaiting this data to really 01:43:35.090 --> 01:43:38.810 align:middle line:84% have a good understanding of how communities have changed, 01:43:38.810 --> 01:43:43.910 align:middle line:84% how much the downtown core of Worcester has grown, 01:43:43.910 --> 01:43:48.350 align:middle line:84% how much UMass Amherst has created a boon for the Upper 01:43:48.350 --> 01:43:50.150 align:middle line:90% Pioneer Valley. 01:43:50.150 --> 01:43:52.340 align:middle line:84% And I think the main thing that we're looking to do 01:43:52.340 --> 01:43:55.970 align:middle line:84% is understand the needs of our coalition members 01:43:55.970 --> 01:43:59.150 align:middle line:84% in the Drawing Democracy Coalition in the balance 01:43:59.150 --> 01:44:01.160 align:middle line:84% between urban and suburban districts, 01:44:01.160 --> 01:44:03.090 align:middle line:90% particularly around Worcester. 01:44:03.090 --> 01:44:05.240 align:middle line:84% I think, Chair Brownsberger, you've 01:44:05.240 --> 01:44:07.760 align:middle line:84% caught a slight difference between two 01:44:07.760 --> 01:44:10.290 align:middle line:84% phenomenal Worcester-based leaders. 01:44:10.290 --> 01:44:12.860 align:middle line:84% And I think that we are eagerly awaiting the data 01:44:12.860 --> 01:44:16.220 align:middle line:84% to really see what our preference for the balance 01:44:16.220 --> 01:44:17.990 align:middle line:90% is like. 01:44:17.990 --> 01:44:20.900 align:middle line:84% And then one other piece that we are really thinking about 01:44:20.900 --> 01:44:26.270 align:middle line:84% is how demographic change within municipalities 01:44:26.270 --> 01:44:29.700 align:middle line:84% will impact our redistricting process, particularly 01:44:29.700 --> 01:44:33.750 align:middle line:90% the reprecincting process. 01:44:33.750 --> 01:44:36.170 align:middle line:84% Something that we are very interested in 01:44:36.170 --> 01:44:41.000 align:middle line:84% is moving reprecincting after redistricting. 01:44:41.000 --> 01:44:44.210 align:middle line:84% Traditionally reprecincting has happened before redistricting. 01:44:44.210 --> 01:44:48.830 align:middle line:84% But given the delay in the census data, 01:44:48.830 --> 01:44:50.900 align:middle line:84% we're hoping to draw districts first 01:44:50.900 --> 01:44:58.250 align:middle line:84% since there is a real deadline on November 8, 2021, one 01:44:58.250 --> 01:45:03.320 align:middle line:84% year before the 2022 election, to ensure all House 01:45:03.320 --> 01:45:07.360 align:middle line:84% members live in the district that they 01:45:07.360 --> 01:45:10.780 align:middle line:90% are planning to run in. 01:45:10.780 --> 01:45:15.260 align:middle line:84% And then, also, we're really hoping 01:45:15.260 --> 01:45:20.310 align:middle line:84% to then be able to fit precincts inside 01:45:20.310 --> 01:45:24.210 align:middle line:84% of the district instead of using the precincts as the building 01:45:24.210 --> 01:45:25.170 align:middle line:90% blocks for districts. 01:45:25.170 --> 01:45:31.500 align:middle line:84% So that is one extra wrinkle in the redistricting process. 01:45:31.500 --> 01:45:35.340 align:middle line:84% And really thank you for the time to listen to constituents 01:45:35.340 --> 01:45:37.650 align:middle line:90% tonight. 01:45:37.650 --> 01:45:39.480 align:middle line:84% We heard a lot of important perspectives. 01:45:39.480 --> 01:45:41.600 align:middle line:84% And we're appreciative of your time. 01:45:41.600 --> 01:45:44.330 align:middle line:90% 01:45:44.330 --> 01:45:46.150 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Beth, for all the work 01:45:46.150 --> 01:45:49.300 align:middle line:84% you're doing to make this process more transparent, more 01:45:49.300 --> 01:45:50.470 align:middle line:90% participatory. 01:45:50.470 --> 01:45:53.200 align:middle line:84% We view the work that the whole coalition 01:45:53.200 --> 01:45:57.130 align:middle line:84% is doing as very important and helpful to the process. 