Thread by @redistrictAZ

Sunday December 19 and the @ArizonaIRC is going to meet. Because they really do not conduct their business in public, the public has no idea if they will be talking about congressional or state legislative plans.

And we are also curious about the content and conclusions from the meeting(s) held yesterday regarding the American Indian tribes and nations in N Arizona.
#Transparency IS NOT their strong suit.

Late starting - wonder if the sports events are in overtime.

Ah, here they are - "ready to dive right in" says @ErikaNeuberg

Comments Open: : forms.gle/YD7NPZeHTdyrY2…

After the meeting use this link::: irc.az.gov/contact-us

Comments on comments - nothing
@ErikaNeuberg appreciate engagement
has been awesome
York says engagement is awesome and hope we see that they are trying to represent you fairly

well then.

No new racially polarized data information

they have no preference of where to start

@ErikaNeuberg says - lets go w/ LD because we have one map

You all KNOW I am not a sports person - but Doug York is the ringer -- he clearly knows exactly where to move the lines - block by block to shift everything ever so slightly to an R advantage

Mehl - Someone (unnamed) sent C. Mehl the boundaries of the Liberty neighborhood (600 people) - Buckeye Rd, Gila River, Watson etc...
So this is how it is done. Once again C. Mehl inserts boundaries into the map for partisan interests.

C. Lerner - Pasqua Yaqui request - Suggest LD 20/vs LD 23 (4,000)
C Mehl is not ok -- population is too large
C. Lerner makes defense
@ErikaNeuberg says give it to mapping - but requires "thoughtful decisions"

THE @ErikaNeuberg rises the issues of recommendations from Apache Junction - says it is worth considering - C Mehl :"we would be fine with it"
C. Lerner says PY Tribe --
its about balancing -
partisan balance does not shift

THE @ErikaNeuberg says oooops, we are negotiating on a map that has not been adopted.
LD Draft version 14.0 is approved 5:0

Now say everything all over again --

Numbers on Liberty - Map adds 16K people - C. Mehl withdraws the request - Moving from LD 23 into LD 25

VC Watchman - asks about Navajo Nation
@ErikaNeuberg puts that off -- it is a very serious, higher conceptual discussion
Looking only at simple fixes, concurrence at the moment

THE @ErikaNeuberg reviews request from Apache Junction - says Com York is very talented at maps!

Apache Junction bits - in sarges - 2,300 - 5,000
will great 14K short in LD 10
C Mehl says not accept - but keep it in mind

C Mehl suggests staying in MarCo
C. York starts - received communication from City of Buckeye about Fiesta - eastern boundary of LD 29 - is asking @ArizonaIRC to consider unincorporated boundary - in clouds a retirement community

Buckeye moves 6,500 into LD 25 from LD 29
population deviation ????

Cleaning up the Buckeye city boundary line

LD 12 is under-pop - C. York says go N up to 60 - would bring it back to balance - wants to include mall area affecting D2 and D8 - Scottsdale Fashion Square -

C Lerner says she is not thrilled - is wanting to talk about city boundaries
@ErikaNeuberg says the shopping area belongs w// D8 - how many people live there?

Moves 16K from D4 into D8

Outlet mall to stay w/ D8 - why do we care about shopping malls? Curious.

C Lerner asks who is requesting this?
C York says I am -- he names ASU, light rail, shopping etc. being together
11K add to LD 12
@ErikaNeuberg likes the "con-cept-shun" of uniting he COOI - entertainment/shopping - similar infrastrucure, transportation, parking

If only they gave similar dedication to humans

C Lerner says she is concerned - looking at how corner relates - in D4
C York - Old Town Shopping and entertainment - my son lives there - those communities go together nicely
@ErikaNeuberg this is where my private practice was for years - sees a lot of economic synergy

serving their collective needs

C. Mehl want to just keep going thru MarCo
VC Watchman asks about Saddleback Mountain as requested by Salt River - it seems to be where everyone thinks it should be

C. Lerner asks why remove it
THE @ErikaNeuberg jumps in - its more suburban than PHX
VC Watchman says could we respect the Salt River Indian Community
THE @ErikaNeuberg says we have accommodated SR IC "quite well"

C Lerner says - align these neighborhoods --
C York rattling off - I'm going to call this "firehosiing"
now we're talking about uniting Arcadia - C Mehl "we would not be in support of that"

Now looking to add Desert Ridge into D4 as part of these changes - C Lerner asks about going N of 101
THE @ErikaNeuberg says I am on record that I don't see the 101 as a magical division - its a road... more interested in econ flow, COI, and all of that than arbitrary lines

mall area is 500 ppl; C York says go North to Pinnacl Peak - we heard a lot of testimony from Cave Creek they didn'twant to be w/ Desert Ridge.
Can you say "cherry picking testimony"
THE @ErikaNeuberg says thinks it fits better with Paradise Valley

C. Lerner - says N of 101 is new and has a lot in common - Desert ridge goes to Pinnacle HS - guessing shopping centers are a proxy for something else
C. Mehl jumps on pushing the incorporation of these ideas

THE @ErikaNeuberg is intrigued, but not locked it
C. Lerner - more interested in where people live - than shopping areas - newer developments - and different than the core of Scottsdale

Sperating the Arcadia is important
THE @ErikaNeuberg sees it as capturing the evolution of our state capturing different shopping area

The all important COI of shopping centers.

