Reynolds Vs. Sims
Jeff
to call a special session of the legislature to discuss two important
issues, Health Care and Water. We in Northern California should be
hearing the warning bells regarding both of these issues. At both
the State and Federal levels we are under represented and need focus
on partnerships that we have formed to be sure that our voices are
heard on both of these important issues. Over the years many Trinity
County citizens have worked to develop these relationships and we will
need their connections to be sure that our interests are fully
represented.
Although few current urban members of the California Legislature
remember or understand it, our under representation stems from a
historic legal case. Reynolds vs. Sims was a court case that may
forever change the course of history in California after 1964. Prior
to the ruling rural areas of California were represented equally in
the California State Senate with districts apportioned by geographic
area instead of by population. Weaverville's own Ed Regan served in
the California State Senate.
In the Supreme Court ruling Justice Earl Warren cited that
"Legislators represent people, not trees or acres. Legislators are
elected by voters, not farms or cities or economic interests".
After the ruling Senator Dirksen from Illinois stated that "". . .the
forces of our national life are not brought to bear on public
questions solely in proportion to the weight of numbers. If they were,
the 6 million citizens of the Chicago area would hold sway in the
Illinois Legislature without consideration of the problems of their 4
million fellows who are scattered in 100 other counties. Under the
Court's new decree, California could be dominated by Los Angeles and
San Francisco; Michigan by Detroit.."
I don't know if this prediction has come true in Michigan but we can
certainly confirm that it has occurred in California. Even when I go
to Sacramento there is still talk of Northern California being San
Francisco and Napa. As nice as those places are it is an indication
that we have a lot more work to do to get back "on the radar" with
folks in Sacramento to say nothing of those in San Francisco and LA.
I believe that the people in those areas are sympathetic but it is the
legislators that we need to connect with and woo. I am hopeful that
we are making progress.
How ironic that Dirksen's statement has rung true and Warren's has
been completely inverted.
Legislators now appear to be elected by farms, cities and economic
interests above and beyond the people in California. I hope we can
have our voices be heard in Sacramento and Washington on both of these
issues that we have been fighting so hard to sustain, water and
healthcare. Let's hope there are others out there with the
connections we need to be heard.
Let's hope that the Governor shows up here to discuss water. If he
intends to allocate it he should be reminded where its coming from.
As always I welcome your input and communication.
Best Regards,
Jeff Morris
je...@weavervilleinfo.com
www.trinitydistrict2.com