He said he hopes the Republicans and Democrats on the commission will be able to work together to devise a plan. If they can’t reach an agreement, he added, there are two ways to resolve an impasse. Each party could create its own map, leaving the Republican-controlled Legislature to choose a plan, or the commission could decline to send along any plan, putting redistricting in the hands of the Legislature.
Commission members said that the Legislature has until March 5 to adopt a plan, and that residents would have additional opportunities to voice their opinions once a proposal is drafted.
“We are joined at the hip,” Long Beach resident Crystal Lake said of keeping the district together. “I am truly concerned, because I want people who are going to represent me to understand my concerns and needs.”
Andrew Hackmack contributed to this story.