Opinion: Legal Battle Over Prince George’s Redistricting Map Is a Waste of Money

By Tracy Thompson

The writer is a resident of Bowie.

Dear Prince George’s County Council,

I am so upset that you are appealing Circuit Court Judge William Snoddy’s decision to overturn the council-approved redistricting map (formerly CR-123-2021).

Judge Snoddy stated that you had failed to follow the law and ordered you to implement the original map that was presented by the Prince George’s Redistricting Commission (a nonpartisan, independent commission). I fully support the redistricting commission map and, like Judge Snoddy, I want the redistricting commission map to take effect as soon as possible.

A legal battle over the judge’s ruling is an enormous waste of our taxpayer dollars. While Prince George’s families are still struggling through the COVID pandemic, how can you justify spending money to protect your illegal map?

I can think of so many better uses for our tax dollars, such as increased financial assistance to families struggling to pay rent or a mortgage, increased distribution of face masks and COVID testing kits throughout the county, increased COVID vaccine clinics, increased COVID testing opportunities and increased funds for food banks.

What recourse do Prince George’s residents have when they see their taxpayer dollars being used to protect a map (that most residents don’t want), instead of being used to help the residents in the midst of a continuing pandemic?

I am outraged at this waste of our taxpayer money. I’m also outraged at how determined you are to keep your redistricting map that has been ruled illegal.

This looks like a blatant attempt to actively interfere with the races of opposing candidates and it is an insult to our democracy. The current members of the county council who are appealing Judge Snoddy’s ruling need to put the needs of Prince George’s residents above their personal political desires and allow the redistricting commission map to take effect immediately.

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