As He Complains About Council Redistricting, What Work Has Councilmember James Rodriguez Done To Increase Latino Turnout In Houston?

A Houston City Council redistricting proposal has been offered by Mayor Annise Parker.

(Above–Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts. That is Gerry as in gerrymander.)

Every ten years Houston must redistrict council seats to match the new census numbers.

Here is the City of Houston redistricting web page.

The current plan is a first draft. There will be hearings and then a final vote.

Here is the time and location of the redistricting hearings—

Wednesday, April 13, 2011
City Hall, 901 Bagby
2^nd Floor, Council Chambers
9:00 a.m.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011
City Hall, 901 Bagby
2^nd Floor, Council Chambers
9:00 a.m.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011
City Hall, 901 Bagby
2^nd Floor, Council Chambers
7:00 p.m.

If you want to read the best analysis on this redistricting, check out the top local political blog Greg’s Opinion.

Charles Kuffner at Off The Kuff and Stace Medellin at Dos Centavos have also written on the redistricting plan.

One thing I read this morning in the Houston Chronicle’s redistricting story raised my eyebrows.

(Below—Raised eyebrows.)

From the Chronicle—

“The proposal also creates two new districts, as the city charter required once Houston topped 2.1 million residents. Hispanic voters make up 51 percent of the voting-age residents in each. District I Councilman James Rodriguez said that is insufficient…”I think it’s incumbent upon all Latino officials to get our numbers up,” Rodriguez said, but added that turnout alone cannot offset the insufficient numbers of Hispanics in the proposed A and F districts.”

I wish Councilman Rodriguez, a Democrat, would tell the people of Houston what hard work he has done to increase Latino turnout in our city. Whatever it is, he has not mentioned it on his campaign web page.

Here is all of what Mr. Rodriguez had to say abut the redistricting plan  as reported in the Campos Communication Blog.

Nothing in this statement indicates what Mr. Rodriguez has done to increase Latino turnout. It is all about what other people should be doing.

What has Mr. Rodriguez done to increase the often weak Latino turnout  in Houston?

I know I’ve not heard of any leadership from the Councilman on the brutal cuts being worked on in our Texas legislature.

Maybe this is because he has been working very hard on increasing Latino voter turnout in Houston.

If I’m missing something, please tell me.

It is easy to say you don’t like the districts that are being drawn up. It is more difficult to actually go out and work to get people to vote in every election.

We clearly need a greater Hispanic presence on Houston City Council.

Reaching that goal must be a two way street of fair district lines and increased Hispanic turnout.

(Another thing that would help bring about higher turnout and increased politcal involvement in Houston, would be Mayor Parker sharing some of the wealth from her million dollar fundraiser.)

(Below–Councilman Rodriguez)