FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: February 7, 2011
Keyes Disappointed Murray Refuses To Create An Independent Commission On Redistricting
Sandwich—Today Tom Keyes, former Delegate and Deputy Speaker to the Barnstable County Assembly, criticized Senate President Therese Murray for failing to appoint an independent commission on redistricting.
“I am greatly disappointed that Senator Murray would not put the interests of people ahead of political considerations. Clearly she is more obligated to Beacon Hill insiders than the people of her district,” said Keyes.
Twenty-one other states across the nation have created independent commissions for redrawing district lines. Even Secretary of State Bill Galvin supports an independent commission that will not be obligated to politicians.
“By failing to appoint an independent commission, Senator Murray is showing that she is more interested in partisan politics than making sure every resident is Massachusetts is fairly represented,” said Keyes.
The first step in this lengthy process is for cities and towns to redraw their precinct lines. That has to be accomplished before the legislative and Congressional maps can officially be drawn, so there is time to appoint an independent commission.
The last three redistricting plans done for the Commonwealth by the legislature have ended up in court costing taxpayers. There are groups already lined up to sue the state this year if a fair plan is not drawn and there isn't a majority minority Congressional district.
“By having legislators draw the district lines, we know that their first priority will be incumbency protection. This will surely end up costing taxpayers a lot of money to defend an unfair plan in the courts,” said Keyes. “This is a costly mistake for the Commonwealth.”
This is not Murray’s first problem since being re-elected to office. She has been involved with the Probation Department scandal and took an international junket.
Keyes, 44, completed two terms on the Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates. A two term Sandwich Selectman, he has also served on numerous boards and committees including: Water Quality Review Committee, Sandwich Economic Development Committee, Board of Selectmen Economics Liaison, Cemetery Commission, Assembly of Delegates Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, the 21st Century Taskforce to review the Cape Cod Commission and draft operational changes to the County Commissioners, President of the Cape Cod Selectmen and Councilors’ Association and Board of Directors, and member of the Massachusetts Municipal Association’s Selectmen and Councilors’ Association.
Keyes founded his private practice, Keyes Quality Systems in 1998, providing consulting and contract services in management, ethics and compliance. He and his wife, Melissa have two daughters, Madelynn, five, and Julia, one.
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Paid for by the Committee to Elect Tom Keyes, 179 Old County Road, Sandwich, MA 02537
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