01:45:57.130 --> 01:45:59.260 align:middle line:84% Are there questions or comments from other members 01:45:59.260 --> 01:46:00.358 align:middle line:90% of the committee? 01:46:00.358 --> 01:46:08.340 align:middle line:90% 01:46:08.340 --> 01:46:09.810 align:middle line:90% OK. 01:46:09.810 --> 01:46:11.710 align:middle line:90% Beth, thank you so much. 01:46:11.710 --> 01:46:14.130 align:middle line:84% We will look forward to staying close in touch 01:46:14.130 --> 01:46:17.490 align:middle line:90% with you as the process unfolds. 01:46:17.490 --> 01:46:18.150 align:middle line:90% Let me see. 01:46:18.150 --> 01:46:20.580 align:middle line:90% Does Kip Diggs-- 01:46:20.580 --> 01:46:23.195 align:middle line:84% I'm going through the late sign-ups on the form. 01:46:23.195 --> 01:46:24.653 align:middle line:90% And I see your name there. 01:46:24.653 --> 01:46:26.070 align:middle line:84% Representative Diggs, did you wish 01:46:26.070 --> 01:46:30.180 align:middle line:84% to testify to the committee at this time? 01:46:30.180 --> 01:46:32.230 align:middle line:84% No, I was having a problem jumping on. 01:46:32.230 --> 01:46:32.730 align:middle line:90% That's all. 01:46:32.730 --> 01:46:33.820 align:middle line:90% Sorry about that. 01:46:33.820 --> 01:46:36.053 align:middle line:90% No problem. 01:46:36.053 --> 01:46:38.220 align:middle line:84% All right, let me go to some of the other folks that 01:46:38.220 --> 01:46:41.970 align:middle line:84% have signed in late and see if they're here. 01:46:41.970 --> 01:46:44.970 align:middle line:90% Kip Faunch? 01:46:44.970 --> 01:46:46.110 align:middle line:90% Is there a Kip Faunch here? 01:46:46.110 --> 01:46:55.130 align:middle line:90% 01:46:55.130 --> 01:46:57.830 align:middle line:84% These may be people that actually wanted to listen. 01:46:57.830 --> 01:46:59.660 align:middle line:90% That's a possibility. 01:46:59.660 --> 01:47:03.950 align:middle line:90% How about Phillip Bishop? 01:47:03.950 --> 01:47:09.340 align:middle line:90% 01:47:09.340 --> 01:47:10.345 align:middle line:90% David Holden? 01:47:10.345 --> 01:47:16.400 align:middle line:90% 01:47:16.400 --> 01:47:17.450 align:middle line:90% Elliot Fratkin? 01:47:17.450 --> 01:47:23.605 align:middle line:90% 01:47:23.605 --> 01:47:24.730 align:middle line:90% David Holden's [INAUDIBLE]. 01:47:24.730 --> 01:47:27.190 align:middle line:90% So I'll promote him. 01:47:27.190 --> 01:47:27.790 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:47:27.790 --> 01:47:30.910 align:middle line:90% 01:47:30.910 --> 01:47:32.560 align:middle line:84% Oh, David and Marcia Holden, got you. 01:47:32.560 --> 01:47:33.060 align:middle line:90% Good. 01:47:33.060 --> 01:47:46.880 align:middle line:90% 01:47:46.880 --> 01:47:49.037 align:middle line:84% David, you need to unmute yourself. 01:47:49.037 --> 01:47:50.870 align:middle line:84% And we're looking forward to your testimony. 01:47:50.870 --> 01:47:52.370 align:middle line:90% I'm sorry. 01:47:52.370 --> 01:47:53.760 align:middle line:90% Can you hear me now? 01:47:53.760 --> 01:47:54.740 align:middle line:90% Yes, we can. 01:47:54.740 --> 01:47:55.580 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:47:55.580 --> 01:47:56.720 align:middle line:90% Hi, I'm David Holden. 01:47:56.720 --> 01:48:00.260 align:middle line:84% I'm from Northampton, Massachusetts. 01:48:00.260 --> 01:48:03.300 align:middle line:84% I just wanted to make a few comments. 01:48:03.300 --> 01:48:07.310 align:middle line:84% First, I want to reaffirm what Mayor Narkewicz said earlier 01:48:07.310 --> 01:48:10.110 align:middle line:90% about Congressman McGovern. 01:48:10.110 --> 01:48:11.780 align:middle line:90% He's an excellent Congressman. 01:48:11.780 --> 01:48:19.520 align:middle line:84% And he's been very active in this area, just not Northampton 01:48:19.520 --> 01:48:22.430 align:middle line:90% but the entire Pioneer Valley. 