From the Harford County Democratic Central Committee:
Today’s court ruling upholding the Harford County Council’s decision to exclude a representative of the Democratic Party on the council redistricting commission only points to the need for a new law to provide a level of fairness to the process, according to the presiding Circuit Court Judge.
Judge John Fader, a retired Baltimore County Judge appointed to hear the case in Harford County Circuit Court, ruled that he had no choice but to deny the Harford County Democratic Central Committee’s request to block the County Council from accepting a redistricting plan from a commission that does not include any Democrats. He said to rule otherwise would be creating “new law” and that as a trial judge he cannot do that. He also cited the unfortunate fact that when the Harford County Charter was created there was no procedure for documenting legislative hearings, which might otherwise provide insight into the intent of the framers of the County Charter.
But Judge Fader said the issue raised by the Harford County Democratic Central Committee is an “important question” that involves the principle of “one person, one vote” that can only be settled by the Court of Appeals.
Wendy Sawyer, Chair of the Democratic Central Committee and named plaintiff in the suit, said “the Judge ruled for the Council simply because there is no law on the matter. He strongly encouraged us to appeal to get this matter resolved.”
“The failure of the Republican-led Harford County Council to form a Charter Review Commission to consider this issue has led us to this point,” said Ms Sawyer. “We filed this suit because we believed the Council used an error in the Charter to try to exclude Democratic influence in the redistricting process, which we believe violates both state law and the U.S Constitution. The Judge’s decision today only supports that belief.”
The Harford County Democratic Central Committee will be meeting with attorneys over the next few days to decide their next course of action.
Observer says
Does this mean that the Republicans can use this same idea to force the Democratic hegemony in Annapolis — where there actually is Republican representation, unlike Harford County, where the Democrats could hardly persuade anyone with a D after their name to run for countywide office — to draw sensible, decent district boundaries, so that we don’t have the same kind of gerrymandering we have now — or worse yet?
Rob in Bel Air says
You mean there are democrats in Harford County? What are they doing here and what are they thinking? These people need to go back to Baltimore City, Montgomery / PG Counties, or Annapolis where their kind infest the system.
Wait until the special session in October when O’Malley and thugs will be gerrymandering areas of Maryland (along with slipping in a few more taxes). Why were these people voted into office? Oh that’s right, they were voted in by those who benefit the most from tax and spend liberal democrats.
HDG READER says
Yes there are Democrats in Harford County, I am one of them. Save your tomatoes to throw at someone else please.
I do not belong to the Democratic Committee though, however, just like anyone else who lives and works in Harford County, I have a right to be here and to express my views. The Republicans, especially this current crop in Annapolis and in Washington are hardly the sort I would want making decisions for me. They are more interested in ramming radical religion and morality down our throats and making scapegoats of the poor and middle class.
But if everyone else is perfectly fine with this group of politicians’ actions, more power to you. We’ll see what happens in 2012 when hopefully people will realize the GOP is not the answer to America’s current crises.
hansonbabe says
Observer and Rob you demonstrate your hate at the slightest turn. This is a legal question and you are the onres making it political. I thought you believed in the right to take grievances to the government. You are soo busy being partisan you can’t begin to understand the intellect involved in the discussion. Grow up and pay real attentionfor once
Rob in Bel Air says
It does not take much to understand why . . . just look south at Annapolis . . . infested with liberal dems for years.
Beatrice says
And still you talk stupidly.
ROB IN BEL AIR IS FULL OF HOT AIR says
Yes Rob, I am a democrat, live in Harfod, have an advanced degree and even work, no kidding. I take offense to your comments. It’s not like you have a point other than calling names and pointing fingers. It gets tiring and boring. Say somehthing of substance instead of repeating yourself on each board….geez
Rob in Bel Air says
I believe you are a democrat, but doubt you have an advanced degree (otherwise you would not be writing such rediculous comments.
ROB IN BEL AIR IS FULL OF HOT AIR says
It is spelled ridiculous, arguing with the uneducated is not my style. bye.
Also, lies from the Harford Democrats says
There is so much wrong here– but I have only time to point out the inaccuracy (lie) in the title.
Judge Fader said no such thing about “needing a new law.” He said that he would not make law from the bench.
And it’s hilarious to me that DEMOCRATS WROTE THE CHARTER and now, after 34 years, it doesn’t suit them.