2 legislators schedule forum on redistricting

By Times staff writer

© St. Petersburg Times,
published September 5, 2001

ST. PETERSBURG -- Saying that St. Petersburg's minority community deserves a voice in the legislative redistricting process, two state legislators are planning a forum here Saturday. State Sen. Les Miller, D-Tampa, and Rep. Frank Peterman, D-St. Petersburg, have set up the forum from 9 a.m. to noon at the Enoch Davis Center.

Miller said the forum was a response to public hearings in Clearwater and Tampa -- inconvenient for St. Petersburg residents -- set up by the state House and Senate committees on reapportionment and redistricting.

"It was not an appropriate way to handle it," Miller said.

The hearings, held Aug. 27, are among more than 20 being held across the state during a four-month period in preparation for the 2002 legislative session. The purpose of the hearings is to give residents an opportunity to address lawmakers who must redraw district lines to take into account the state's growing population.

The process -- a once-a-decade event -- will be controlled by Republicans this time. Last time, Democrats were the majority. Miller said that even though Republicans are controlling matters, the city's largely Democratic minority population deserves to be heard.

"I think it's important enough for the people of south Pinellas, particularly those who are African-American, to have a hearing here," said Miller, whose district includes parts of St. Petersburg and Tampa. "I think every little bit matters whether the Republicans are in control or not."

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