The Politics of the Census

Soon the questionnaire will arrive in the mail and you'll hear that familiar once-every-ten-year knock at the door.  Census version 2010 is coming.  You've heard the Census is important for your city, county, and state and that we all should be diligent to participate; this is certainly true.  While it does impact many factors from federal appropriations to emergency response to national perception to even how we're seen on the world stage, the most important result of the Census is the apportionment or redistricting of voting boundaries for local, state, and federal elections. 

Properly delineated voting districts ensure the concept of "one man, one vote," the equal protection clause.  It is through these boundaries that all of the other aforementioned results of the Census and more take shape.  In theory, every voting district, whether for city, county, state, or federal elections, should have an equal number of people located within each district thus ensuring equal representation.  The only problem with that simple notion is that politicians are in charge of drawing these boundaries and when politicians are involved, the potential for gerrymandering exists.

By definition, gerrymandering is a form of redistricting where electoral districts are deliberately modified producing a contorted or unusual shape.  Gerrymandering may be used to achieve desired electoral results for a particular party, or may be used to help or hinder a particular group of constituents, such as a political, racial, or other group.  It is used most often in favor of ruling incumbents.  This has been an evident result of the Democratic leadership in our state legislature for decades. 

Take a look at the Jackson County House and Senate District maps and you'll see with your own eyes what I mean.  Go to http://www.msjrc.state.ms.us/county_house/jackson.pdf for the House map and http://www.msjrc.state.ms.us/county_senate/jackson.pdf for the Senate map.  On the House map, see District 111 (bottom, aqua color).  It takes in South Pascagoula, grazes Gautier, and jumps in between Districts 112 and 113 to take in the outskirts of Ocean Springs.  On the Senate map, District 47 (top left, blue color) dives in between Districts 51 and 52.  What you don't see on the Senate map is that District 47 starts over in Pearl River County and meanders through Harrison and Stone counties before entering Jackson County.  Oh, and if you keep reading, it'll be no surprise that Senate District 47 is held by a Democrat, Senator Ezell Lee. 
                According to the House and Senate reports from the 2000 Census, the ideal House District size is 23,317 with the ideal Senate District size being 54,705.  Both reports allow for a maximum 5% deviation, with the highest deviation on the House side at 4.99% and 4.67% on the Senate.  What's interesting about this is that the districts that traditionally vote for the more liberal candidate or are considered more independent (normally vote Democrat or a toss-up in the Presidential elections) see the most negative deviation which allows for an increased number of representatives from those areas.

                Now, see the state House district map (http://www.msjrc.state.ms.us/ms_house.html), the state Senate district map (http://www.msjrc.state.ms.us/ms_senate.html), and a map showing traditional voting trends (http://www.csc.ncsu.edu/faculty/healey/US_election/figs/MS.png) with Democrat in blue and Republican in red.  Just for example, compare House Districts 5 (-4.8%), 9 (-4.9%), 11 (-4.9%), 26 (-4.9%), 29 (-4.9%) and 30 (-4.9%) to the trends map.  There are others.  Then compare Senate districts 11 (-3.9%), 16 (-4.6%), 24 (-4.4%), 26 (-3.2%), 32 (-3.9%), and 36 (-2.9%) to the trends map.  See anything interesting?  I would guess you do.  And if you trend it throughout the state in both the House and Senate, it's interesting to note the deviation between regions (north, central, and south).
                So what does all of this mean?  With the Senate leadership having shown a willingness to work in a bipartisan spirit, the Senate Legislative Reapportionment Chairman Sen. Terry Burton(R) and Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant should seek to reverse the trends above and bring about more equalized representation.  In the House, Speaker Billy McCoy (D) has shown no sign of working in a bipartisan spirit and as House Legislative Reapportionment Chair Rep. Tommy Reynolds (D) begins his work, you will see significant jockeying among Representatives and the House leadership in an effort to protect their perceived voting base and vulnerable Democrat members.  This should be of no surprise given the way in which the House Speaker vote went down after the last election.  It is widely known that one vote allowed Speaker McCoy to retain his chair, which brings us back to Jackson County.  
                Given the population shift from the coastal cities into the county since Hurricane Katrina, it's conceivable to believe that Senate District 47 could be taken out of Jackson County and Districts 51 and 52 could assume the electorate there.  As for the House seats in Jackson County, it is plausible that the Democrat House leadership will seek to ensure that District 111, the seat that was a Republican stronghold for two decades and that was narrowly won by 11 votes by Democrat Rep. Brandon Jones (who cast that deciding Speaker vote mentioned earlier), remains in their corner, perhaps by significantly redistricting the boundaries to gain more like-minded voters.  In addition, with the aforementioned population shift and the measures to protect Democrat members, the possibility of losing one House seat in Jackson County is a concern.
                You've heard it said that all politics is local; that is indeed true here.  As we look toward 2011 and the state elections, it is imperative that we participate in the 2010 Census and begin now to focus on continuing the progress we have made of putting true conservative leaders into state government, leaders that will be fiscally responsible, reduce our tax burden, protect our individual liberties, and advance Mississippi on the national and international stage through positive economic development.  Republican in Mississippi hasn't always been the norm, but we're making strides to that end everyday.

