Governor Martin O’Malley today announced the creation of the Governor’s Redistricting Advisory Committee (GRAC). The five-member committee will hold public hearings, receive public comment, and draft a recommended plan for the State’s legislative and congressional redistricting.
“The Committee will immediately develop a schedule of public hearings to allow citizens the opportunity to participate in the process,” said Governor O’Malley. “The process of working together with citizens, members of the General Assembly and our Congressional delegation will ensure the maps developed by the Committee accurately reflect the diversity of the State.”
Governor’s Redistricting Advisory Committee Members:
Jeanne D. Hitchcock, Esq. – Will serve as chair of GRAC. Presently serves as Governor O’Malley’s Secretary of Appointments. Prior to joining the Governor’s Office, she served as Deputy Mayor to then-Mayor Martin O’Malley. While Deputy Mayor, Ms. Hitchcock was instrumental in the redistricting process that, for the first time, created single member districts in Baltimore City. She also served as an Assistant Attorney General from 1980 to 1987.
Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. – Senate President since 1987, member of the Senate since 1975. President Miller also served on the GRAC in 1991 and 2001.
Michael E. Busch – Speaker of the House since 2003, member of the House of Delegates since 1987.
James King – Served as a member of the House of Delegates from 2007 to 2011 representing District 33A, Anne Arundel County. Small business owner who employs more than 100 Maryland residents. Recently named Business Owner of the Year by the West County Chamber of Commerce and in 2008, named Taxpayers Advocate of the Year by the Maryland Taxpayers Association.
Richard Stewart – Presently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Montgomery Mechanical Services Incorporated. A member of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America, Mr. Stewart also has held positions as a board member, director and past president of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Metropolitan Washington. Member of the Maryland Stadium Authority since July 2007.
“Having worked on redistricting in Baltimore City, I am aware of the necessary and critical role citizens play in the redistricting process,” said Secretary Hitchcock. “I look forward to working with the members of the Committee to set up a schedule of public hearings, ensuring citizens across the State of Maryland have the opportunity to participate.”
“The Census revealed real changes in Maryland’s population, and I look forward to working with the members of this Committee to develop congressional and legislative districts that reflect those changes,” said Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. “We are committed to an open and fair process that produces the best result for the citizens of Maryland.”
“As we begin the redistricting process, I want to commend the Governor for his selection of a diverse group of individuals who will keep the best interests of state voters central in their deliberations,” said Speaker Michael E. Busch. “This process will be open and transparent and engage as many voters as possible, as we endeavor to craft new Congressional and legislative districts.”
“I am honored to serve the residents of Maryland on the Redistricting Committee,” said James King. “It is imperative that the minority party have a voice in this extremely important process. The decisions and recommendations that the Committee will offer will play a critical role in the make up of the state’s electoral process for the next decade. I look forward to bringing balance to this process.”
“I am pleased to represent the citizens of Maryland on the Committee,&rdq