THE @ErikaNeuberg asks if C. Lerner wants a vote. C Lerner clarifies that this is not "locking this in". Correct. then @ErikaNeuberg word salad.

C. York - asks for a break
C. Lerner says I believe neighborhoods are real COI vs. areas where people shop - separating out specific communities from each other - that is my issue - it is related to communities that are clearly bound vs. those who cross a freeway to shop

THE @ErikaNeuberg says I hear you - I don't care about shopping but the capitalist, entrepreneur understand the movement of society and pop shifts - some of that is compelling are we feel the hub of community will be

C York - from a neighborhood community - shopping area community belongs w/ Scottsdale in D$ - Area w of Country club belongs - more Latino - should me included in Tempe...

C Lerner asks for timing of feedback on D4 and D8 changes - 30 minutes
THE @ErikaNeuberg reassures all commissioners that we can look at COI and then come back and look at other constitutional criteria -- THIS IS NOT WHAT Prop. 106 directs - This is whacked

30 minute recess.

10 minute break

THE @ErikaNeuberg has consistently mistaken her role as @ArizonaIRC. She is to execute the law - she serves an executive function, not a judicial one. Yet she insists on putting forth her "understanding". The law is written. It has been adjudicated. And apparently, will be again.

BACK NOW
Plan to finish up w/ MarCo area suggested changes - exploring - "don't make too much of these movements -- then mapping break -- then LD 6 and LD 7 conceptual discussion - tough decisions coming up

C York - LD 4 - LD 3 underpop - move LD3 to I-17 C Lerner asks for clarification - C York to include New River, along Carefree Hwy.,
C Lerner says - New River crosses I-17 (C York - Outlet malls!)

Changes before the break makes D3 10K under; D4 is 73K over;
Reps suggesting moving 46K into CD 3 now.
C York suggests leveling Anthem and shopping malls out ???

Someone smarter than me would know why the two @ArizonaIRC republican commissioners are cherrypicking neighborhoods.
Because they are not using constitutional criteria to justify what these changes are priorities.

Anthem to stay w/ 28 - Area N of Carefree Hwy also w/28 - use I-17 for D3 in the North

Seems to be consensus among Republicans (all three) on above changes....
Dear Valley Village - Pinnacle Peak I-17 and 101 intersection - go to D2 says C York - adobe dam -
C. Lerner thinks that is a big pop. -- this is 15K

C Lerner suggest - Between D1 and D2 - use I-17 - between Cactus and Peoria - move from LD 1 to LD 2 This is 2,693 people --
THE @ErikaNeuberg raises competitiveness in a word salad - this is a highly comp district - open to changes and would like compromises @ndc_doug says

increase competitiveness slightly
Deer Valley change would add 15K --with both changes would be over by 8K

New option

C Lerner says she is lost w/ .all the changes -- that makes two (at least) of us

Changes in pics - to incorporate/unite Deer Valley Village

This will be a new iteration and posted to public hub -- changes do not include Apache Junction suggestions (but does include Pasqua Yaqui request) - a not approved - but agreed to look at all the suggested changes

FINALLY - @ErikaNeuberg says the Am Indian community has a vert legitimate VRA concern baed on how the district is drawn

here is a new redistricting rule
DO VRA first

NOW THE @ErikaNeuberg puts on the table pop. deviation - hoping for a collective view of how to handle
"No easy answers" she says that meets everyone's needs

Isn't tan redistricting in a nutshell?

VC Watchman - An updated shapefile was sent in -- perhaps we can look at that chapefile

Holbrook, Winslow excluded - many Navajo children attend school in these school districts - perhaps include these area in revised district

What Native Am want to achieve is a high AI -CVAP to unite Am Indian communities on and off the reservations - =/_ % pop deviation
VC Watchman appreciates consideration of the whole commission

VC Watchman continues - 7 tribes are supporting this - because it allows multiple AM IN tribes tone heard

THE @ErikaNeuberg says synergy between LD 23 and LD 6 - S area encapsulates main tribes and their interest - and relevant to our congressional map as well - CD 7 rep will also be attentive to Native interests in the N as well

WHOA NELLY - That is a big whoop de do!

