The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors has rejected a resolution expressing support of Proposition 50, a redistricting ballot measure being voted on by Californians in November.
Prop. 50 is a measure put on the ballot by Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democrats in the state Legislature in response to President Donald Trump’s support for redrawing congressional maps in Texas. The Texas redistricting was signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott and redrew five congressional districts to favor Republicans.
Prop. 50, which will appear on the Nov. 4 special election in California, would redraw congressional districts in the state to offset the Republican-leaning gerrymandering led by Trump and the GOP in Texas.
At their Sept. 23 meeting, there was a consensus among the Board of Supervisors, excluding Supervisor John Haschak who authored the resolution, that supporting Prop. 50 would be an inappropriate action for a local government agency focused on county issues and topics.
“I just don’t think that it’s in this board’s purview to get into the circus of what the Republicans and the Democrats are doing at the national level,” said vice chair Bernie Norvell. “Everybody gets a say in this, and it’s at the ballot box. I hope we don’t get too far into the weeds about debating whether Prop. 50 is a good thing or a bad thing.”
“This is coming forward because of problems we are seeing in Sacramento and D.C. I don’t agree with this in the least and it removes local control. There are people on both sides of this, and it is not our issue in Mendocino County.” Sheriff Matt Kendall
Sheriff Matt Kendall spoke during public comment about how it is not in the board’s best interest to delve into political divisiveness.
“This is coming forward because of problems we are seeing in Sacramento and D.C.,” Kendall said. “I don’t agree with this in the least and it removes local control. There are people on both sides of this, and it is not our issue in Mendocino County.”
Haschak, who still spoke of his support for Prop. 50 despite the other supervisors’ disagreement with the resolution, said at the end of the discussion that he believes it is a crucial time to stand against the actions of the federal government.
“I will not bring a motion, but I do think this is a critical issue and it is a critical time in our country. I just hope we are looking at the big picture,” Haschak said.
The next Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Oct. 7 in the board chambers at 501 Low Gap Road, Ukiah. Meetings can also be watched virtually via Zoom.