                And just for the record, I am of the opinion that the Census should only ask for the number in a household and if you are a legal American citizen, which means a little extra work for some but well worth the effort to get an accurate, legal accounting of our nation's citizens.

                So make sure you get counted in the 2010 Census.  No matter how frustrating it can be, stay involved in your government.  After all, all politics is local.

Frank Corder,

Pascagoula City Councilman

Mississippi and Education in 2010

Much has already been said and written regarding the possibility of school consolidation since Gov. Haley Barbour released his FY 2011 budget recommendations.  The Commission on Mississippi Education Structure has even been formed and appointed by the Governor, with its goal being to outline how to best achieve consolidation, capitalize on cost savings, and identify a process by which the 152 school districts can be paired down.  The Governor's vision is to merge the 152 districts in Mississippi's 82 counties into close to 100 districts saying that "by consolidating districts, we can make sure state and local tax dollars are spent on educating our students and increase the quality of educational opportunities for Mississippi's children."
             I would agree that there would seem to be a duplication of services (primarily in administration) in our current school district format, especially when you consider the number of students being served in some of the more rural, sparsely populated areas in our state versus the denser, urban regions.   It would seem obvious to contend that some level of cost savings would be gained by consolidating school districts given the amount that is spent on hiring highly educated, experienced superintendents and other administrative staff.   At first blush, such an idea as consolidation has merit.  It is only until you begin to talk through the practicality and impact of the issue that the subject takes a turn. 
            I have seen the idea of school district consolidation work all of my life.  Here along the coast, where most cities enjoy their own school district, the children in the cities of Pascagoula and Gautier have for decades been guided by one school district, the Pascagoula Municipal Separate School District.  While there are some obvious factions of rivalry that exist between the two citizenry, the students, parents, and school staffs all have allowed this system to work and work well.  What other school district can tout not one, but two national Blue Ribbon high schools? 
            When you talk school district consolidation, there are more than just dollars and cents to figure; you have to account for the communities you are affecting.  The elected leaders and the general public of the cities and counties must be willing to enter into school consolidation, or it will never work.  While cross town or county rivalry is all in good fun, there must be an overarching sense that such merging is beneficial to all involved and doesn't adversely impact one area more than another.  Believe me, people keep score even in the best of environments.
            Along a similar vein, school districts are their own taxing districts.  The citizens, businesses, and industries located within those districts all make up the tax base for the area schools.  We all choose to live in or relocate to an area for a reason, i.e. schools, employment, quality of life, etc.  Redrawing these districts will greatly impact the level of funding schools obtain thus impacting the level of service they will be able to provide putting the quality of education enjoyed now by some areas at risk while increasing the viability of others. 
            Take the Pascagoula School District for example.  The Pascagoula School District has a total current enrollment of approximately 7,100 students with 70% eligible for free or reduced lunch.  The demographics are 43% white, 47% black, and 10% Hispanic, Asian, etc.  The estimated local per pupil expenditure for Pascagoula is $4,765 as compared to the Mississippi local average expenditure of $2,476.  Redrawing the school taxing district or mandating consolidation with a neighboring school district would significantly impact Pascagoula schools and the students currently residing in the area. 
            Of course, playing Robin Hood with school taxing districts is not a new idea.  Going on three years ago, then-State Senator Tommy Robertson, at the urging of county officials, authored legislation and attached it to a bill allowing for Jackson County, Moss Point, and Ocean Springs school districts to essentially rob the Pascagoula School District of its tax dollars from the Chevron Refinery, saying that the industry was located in the county, not the City of Pascagoula and that the taxes collected should be shared by all county school districts.  While the refinery has always been in the Pascagoula district since its inception and school taxing districts are not held to municipal boundaries, nor have they ever been state-wide, the legislation passed and attempts to repeal the unconstitutional law has yet to be approved by the state legislature.  The law is now being challenged and is scheduled to be heard sometime in the spring of 2010.
