Redistricting Commission recommendations needed

[beth_leonard]

I applied to be a redistricting commissioner for the state of California. I made the first cut and now I need to submit three letters of recommendation. Would anyone (not a family member) like to recommend me? I am a member of the opposite political party from most of my friends, but I believe that when both parties have an interest in discussing politics I am a good listener even if I disagree with the other person's conclusions. Sometimes I learn something and even change my mind. I have a strong analytical background and the ability to understand computer programs, data, and statistics.

It will basically be a 9 month long more than full-time job from next January through September, and it's very important to me that it be done correctly. If you want something done right...

What they want in the letter is here: https://application.wedrawthelines.ca.gov/pdfs/letters_of_recommendation.pdf

Good letters of recommendations show strengths and weaknesses, are detailed, insightful and professional. They should provide important insight into an individual’s character, integrity, and motivation for applying to serve on the commission. They should also address the individual’s ability to be impartial, their relevant analytical skills, and their appreciation for the state’s demography and geography.

I'm assuming that I'll need to end up asking specific people in person to write me recommendations, but just in case someone is chomping at the bit to do it I thought I'd send out a blanket request.

When I get my own essays written I'll probably be asking all my friends to help proof read them as well.
--Beth

Comments

[beth_leonard]

1. Yes! Yay! The law has a clause so that "communities of interest" have to be kept together, in addition to following natural geographical boundaries, and that's going to be the toughest part of following through (I remember when I voted for it thinking that the undefined term was going to be a problem, but even with it in there it's so much better than having the legislature in power drawing it's own boundaries that I'm happy the law passed.)

2. The law was written so that the committee is composed of 14 members -- 5 from each of the two leading parties (i.e. 5 Democrats and 5 Republicans, but if another leading party emerges in the future they would get the seats) and 4 from other parties or registered independents. The committee members must have been registered for their party continuously for the last 5 years, and must have voted in at least 2 of the last 3 state-wide elections. The committee members can't have made political contributions of more than $2500, nor can their immediate family members. Unfortunately, the way they've written the job description, committee members are expected to immediately hire staff members for whom this requirement may not apply.

4. Three Californians is probably better but if I have difficulty finding 3 Californians and you would be interested in writing a letter for me, I would sincerely appreciate it. You have lived in California for a long time and know me quite well.

I'll keep you in mind, thanks!
--Beth