By Regan McCarthy
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-987508.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – November 1st is the last day for members of the public to turn redistricting map proposals in to the legislature. Members of the Senate Reapportionment committee are being asked to follow the same deadline. As Regan McCarthy reports Lawmakers say their deadline is intended to ensure there are no last minute surprises.
Senate Reapportionment Chairman Don Gaetz says he thinks both law makers and members of the public are concerned that a map will be created out of the public view and presented at the last minute. To relieve those concerns the Destin Republican says he'd like for the committee to operate in much the same way the appropriations committee does with no late filed amendments.
"I will vote against all late file amendments whether introduced by Republicans or Democrats and I will ask committee members to support me."
Gaetz says he'd like all maps introduced to use already existing voting districts as primary building blocks. He says county and municipality lines should be considered first followed by the voting districts created by elections supervisors. Members of the House redistricting committee are expected to turn their final maps in by November 14th.