            In theory, Robin Hood is a great children's story, robbing from the oppressive rich to give to the belittled poor, but such action is terrible economic and taxing policy.  The term "fairness" has been thrown around for such efforts, saying it is only "fair" for all to benefit, at least to some percent, from the wealth enjoyed by some.  No slice of the proverbial pie is adequate when you are entitled by law to the full pie.  I contend that rewriting law and robbing taxing districts to simply meet the whims of the day is damaging not only to an area but to the core beliefs of this country and to the Constitution.  But I digress.
            When talking school consolidation, it would seem prudent to further discuss local funding.  For my friends around the state, this will not be an easy pill to swallow, but local communities should be funding themselves at an appropriate level so as not to depend so heavily on the state for assistance.  I am not a fan nor a proponent of tax increases; we pay too much, too often now.  However, if we as a state are to ever advance our education system, local school districts must begin to tax their local residents at a level so they can pay the bills, and yes, that includes my own.  Relying on the state to subsidize local school districts is a disease we must cure.   The Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP) has been a politically charged joke for too long.  Education funding is the number one burden on the backs of taxpayers in our state and it's high time the state change its course and encourage local school districts to adequately fund their own districts.  Please don't misunderstand me; our state's children are worth the investment but if you want to talk school consolidation, then separate the wheat from the tares and require all districts to fund themselves at an appropriate level.  It will be quickly seen as to what districts need consolidation.
            Another line of thought being promoted locally and in the Capitol is the expansion of the charter schools law.  By definition, charter schools are public, nonsectarian schools created through a contract or charter with a state approved granting agency, usually a school district but at times a for-profit organization.  They are publicly funded but operate outside some of the traditional school policies and regulations.  Supporters of charter schools contend that these schools create competition within the public school system and serve to improve the education for all children.  Opponents of charter schools contend that such schools drain the traditional public schools of motivated, involved families and create a competition of funding resources and community perception, essentially creating a publically funded "private" school.
            Many in my own political party, even some local state elected officials, are pushing to broaden charter school legislation.  I am not here to debate the pros and cons of charter schools, however, I am of the opinion that charter schools may be of some merit in a number of areas around our state at some point in the future, just not now given our state's financial situation.  Promoting charter schools while pushing school district consolidation would by definition be an oxymoron.  On one hand the state is compelled to reduce non-essential education spending through consolidation while on the other hand the state would authorize the expansion and implementation of more schools which would require more tax dollars and only for a specific, select few students.  Such talk at this juncture given our financial condition would be unwise indeed.
             The issue of school consolidation is sure to be one storyline worth tracking over the next few months, with the state legislature gaveling in next week and the Commission on Mississippi Education Structure slated to issue a report by April 1, 2010.  Below are a few quotes from others on this issue you might find interesting:

"It's been my observation everybody wants to consolidate everybody else's district, but not their own," said House Education Committee Chair Cecil Brown, D-Jackson.

"I think I might disappear if consolidation happened in some of my school districts," said Senate Education Chair Videt Carmichael, R-Meridian.

"I'm being told by people who study these numbers that because of their financial situations, the state could be looking at taking over 30 districts, maybe more..If the state of Mississippi is taking them over, that could be justifiable reason for merging those districts," said State Senator Doug Davis, R-Hernando.