01:48:22.430 --> 01:48:24.650 align:middle line:84% Very quickly-- after we got redistricted 01:48:24.650 --> 01:48:28.580 align:middle line:84% into his congressional district, he showed a great interest 01:48:28.580 --> 01:48:29.510 align:middle line:90% in Northampton. 01:48:29.510 --> 01:48:32.150 align:middle line:90% He's been here many times. 01:48:32.150 --> 01:48:36.800 align:middle line:84% He set up his regional office on Pleasant Street here. 01:48:36.800 --> 01:48:40.310 align:middle line:84% I feel very lucky that he is our congressman. 01:48:40.310 --> 01:48:43.040 align:middle line:84% I think we are very lucky, the area here, 01:48:43.040 --> 01:48:46.970 align:middle line:84% to have a congressman that's as responsive to our area. 01:48:46.970 --> 01:48:49.880 align:middle line:84% Today, congressional districts are almost 3/4 01:48:49.880 --> 01:48:51.530 align:middle line:90% of a million people. 01:48:51.530 --> 01:48:53.675 align:middle line:84% And for local communities that have 01:48:53.675 --> 01:48:56.480 align:middle line:84% a strong, sustained relationship with their congressman, 01:48:56.480 --> 01:49:00.770 align:middle line:84% I think, is increasingly difficult and perhaps rare. 01:49:00.770 --> 01:49:04.820 align:middle line:84% So I realize we are in the far Southwest corner 01:49:04.820 --> 01:49:06.320 align:middle line:90% of his district. 01:49:06.320 --> 01:49:09.080 align:middle line:84% And I would just urge your committee, 01:49:09.080 --> 01:49:11.870 align:middle line:84% your joint committee, to consider 01:49:11.870 --> 01:49:16.310 align:middle line:84% how well we are represented by the Congressman McGovern 01:49:16.310 --> 01:49:22.580 align:middle line:84% and, I believe, how reciprocal our involvement with him 01:49:22.580 --> 01:49:23.180 align:middle line:90% has been. 01:49:23.180 --> 01:49:25.770 align:middle line:84% I think it's to the benefit of both parties. 01:49:25.770 --> 01:49:30.800 align:middle line:84% And so I understand you have a very difficult task because, 01:49:30.800 --> 01:49:33.690 align:middle line:84% again, these districts are far too big. 01:49:33.690 --> 01:49:35.180 align:middle line:84% It occurred to me earlier today-- 01:49:35.180 --> 01:49:36.710 align:middle line:90% I was thinking of this-- 01:49:36.710 --> 01:49:41.810 align:middle line:84% if we went back to 1789, the first Congress in our 13 01:49:41.810 --> 01:49:44.600 align:middle line:84% states, based on population now we'd 01:49:44.600 --> 01:49:47.780 align:middle line:84% have 26 senators and four to five 01:49:47.780 --> 01:49:50.030 align:middle line:90% congressional representatives. 01:49:50.030 --> 01:49:53.750 align:middle line:84% I'm not sure that was how this was intended to work out. 01:49:53.750 --> 01:49:57.000 align:middle line:84% But we have what we have to deal with today. 01:49:57.000 --> 01:49:59.270 align:middle line:84% So I would just urge you to do everything 01:49:59.270 --> 01:50:02.060 align:middle line:84% possible to keep us and the communities around us 01:50:02.060 --> 01:50:03.140 align:middle line:90% still in his district. 01:50:03.140 --> 01:50:05.470 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:50:05.470 --> 01:50:08.750 align:middle line:84% Thank you very much for your testimony. 01:50:08.750 --> 01:50:12.960 align:middle line:84% Are there other people who wish to testify? 01:50:12.960 --> 01:50:17.190 align:middle line:90% 01:50:17.190 --> 01:50:18.150 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:50:18.150 --> 01:50:19.720 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:50:19.720 --> 01:50:23.040 align:middle line:90% Sorry, it's Mary Keefe. 01:50:23.040 --> 01:50:25.340 align:middle line:84% Mary, would you like to testify again? 