Redistricting panel rejects proposed rule on private talks
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico’s new redistricting committee has rejected a rule proposed by its chairman to bar or require disclosure of members’ conversations with non-members about maps for new congressional and legislative districts.
Retired Supreme Court Justice Edward Chavez had included the proposal in his suggested package of rules for the committee and said it would provide transparency.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that the proposal was criticized by conservative activists and left-leaning community groups, and that concerns were raised about discouraging participation from people who couldn’t testify at a public meeting.
The commission on Friday accepted the rest of Chavez’s suggested rules.