Live reporting by
Avani Kalra
Keeping Cicero in one district, combining Back of the Yards in one district
Avani Kalra
@avanidkalra
Hi everyone! Today I will be covering the 10 AM meeting of the Cook County Board of Commissioners 2020 Census Redistricting Committee. Stay tuned for more! #ChiDocumenters @CHIdocumenters
09:58 AM Jun 14, 2021 CDT
@CHIdocumenters We begin with attendance, followed by an announcement of the agenda and of the intent.
The Women's League of Voters has asked for someone to read out the chat box. Now we have time allotted for public speakers. The rules are read out, and the commission asks that everyone be respectful of time.
First is a City Administrator of the City of Berwyn, asking that the 16th District maintain one commissioner. Frank J. Aguilar has done a great job representing the district, and they ask to maintain their one sole commissioner who represents their population.
Next up is Jesse from Back of the Yards. He said fifteen years ago he embarked on on a redistricting endeavor for the first time, and he hopes that the Committee continues to keep Back of the Yards in one district and incorporates the rest of Back of the Yards in that district
He says it's hard to express wishes to elected officials when there are multiple different people tasked with representing that community. The next speaker speaks to the same issue, saying that for two decades they have fought for singular representation.
She adds she's experienced the negative impacts of having multiple people represent the community as an organizer, running through the number of people who represent the community.
There are several elected officials currently that come to mind, including Commissioner Anaya, as people who have helped and furthered the Back of the Yards community. "I would like to request that Back of the Yards be as together as possible with one community representative."
The group shares some contact information that they would like to be available to the broader group. The Chair thanks them for explaining the specifics for website visitation and similar issues.
The Chairwoman asks for questions or comments from Commissioners. There is a note to thank everyone who testified.
Here is a link to what way's today's agenda, in case you're curious! It was primarily focused on public speakers and their wishes for the Committee. chicago.documenters.org/documents/agen…