"I don't think anyone can show the governor where there's any great savings by consolidating. I don't really see consolidating schools being a huge topic in the legislature this session," said Dr. John Jordan, interim state superintendent of Mississippi schools.

             While I for one am not opposed to school district consolidation in theory especially given our financial circumstances, I believe much needs to be considered and carefully worked through if our state is going to take up this mantle.  Throwing the baby out with the bathwater, as has been done with the Congressional health care reform debate, isn't prudent.  Gov. Barbour has served our state well thus far and I am sure he will guide this ship just as diligently.  The team he's enlisted on the Commission will be facing an enormous task.  I only hope that at the end of the day sound Constitutional principles will be upheld (especially in terms of taxing districts) while thinking first of the students that will be impacted, the affect on and the responsibility of the local communities, and the application of sound fiscal guidelines that will buoy our state now and in the future.

Frank Corder,
Pascagoula City Councilman - Ward 4

A Christmas Note

       At this time of year, I would like to pass along my sincere wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous and Happy New Year to you and your family.

        I would like to express my deep heartfelt gratitude to you all for the opportunity to serve as a Councilman for our great City of Pascagoula.  It truly is a joy and a gift for me to be able to serve you, the people of Pascagoula. 

       Thank you for your support and prayers during 2009.  I covet your continued involvement as we enter 2010 and I look forward to seeing our City move forward throughout the upcoming year.

       While our nation and state are facing many challenging issues, our City has maintained a healthy position given the dire economic times and we are poised to meet the challenges of 2010 head on with diligence and hard work as we push Pascagoula forward.

       Please always feel free to email or call me anytime with your comments or suggestions. 

       May we all remember why we celebrate Christmas and give God praise for His sending His Son to give salvation to our world. 

       Again, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  See you in 2010.


As always, Think Pascagoula First,

Frank Corder,
Pascagoula City Councilman

Eastlawn Campus and Community Enhancement Project

       Eastlawn Elementary School, located on Ingalls Avenue in Pascagoula, has been a hub for the surrounding neighborhoods since 1952.  For over 55 years, thousands of area children have walked the halls and many youth teams have utilized the vast outdoor area for soccer, football, and baseball practices.  Children in the adjacent neighborhoods have come to the school seeking an education during the day and have come back in the evenings and on weekends to enjoy the outdoor recreational options.

       Throughout the years, the school has seen a number of building additions and renovations.  As a matter of fact, the building is even now benefiting from new doors and bathroom upgrades.  However, as the building has seen changes, the outdoor recreation area has significantly lagged behind.  The large outdoor space currently has only a small, aged playground area scattered around the property with limited equipment as well as a new outdoor classroom space unveiled just this year.   

       We are launching an Eastlawn Community and Campus Enhancement Project campaign in an effort to create an outdoor recreational area for the school's students and staff while providing a much needed outdoor option for the families of the surrounding neighborhoods and the area youth teams.

       To accomplish this goal, we will be hosting a Project Kickoff Friday, December 18th at 10am at the school.  At that time, we will unveil the site plan, announce our fundraising goal and begin seeking financial and in-kind support and buy-in from the community to help us reach our project goals.

       As the City Councilman for Ward 4 (which is the area largely served by Eastlawn Elementary) and more so as a parent, I know first hand the opportunity and potential the outdoor area at Eastlawn holds for the students of the school as well as for the surrounding neighborhoods, which is why I've volunteered to help promote this project.

       As we begin this project campaign, we invite everyone to get involved at the ground level, to invest in the future of students and families in our local community by participating in this Eastlawn Community and Campus Enhancement Project.  We need your support and assistance.

       Those who are willing to make a donation to this project or would be available to participate in this project campaign on another level (i.e. volunteering at a fundraising event, helping promote the effort, etc.) should email or call me or PTA President Kelli Johnson. 

       We hope to see you at the Project Kickoff next Friday, December 18th at 10am as we begin this worthwhile project.  To see more, click here.

Frank Corder
Pascagoula City Councilman - Ward 4