C. Lerner adds: Many testified that native community is on and off the reservations - they are part of the larger community and connected w/ relationships -economics and education

C Mehl says the COOI burned by current map is the White Mountain -split of Show Low and Pine Top '
All along I have pushed that Native Americans are a better fit with Flagstaff

The @ErikaNeuberg says C. Mehl you ask a really important question and I have asked counsel to be ready tomorrow to discuss this
If there is a threat, hoc would we deal with that
useful to think through options - agrees - division of White Mountains makes no sense

Oh do come back and listen hear - transcripts will be very useful
C Lerner says they are not harmed - they still have representation - they just may not appreciate it
C Mehl says they are harmed by the current map

Oh did you hear that?
THE @ErikaNeuberg asked C Mehl if he had ideas on how to better represent the white community -- the White Mountain community

Freudian Slip?

C. Mehl - legally if these is not harm - go back to map with Flag and native Americans - then ask VC Watchman for an alternative solution that is less chopped up for the White Mountain community ....
Mappers: How many people are in the White Mountains & what are the demogaphics?

C Mehl is prioritizing this community almost as much as he is defending the #TucsonGerrymander
So curious?

VC Watchman is generous and kindly responsive
many of the reservations benefited from the state and allocation resources -- only in the last few years has there been representation from the native community

because of that there has been better allocation across the state - prior to that many of the non-native assumed that bec. you are native and live on the reservation the state has not obligation to serve the reservation

Gaming is not universal - the last 5 years have been better - there will be challenges - If we do what you are suggesting C Mehl the Natives will be unhappy - I know some of the challenges - roughly 5% native pop.; but land base is large -- they have stewardship responsibilities

C. Mehl interrupts and says 'if we learn that there is not legal requirement" I hope you will seriously consider being pleased with the combination of Flag w/ the Natives

THE @ErikaNeuberg says VC Watchman we are looking to you -- at the end of the day someone is going to be unhappy -- Anticipating the future - welcome your guidance
VC Watchman: It saddens me that some parts of the counties have pushed to separate the counties from

the reservations, I don't think that is good public policy
C Mehl - separate Apache and Navajo nation?
VC watchman - to get adequate CVAP have to combine all seven reservation

THE @ErikaNeuberg says two different sensitivities 1) historically need for higher CVAP - different turn-out between general and primary elections and 2) remarkable misunderstanding between people of different ethnicities in those counties

You know - this is a really good discussion and critical to fair districts throughout the state.

And there is no good reason why this discussion has been put off until the last 100 hours of statewide redistricting.

And can I just say I really find everything C Mehl says to be offensive. He is a liar and a cheat and the more he lies and cheats the bolder he gets.

C. Lerner reminds us -- that because we are combining so many tribes we heard from people in the communities that there are relationships w/ more than Flagstaff

THE @ErikaNeuberg has some small specifics
- LD 6 include Winslow, Holbrook and Jo City Whole - check says @ndc_doug
- Vernon and St John in D7 - Vernon - would move _ a "census designated place"
C. Mehl asks how much pop. in Flagstaff in D6 and D7?
D6 = 22,400
D7 = 49,360

Recess - back for CD map

BACK NOW
for CD discussion
Two Options

Only distinctions are on CD 6 - outside of U of Arizona
C. Lerner suggests starting w. consensus map
C Mehl says 11.1 is superior - even though 30K over/under pop districts

C Lerner - my preference is either 11.0 or 11. 2 - in 11. 2 difference is the amount of Casa Grande - whole in 11.2 - we have other changes of course --

11.2 addressed other issues that we did not have disagreement - the 6/7 split in Tucson will be discussed in either

THE @ErikaNeuberg wants to start w/11.1 - not because I like the map - but the opportunity to discuss the options - 11.0 and 11.2 are compromises.

So she is going to go with the wish list map created by the architect of the #TucsonGerrymander - she is an useful idiot and an accomplice
Choose one - or suggest an alternative

11.1 approved on a 3:2 vote

Democrats oppose = the three republicans agree

C. Mehl says lots of work already done on CD 7 -and we have already compromised

Numerically, comparing the 3 CD maps, 11.1 is modestly more R than the other two (mostly with effects on CD6 making it less competitive).

C Mehl -- CD 6 is balanced - D 2 is short and D7 over 30K - we can balance D7 and D6

So C Mehl immediately jumps into pop balancing -- there is not a discussion about a compromise

C. Learn asks given the Republicans started on state leg maps, perhaps we could start on the congressional map. C., Mehl backs off.
C Lerner asks THE @ErikaNeuberg if she wants to start in Tucson - she answers with waffle

C Lerner says I worked on pop changes throughout
@ndc_doug says better to start in 2/6/and 7 bec. changes will apple back through MarCo

THE @ErikaNeuberg says we will be seeking legal counsel on the "Alvernon" changes/area/

C Lerner - asks that Casa Grande be put whole in D2 - aligned by COI w/ Coolidge and Florence- also Sacaton; economic connections w/ Coolidge and Florence - pop balancing will be required...