01:50:25.340 --> 01:50:32.160 align:middle line:84% Yeah, I just would like to say I really appreciate 01:50:32.160 --> 01:50:37.530 align:middle line:84% the work of this committee 10 years ago. 01:50:37.530 --> 01:50:42.870 align:middle line:84% People come into my office and look at the map of my district. 01:50:42.870 --> 01:50:47.550 align:middle line:84% And they say, whoa, whoa, how did that happen? 01:50:47.550 --> 01:50:52.840 align:middle line:90% It's just very unusual. 01:50:52.840 --> 01:50:56.130 align:middle line:90% And I call it the snake. 01:50:56.130 --> 01:50:59.910 align:middle line:84% But it's politics, it's people engaged, 01:50:59.910 --> 01:51:04.440 align:middle line:84% it's people voting that craft this thing. 01:51:04.440 --> 01:51:06.870 align:middle line:90% And that's how I was elected. 01:51:06.870 --> 01:51:09.810 align:middle line:90% And I really appreciate it. 01:51:09.810 --> 01:51:11.460 align:middle line:90% I really appreciate it. 01:51:11.460 --> 01:51:14.190 align:middle line:90% 01:51:14.190 --> 01:51:15.750 align:middle line:90% It takes organizing. 01:51:15.750 --> 01:51:19.480 align:middle line:90% It takes relationships. 01:51:19.480 --> 01:51:25.020 align:middle line:84% And I think this is something we need to keep talking about, 01:51:25.020 --> 01:51:31.560 align:middle line:84% is relationships and how we are connected to each other 01:51:31.560 --> 01:51:35.650 align:middle line:84% and how our self interests are connected, as well. 01:51:35.650 --> 01:51:38.280 align:middle line:90% 01:51:38.280 --> 01:51:44.540 align:middle line:84% So I'm really encouraged about this process. 01:51:44.540 --> 01:51:51.330 align:middle line:84% And I really appreciate the conversation. 01:51:51.330 --> 01:51:53.960 align:middle line:84% I don't know how many people from my district 01:51:53.960 --> 01:51:55.430 align:middle line:90% might be here tonight. 01:51:55.430 --> 01:51:58.010 align:middle line:90% I know some are. 01:51:58.010 --> 01:52:02.940 align:middle line:84% But it's a grassroots conversation. 01:52:02.940 --> 01:52:10.310 align:middle line:84% And we need it very badly in terms of engagement 01:52:10.310 --> 01:52:13.805 align:middle line:84% and how government really works for people. 01:52:13.805 --> 01:52:16.670 align:middle line:90% 01:52:16.670 --> 01:52:19.250 align:middle line:84% In Worcester, we love Jim McGovern. 01:52:19.250 --> 01:52:21.530 align:middle line:90% Of course we love him. 01:52:21.530 --> 01:52:22.880 align:middle line:90% You know, he's great. 01:52:22.880 --> 01:52:25.940 align:middle line:90% 01:52:25.940 --> 01:52:31.420 align:middle line:84% But more and more, even just being from Worcester, 01:52:31.420 --> 01:52:39.530 align:middle line:84% we know we're a bigger state than we actually govern around 01:52:39.530 --> 01:52:41.390 align:middle line:90% sometimes. 01:52:41.390 --> 01:52:45.740 align:middle line:84% So we need to organize ourselves-- 01:52:45.740 --> 01:52:48.710 align:middle line:90% Central Mass, Western Mass. 01:52:48.710 --> 01:52:50.480 align:middle line:90% Let's have strong voices. 01:52:50.480 --> 01:52:53.120 align:middle line:84% It's hard when we're losing population. 01:52:53.120 --> 01:53:05.720 align:middle line:84% But continuing to educate people is really important, 01:53:05.720 --> 01:53:13.730 align:middle line:84% or to enlighten people about how we are, why we are, 01:53:13.730 --> 01:53:17.610 align:middle line:90% and what we could possibly do. 01:53:17.610 --> 01:53:21.770 align:middle line:84% So sorry, it sounds like a campaign speech. 01:53:21.770 --> 01:53:23.420 align:middle line:90% But I didn't mean that. 01:53:23.420 --> 01:53:26.720 align:middle line:90% I just really believe it. 01:53:26.720 --> 01:53:28.620 align:middle line:90% And we have a lot of work to do. 01:53:28.620 --> 01:53:31.078 align:middle line:90% So-- 01:53:31.078 --> 01:53:31.870 align:middle line:90% Thank you for that. 01:53:31.870 --> 01:53:33.495 align:middle line:84% We definitely have a lot of work to do. 01:53:33.495 --> 01:53:35.700 align:middle line:84% And we'll be successful with your help 01:53:35.700 --> 01:53:38.788 align:middle line:84% and with the help of all the other people who are testifying 01:53:38.788 --> 01:53:40.080 align:middle line:90% and engaging with this process. 