Letter 'Implores' Stratfordites to Seek Answers on Redistricting

By Ariana Rawls Fine

I am truly disappointed and disturbed by the Town Council and Ordinance Committee’s (comprised of the same people) votes to pass a redistricting plan that benefited one party, not the town.

I would hope that my fellow Stratfordites that did not attend the meetings or public forums will look into this on your own…their decision WILL affect you, whether it is now or over the next 10 YEARS that this redistricting plan and switching of district names will be in play.

The decision by 6 of your town council members blatantly disregards the town’s real needs, disenfranchises the many people that spoke out against the Replubican Registrar of Voters’ plan (at the public forums, in the papers, and online), and reeks of party politics, gerrymandering, and land grabbing.

Gerrymandering? Yes, absolutely.

Definition: “In the process of setting electoral districts, gerrymandering is a practice that attempts to establish a political advantage for a particular party or group by manipulating district boundaries to create partisan advantaged districts.”

Another definition adds in “while concentrating the voting strength of the opposition in as few districts as possible.”

My dear fellow townspeople, unless you rise up and request a referendum on this, you will allow yourself to be manipulated.

I beg you to question why only Districts 1 and 7 should rule Stratford’s coastline, why District 3 (Historic District) will be rerouted to not include the American Festival Theatre and other key historical sites, what good renaming District 2 as the new District 3 will really do for Stratford (beyond political manipulation of land use boards and creating havoc with your currently elected officials representing multiple districts), and so much more.

I implore you to reach out to your elected councilperson and ask them to explain their vote. I ask of you to seek a referendum so we, the people, can make this final decision.

Submit your letter to the editor to jason.bagley@patch.com.