Posted on 11/17/2003 7:56:57 AM PST by Theodore R.
Commissioners to consider joining redistricting lawsuit
BY TRICIA CORTEZ Times staff writer
Webb County will join the consolidated lawsuit filed against Gov. Rick Perry and the state of Texas over the Republican-drawn congressional redistricting map passed by the Texas Legislature in October.
The Webb County Commissioners Court will hold a special called meeting Monday to hire the San Antonio law firm of Rolando Rios to represent the county.
Commissioner Judith Gutierrez made the request last week.
The trial begins Dec. 11 and will be held in federal court in Austin before a three-judge panel.
Other plaintiffs in the lawsuit styled Session et al. vs. Rick Perry et al. include the American G.I. Forum, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the League of United Latin American Citizens, the Texas Democratic Party and state Rep. Richard Raymond (D-Laredo).
The new map splits Laredo and Webb County into two congressional districts for the first time. It is expected to give Republicans five to seven more seats in the U.S. Congress where they currently hold a slim lead.
Rios was hired by the commissioners court last Monday, at a cost not to exceed $4,500, to begin the process of realigning six Webb County voting precincts to comply with state election laws.
The new map split six precincts between the congressional districts currently held by Republican Henry Bonilla and Democrat Ciro Rodriguez, both of San Antonio.
The Monday agenda lists two other items.
One is to solicit Requests for Qualifications to begin the process of hiring an Elections Administrator.
John Beckelhymer resigned from his position Oct. 3, and Chief Elections Deputy Oscar Villarreal was recently named interim administrator by the county's five-member Elections Commission.
The other item is to amend the county's personnel policy so that public notice and publication in local newspapers are provided for job openings in departments that fall under the purview of the commissioners court.
11/17/03
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