01:53:40.080 --> 01:53:42.870 align:middle line:90% 01:53:42.870 --> 01:53:46.500 align:middle line:84% I thank you for your further testimony. 01:53:46.500 --> 01:53:50.048 align:middle line:84% And I want to make sure that we've gotten in everybody 01:53:50.048 --> 01:53:51.090 align:middle line:90% who does wish to testify. 01:53:51.090 --> 01:53:53.130 align:middle line:84% I see somebody on the list that's just 01:53:53.130 --> 01:53:55.940 align:middle line:90% calling themselves Mass Appeal. 01:53:55.940 --> 01:53:57.780 align:middle line:84% We're going to promote you and see 01:53:57.780 --> 01:54:01.650 align:middle line:84% whether you were somebody signed up or not because you're not 01:54:01.650 --> 01:54:02.730 align:middle line:90% otherwise identified. 01:54:02.730 --> 01:54:05.700 align:middle line:90% 01:54:05.700 --> 01:54:08.700 align:middle line:84% Mass Appeal is the news, I take it. 01:54:08.700 --> 01:54:11.250 align:middle line:90% OK, so you're just witnessing. 01:54:11.250 --> 01:54:16.738 align:middle line:84% You are observing the process, OK, unless you wish to testify. 01:54:16.738 --> 01:54:18.530 align:middle line:84% You could unmute yourself if you wanted to. 01:54:18.530 --> 01:54:21.980 align:middle line:90% 01:54:21.980 --> 01:54:25.370 align:middle line:84% All right, so at the moment, I am 01:54:25.370 --> 01:54:29.600 align:middle line:84% believing that everybody who has wished to testify 01:54:29.600 --> 01:54:31.250 align:middle line:90% has testified. 01:54:31.250 --> 01:54:33.380 align:middle line:84% I'm going to sort of say, "going once," 01:54:33.380 --> 01:54:36.000 align:middle line:84% and then I'm going to wait for about 60 seconds in case 01:54:36.000 --> 01:54:38.000 align:middle line:84% somebody is desperately struggling to figure out 01:54:38.000 --> 01:54:41.737 align:middle line:84% how to raise their hand or communicate with the committee. 01:54:41.737 --> 01:54:51.290 align:middle line:90% 01:54:51.290 --> 01:54:54.920 align:middle line:84% I don't see anything coming up in the chat. 01:54:54.920 --> 01:54:55.660 align:middle line:90% Do I? 01:54:55.660 --> 01:55:08.990 align:middle line:90% 01:55:08.990 --> 01:55:14.450 align:middle line:84% I don't see anybody texting, anybody raising a hand. 01:55:14.450 --> 01:55:19.220 align:middle line:84% So I'm going to conclude that we're ready to adjourn. 01:55:19.220 --> 01:55:25.540 align:middle line:84% And if my co-chair would like to make a motion, we could. 01:55:25.540 --> 01:55:26.790 align:middle line:90% I would love to make a motion. 01:55:26.790 --> 01:55:28.370 align:middle line:84% I'd like to just, if I could, say 01:55:28.370 --> 01:55:30.540 align:middle line:90% a few things before I do that. 01:55:30.540 --> 01:55:31.340 align:middle line:90% Please. 01:55:31.340 --> 01:55:33.860 align:middle line:84% I would just like to thank everybody who 01:55:33.860 --> 01:55:35.700 align:middle line:90% attended this hearing today. 01:55:35.700 --> 01:55:38.360 align:middle line:84% I'd also like to thank all the people associated 01:55:38.360 --> 01:55:40.940 align:middle line:84% with the Drawing Democracy Coalition. 01:55:40.940 --> 01:55:44.600 align:middle line:84% That coalition 10 years ago was very helpful to us 01:55:44.600 --> 01:55:48.380 align:middle line:84% in instructing us and giving us feedback on some of the things 01:55:48.380 --> 01:55:49.970 align:middle line:90% we were trying to accomplish. 