Leader Sykes statement on first Redistricting Commission public hearing in Cleveland

Ohio Redistricting Commission Member and House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) issued a statement on the Commission’s first public hearing on state legislative maps Monday in Cleveland. 10 hearings are planned for the week across the state. A full schedule and additional information on the hearings can be found at www.redistricting.ohio.gov. 

“What we heard today from the people in Cleveland is what we’ve heard from Ohioans for the better part of a decade—that our state needs better representation and people need a real voice in their democracy,” said Leader Sykes. “I encourage Ohioans to stay engaged and to show up in person or submit written testimony on what they think their district should look like, because how we draw our maps determines the future of our state for the next decade or more, including what hospitals, schools and resources are funded in our neighborhoods and communities. Public input is critical as we move forward with our constitutional duty to draw fair maps and I ask for any Ohioans who can to let us know how the new district lines can better serve their needs.”