THE @ErikaNeuberg says ok to go with where you want to head - ok to give changes and create two versions or wrestle with consensus as we go forward The lying, cheating commissioner gets to decide.
He says they will fundamentally disagree - so open to compromise.

So it seems like THE @ErikaNeuberg is suggesting they create two maps so once again the three republicans can vote en masse to dismiss what the two democrats suggest changes

THE @ErikaNeuberg wants to tell the others what she wants specific boundary changes to D1- D3 - D 8 -
will not alter my intention yesterday to give central phx strong representation

C Lerner - Struggling to see where we can find a compromise to find balance
D1 - more urban

To make D1 more urban - Cave Creek and Carefree and part of Phx from D1 to D8 - keep Scottsdale, Fountain Hills and Desert Ridge and Metro center stay or move to D1 Gives boundaries

THE @ErikaNeuberg should not consider a future career as a pundit - she is both arrogant and certain

On the other hand she might just be perfect

C Mehl - of course is ready to rattle through
C Lerner - how will this work tomorrow - today I supported two of three maps - if we pursue this path we will simply be further down the path where we are divergent

YAY for Commissioner Lerner

THE @ErikaNeuberg says they have not been working off of Republican maps

See? She would be great was a pundit.. Absolutely no need to connect with reality.

OK -- here is the Republican wish list
D7 - Craycroft to Davis Monthom

D7/D6/D2 - should be mostly balanced with just this change - and ready to move into MarCo -Casa Grande used for pop balancing needs

so @ndc_doug asks N/S Casa Grande or E/W Casa Grnade?
C. Mehl says N/S
Now boundary changing in D4 and D5

No border of D 4 shoudl follow Tempe city boundaries; and add retirement communities in the east

Western Boundary of D5 goes west to AZ avenue - Hamilton HS goes w/ Sun Lakes
THE @ErikaNeuberg asks about Chandler HS and warns about minority communities

C York talks about the golf course community - Redistricting for golf course!

Pop balance along the N border of Gilbert

Changes between D 3 and D8
Old Phx neighborhoods in D3
C Lerner asks that C York make requests based on Const criteria THE @ErikaNeuberg feed a yes/no "is this what you mean" question

Sun city goes to D8 - and #stupidfuckingdebbielesko does a happy dance - she will die in Congress with this map -

moving population here and there, according to Commissioner York

3,028

Move pop to of CD 9 - I think

And THE @ErikaNeuberg prompts for the "speech"

C Lerner - says we've talked about this -- that is Maryvale -
THE @ErikaNeuberg points out that C Lerner will have her own turn - not your only one and only opportunity to debate

C Lerner - we'll not have a choice tomorrow. Says I could do it better tomorrow

THE @ErikaNeuberg asks can we do more now
Mapping too pushes for known requests

OK
Maryvale - moves into CD 7 - question of going east to 101 - fine.. COI, Avondale relationship

Move Casa Grande to CD 2 - likely many agreements in CD 5

Boundary between CD 2 and Cd 6 suggested by C Mehl works

Hope we can talk about this tomorrow re: Tucson
Move the line back to Campbell - - could be a piece that goes from
Alvernon and Campbell may be split - doesn't have to be straight up - for discussion purposes -- there are ways to compromise

C Lerner says I hope to have a proposed compromise for population -
THE @ErikaNeuberg asks C Lerner for the constitution criteria for changes - C. Lerner answers 1) VRA in CD 7; 2) more evenly split 3) N of Grand could go further west 4) makes the District more competitive

Another big picture - go into D5 and D2
Leisure world? Recommend it be included - Gold Canyon, Gold Camp and Q Valley from D2 to D5 - retirement community that want to be combined w/ Apache Junction

Leisure world to D5 w/ other retirement communities
C Lerner says all will be pop imbalanced- will try to have suggestion tomorrow - golf club = se highway

C Lerner - stopping bec. she is not sure the other changes she has bec. of ... ]
debate about whether or not to share the info
needed for real time - does the public need it at the same time as we do --
THE @ErikaNeuberg asks how would we disclose it

CRAZY

that this is even a conversation

. @ndc_doug says CD map on Wednesday will be really, really, really, really, really, really slow because changes will have to be made in real time to get to 1 person deviation

and it gets a word salad fro @ErikaNeuberg

Clarification between @ndc_doug and C Lerner

C Lerner - didn't;t get to Cd 3 -taking into account the whims (C Lerner did not use that word) of @ErikaNeuberg

See you all back here tomorrow,

See you at 9:00 am tomorrow

70 hours; 30 minutes +/- to go