On Friday, a state-appointed advisory board on redistricting recommended three proposed Congressional district maps go on to the Legislature, who will convene in December. The Legislature is not bound to use these maps, but they will be used as a reference point. The board also made recommendations on maps for state Senate and Congressional districts. Of greatest concern is the fact that the board did recommend a map proposal that essentially divided Southeastern New Mexico into three parts as one of its options. This is a classic example of gerrymandering (splitting apart a fairly-distinct area in order to weaken it politically) which we certainly hope would not hold up in court, were it to later be selected by the Legislature. There is still a lengthy process ahead in redistricting and hopefully time for cooler heads to prevail. 

From the office of Mayor Dale Janway