01:55:49.970 --> 01:55:53.780 align:middle line:84% That relationship is still alive and well. 01:55:53.780 --> 01:55:56.120 align:middle line:84% Whether you're with the Drawing Democracy Coalition 01:55:56.120 --> 01:55:59.030 align:middle line:84% or you just came to testify tonight, 01:55:59.030 --> 01:56:00.650 align:middle line:90% we are happy to have you. 01:56:00.650 --> 01:56:06.170 align:middle line:84% And your words are not going unheard. 01:56:06.170 --> 01:56:09.110 align:middle line:84% And I think you should know that. 01:56:09.110 --> 01:56:12.860 align:middle line:84% Also, from just a pure logistical point of view 01:56:12.860 --> 01:56:15.380 align:middle line:84% and a numbers point of view, it's 01:56:15.380 --> 01:56:17.690 align:middle line:84% likely that the 2nd congressional district 01:56:17.690 --> 01:56:19.550 align:middle line:84% and the 1st congressional district 01:56:19.550 --> 01:56:22.000 align:middle line:90% are going to see some changes. 01:56:22.000 --> 01:56:23.600 align:middle line:90% That's not of our doing. 01:56:23.600 --> 01:56:27.710 align:middle line:84% It's the simple fact that population shift and population 01:56:27.710 --> 01:56:29.240 align:middle line:90% growth is what it is. 01:56:29.240 --> 01:56:31.910 align:middle line:84% So you're likely to see some changes. 01:56:31.910 --> 01:56:33.620 align:middle line:84% And your comments and suggestions 01:56:33.620 --> 01:56:38.138 align:middle line:84% here will be heavily considered when we make those changes. 01:56:38.138 --> 01:56:39.680 align:middle line:84% And hopefully, at the end of the day, 01:56:39.680 --> 01:56:43.280 align:middle line:90% you will like what you see. 01:56:43.280 --> 01:56:47.775 align:middle line:84% So thank you, my co-chair, Senator Brownsberger. 01:56:47.775 --> 01:56:49.400 align:middle line:84% And I'd like to, at this point in time, 01:56:49.400 --> 01:56:53.200 align:middle line:90% make a motion to adjourn. 01:56:53.200 --> 01:56:55.151 align:middle line:90% Can I have a second? 01:56:55.151 --> 01:56:56.075 align:middle line:90% Second. 01:56:56.075 --> 01:56:58.730 align:middle line:90% Second. 01:56:58.730 --> 01:57:00.258 align:middle line:90% All those in favor? 01:57:00.258 --> 01:57:00.758 align:middle line:90% Aye. 01:57:00.758 --> 01:57:01.256 align:middle line:90% Aye. 01:57:01.256 --> 01:57:01.756 align:middle line:90% Aye. 01:57:01.756 --> 01:57:03.170 align:middle line:90% Aye. 01:57:03.170 --> 01:57:06.180 align:middle line:90% And any opposed? 01:57:06.180 --> 01:57:09.840 align:middle line:84% With that, we'll consider the hearing adjourned. 01:57:09.840 --> 01:57:11.420 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much. 01:57:11.420 --> 01:57:12.440 align:middle line:90% Thank you, all. 01:57:12.440 --> 01:57:13.260 align:middle line:90% Have a good night. 01:57:13.260 --> 01:57:13.760 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:57:13.760 --> 01:57:15.020 align:middle line:90% Nicely done, people. 01:57:15.020 --> 01:57:15.950 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Chairman. 01:57:15.950 --> 01:57:16.850 align:middle line:90% Appreciate it. 01:57:16.850 --> 01:57:17.820 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:57:17.820 --> 01:57:19.820 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Representative Straus, for attending. 01:57:19.820 --> 01:57:20.570 align:middle line:90% I know we didn't-- 01:57:20.570 --> 01:57:21.080 align:middle line:90% Oh, yes. 01:57:21.080 --> 01:57:22.455 align:middle line:84% I'm sorry, Representative Straus. 01:57:22.455 --> 01:57:24.830 align:middle line:90% I failed to recognize you. 01:57:24.830 --> 01:57:27.150 align:middle line:84% Thank you for being with us, sir. 01:57:27.150 --> 01:57:28.650 align:middle line:90% Love you, Billy. 01:57:28.650 --> 01:57:29.550 align:middle line:90% [LAUGHS] 01:57:29.550 --> 01:57:46.650 align:middle line:90% 01:57:46.650 --> 01:57:50.300 align:middle line:84% [MUSIC - BARBARA BONNEY, "AVE MARIA"] 01:57:50.300 --> 01:57:53.000 align:middle line:90%