Both in the 2000 and 2010 Redistricting deliberations that were ultimately decided by a panel of Supreme Court Justices, OneMN.org submitted testimony on behalf of the ALANA communities and led by Brett Buckner.
This testimony was an important contribution to the current political boundaries that have enabled the largest ALANA delegation in the Minnesota Legislature and in local government. OneMN.org developed a redistricting map following all the redistricting principles but from the perspective of ALANA representation and submitted the key findings to the Judicial Panel on redistricting. This was perhaps the first time such a sophisticated presentation on behalf of the ALANA communities was made in Minnesota, based on data and ALANA economic contributions.
On October 5, 2011 in a statement to the Judicial Panel on Redistricting, OneMN.org and partners made this statement:
We request the court to provide fair political representation to ALANA communities in Minnesota in the drawing of legislative and congressional districts.
To assist in this effort we have produced, for the first time in Minnesota history, from the perspective of the ALANA communities, a redistricting map to ensure fair political representation in Minnesota. While drawing our version of the map we respected municipal and county boundaries as far as possible, preserved rural, urban, suburban and exurban communities of interest as well as major geographical boundaries and acknowledged major population shifts.
Our production of such a map is evidence in itself that empowered communities will find unique and important solutions to Minnesota’s challenges. We have been able to approach parity in political representation.
We ask the Court panel to constantly explore possibilities to increase the opportunities for political participation of the ALANA communities.
Below are key documents.
Testimony to the Judicial Panel
Follow-up to Testimony to the Judicial Panel
Pioneer Press Report of testimony
