Representatives to testify in state court this week on behalf of the Mexican American Legislative
Caucus (“MALC”) in a lawsuit alleging that the discriminatory maps violate the Texas Constitution to establish standing.
Dominguez, a leading Brownsville attorney and two-term state representative, is familiar with the
legal and real-world implications of the discriminatory plan that would draw new lines through his home seat of Cameron County in violation of the Texas Constitution’s “county line” rule.
The rule states that districts must generally either be made up of entire counties or wholly contained
within the boundaries of a single county. Under the old maps, Cameron County had two seats entirely within county lines, HD 37 and 38, and a third, HD 35, based in neighboring Hidalgo County, which crossed over to represent the remainder of Cameron residents.
“There is enough population in Cameron County to clearly satisfy the needs of [HD] 37 and 38 and still have some left over,” Dominguez explained to the panel of judges, but noted that under the discriminatory map, “Cameron County will only have one wholly contained house district. HD 37 was moved out of the City of Brownsville and residents of San Benito will now have to drive for one hour to get to their state Representative.”
Dominguez also testified to how the illegal map not only makes it more difficult for Texans to interact with their elected representatives, but that it is less likely those officials reflect the populations they’re meant to serve. “[The discriminatory Map] dilutes representation of Hispanics, especially those that vote,” Dominguez testified. “It drops the number of Spanish surnames almost 10%. It makes it more difficult for Hispanics to elect their candidate of choice.”
The state court suit was filed along with federal cases alleging violations of the Voting Rights Act.
BACKGROUND / ADDITIONAL
In the new map only one district would remain fully within the county; Representative Dominguez’s district other would no longer include where he lives in Brownsville, and stretches into a wholly different county; San Benito, Olmito, and western parts of Brownsville currently represented by HD 38 but would be represented by HD 35, anchored in Western Hidalgo County in the City of Mission which is about an hour’s drive away, meaning that residents would have to drive through 4-5 other house districts to get to the office of their representative.
Dominguez noted the practical and logistical challenges for the people of Cameron County, who are often employed by local government or the public school system, having to rely on legislators located hours away who may not share their interests or live in their communities, rather than the combined efforts of two representatives actually based in and elected by the people of the county.
“Without doubt Cameron County’s ability to have two state representatives wholly contained within the county boundaries is not just beneficial to the government of Cameron County but to the people of Cameron County.” 12:45
“HD 35 which is only a fraction of the county and is anchored in a whole other county... never
really factors in the legislative needs of Cameron County.” 14:46.
8 comments:
The further away from these corrupt so- called leaders the better off we will be. Is this Dominguez's also including all the illegals? Remember he wanted to rebuild and honor the houses of the corrupt murders, thieves, salves owners Charles Stillman, Miflin Kenedy, and Neale, all with OUR tax money. Also, he was one of the leaders that was in Washington protesting against senate bill 5, while still being paid. He was one of the individuals Gov. Abbott singled out about wanting to still get paid while abandoning his position as representative being on VACATION. This is my opinion.
comoquiera people here just don't vote only la familia de cada candidato and friends (looking for jobs)of course.
Look at los piojos at la gran southmost a bruja and la gringa were elected PORQUE los piojos just don't vote.
Alex was a disappointment. He should have raised Hell in Austin, but played the little puppy.
We need brash Mexicans in the legislature!!!!
Texas monthly magazine gave you the name SUCIO, AND FOR GOOD REASONS.
Rather than join Dominguez in the fight, dos Sucio Lucio, quits. Sucio Lucio show your draft dodger card. Remove your name and your parents from building and Street named after you. Your parents did nothing for the community.
Dos Sucio Lucio did nothing for the valley. They put us on the map as the poorest cities and counties in the nation. Something they are proud of.
True what has he done what significant legislation if any has him or his son pass to help out this area in the past 25yrs.,oh wait the brige to know where and Tenaska hmmmm shameful tenure imo
I will not vote for you this time.
So, 14th street in Brownsville belongs to Hidalgo now?
And 6th street in Austin, belongs to Cameron County?
This is very confusing. How are people going to solve this issue?
Padre Island belongs to Starr County?
and Matamoros? Where does Matamoros belong now with this new map? and Rancho Viejo?
I got an F in my Geography class.
December 20, 2021 at 6:33 PM
But you know where your ass is at? RIGHT? A+ for pendejo
Post a Comment