By Pedro Toledo, Photo: US Atlas, The Press Democrat, January 9, 2022
Every 10 years, the California Citizens Redistricting Commission creates new district maps for the state Senate, Assembly, Board of Equalization and U.S. House of Representatives to ensure that each district has roughly the same number of people. Given the population shifts over the past 10 years, most districts had to significantly change to ensure equal representation and fair maps across the state.
When I applied to serve on the commission for 2020, my goal was to ensure that district lines were drawn fairly and communities that have been historically excluded would have an opportunity to elect candidates of their choice. I’m filled with immense gratitude and feel privileged to have been able to serve alongside a group of leaders who are equally committed to ensuring fair election maps.
As the chief administrative officer of a community clinic, I was able to contribute my experience in health care to the experience of other commissioners. I have firsthand knowledge that a healthy, inclusive, representative democracy is crucial to maintaining good physical and mental health. An estimated 80% of health outcomes are shaped by social determinants of health, such as housing, wages, education and gender and racial equity.
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