Leader Sykes offers takeaway from Lima redistricting hearing: Where are the maps?

Ohio Redistricting Commission Member and House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) issued a statement following the Commission’s public hearing Thursday in Lima, Ohio. 

“The constitutional reforms Ohioans overwhelmingly passed in 2015 set clear guidelines for the Commission’s work, including a requirement for us to propose a map by September 1. I agree with the Ohioans who’ve come out to testify in Lima and across the state this week asking where are our maps. Ohio received census data days earlier than expected and the team at Ohio University turned the data around quickly. The Commission has had two weeks to draft a map for the public to see, but we’ve been given no proposals,” said Leader Sykes. 

“If we’re going to adhere to the constitution, we need to introduce a map and hold additional hearings before the Sept. 1 deadline next week. I hope the other members of the commission share my concern and work together to uphold our duty under the constitution. It’s what the People deserve.”

Three more public hearings are scheduled across Ohio this week, with stops in Toledo on Thursday and Akron and Mansfield on Friday. A full schedule and additional information on the hearings can be found at www.redistricting.ohio.gov.