BALTIMORE COUNTY — Baltimore County's upcoming redistricting process is generating controversy as the council prepares to add two seats and redraw district lines that will determine the political and racial makeup of the governing body.
The debate has centered on allegations that the proposed map could give white voters control of 78% of council seats, with critics calling such an outcome illegal.
"This map will almost certainly create an outcome that gives 78% of council seats to white voters, it is illegal," Ian Miller, president of Baltimore County Young Democrats, said.
Councilman Pat Young said he has been excluded from discussions about modifying the map.
"I can't speak to their rationale, but I would say that after the only meeting that I had with two other members of the council, I've not been engaged with or or asked about any kinds of changes or conversation about public input to change the map," Young said.
Councilman Izzy Patoka responded to Young's claims.
"Well, being a council member in Baltimore County is a very powerful position and so if you pick up the phone and call your colleague, then you're not shut out, uh. You know, if you intentionally disengage that's a choice that each council member makes," Patoka said.
Councilman Julian Jones acknowledged that final agreements on redistricting often come down to the wire.
"I do know that oftentimes, some of these agreements are not gonna happen until the 11th hour because that's when it has to happen. And people are gonna be holding out, and people often change their minds," Jones said.
Community groups have rallied outside council chambers demanding greater transparency in the redistricting process. They want to see the newest version of the map well before a scheduled public meeting.
"No map has been released, no explanation, no transparency. This isn't just disappointing, it's a betrayal of public trust. If a map isn't produced until the day of the work session, when will anyone have time for fact finding or meaningful response?" Shawn McIntosh of North Baltimore County Dems said.
Patoka said the council is working on a new map and plans to release it before the next public hearing.
"Well we're gonna have another public hearing we hope to have a map in place before that public hearing, uh, and we're just trying to incorporate everything that we've heard for the last couple of years," Patoka said.
The council must pass the redistricting map by October 1, requiring five votes for approval.
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