Sedgwick County Redistricting Hearing Comments

DateNameCommission DistrictComments
12/10/2021Steve Howard UAbsolutely no on Maps 3 and 4 -- Riverside should not be cut up into different areas.
12/9/2021Danielle Butler 4North Riverside, Riverside, and Midtown all share common values and community interests. As a community we come together. We work to better our neighborhoods, care for our residents, and are actively involved. I am very proud of what we accomplish when we as a team and would like us to remain whole. After studying the plans for redistricting I would support plans 2 or 6. Thank you.
12/9/2021Michael Butler 4I have looked over the plans and I really think plans 2 or 6 would be best they are keeping the districts in somewhat similar lines. Thank you. Edit - I would support plans 2 or 6.
12/9/2021Michael Butler 4I have looked over the plans and I really think plans 2 or 3 would be best they are keeping the districts in somewhat similar lines. Thank you.
12/9/2021Brett Hogan 3Honestly why must this be so moronically confusing? Looking at these maps I'm lost at where even I am. What is the point of all this? Leave it be and move on, there are way more important issues at hand than arguing about imaginary lines of who can vote for who?
12/8/2021Kent Williams UA redistricting map that uses the Big or Little Ark Rivers as a boundary will neglect and fracture responsible community interest and representation. Thank You
12/8/2021Kori Green 4I would like to put my support behind redistricting plan 2, Riverside should not be broken up.
12/8/2021Mary Ware 4I support the county redistricting plan #2
12/8/2021Tom james 4I support plan #2
12/8/2021Lisette Martin UI do NOT want the Riverside district to change. Out of the options, I prefer map#2.
12/8/2021Nolan Dealy 1I support plan 5 for district 1
12/8/2021Grant Wullschleger UI love in Riverside in Wichita and I don’t think splitting it up into separate districts is acceptable. We are one district in the City of Wichita and should remain so in the County. Thank you.
12/8/2021Emily Judson 4Please reject any plans/maps for redistricting that split or divide the Riverside area. Thank you.
12/8/2021Ann Jones 3There’s nothing Southside about Riverside. This shouldn’t even be considered. Our communities..schools that feed into middle and high school. It’s all connected and equally important. THIS is OUR Riverside.
12/8/2021Sharon Ailslieger 3My concern is that the political parties will think only of their interests and not those of the people. I was very disappointed at the make up of the Committee.
12/7/2021Claire Willenberg 4If we are really limited now to plans 2, 3, 4 & 6, only 2 and 6 leave our central core neighborhoods that have a community of interest, intact. I feel it is very important to leave the defined areas of Riverside, North Riverside together in the same district. Along with Midtown and areas to the north, these residents share common interests and concerns. They share a high school, and similar diversity of housing, cultures and income levels. Our neighborhoods have many unique mental health concerns, from homeless individuals perferring to congregate along the Broadway and Arkansas River corridors, in the parks and Comcare facilities, to our elderly who are attempting to age in place as many can not afford to move to more supportive facilities. Our young people also have shared concerns and stresses. There are many homes where all adults are working, often at more than one job, and one result is that school truancy is high. For a variety of reasons, many of our youth are in need of mental health support somewhat unique to our neighborhoods. These areas have a long history of working together with residents active in initiatives with goals of maintaining and improving the quality of life here. We have developed communication skills, projects and programs which emphasize the importance of community. Because we have similar legislative concerns we benefit from representation through a single individual on the Sedgwick County Commission. If our cohesive neighborhoods are split, we would be like little fish in a huge pond filled with large fish- and our voices would be diluted. We have few concerns and needs in common with the "large fish" in newer and outlying subdivisions and towns. We deserve representation as a cohesive unit. Please vote for a plan that keeps our core central and north neighborhoods together. Thank you for your consideration.
12/7/2021LaWanda DeShazer 4Of the remaining map choices, I recommend map 6. I would also recommend keeping Century II, Naftzer and Intrust in District 4 (precinct 103). Map 6 does the best job of reaching "population goals"' and keeps communities of interest together without DELAYING the vote of citizens.
12/7/2021LaWanda DeShazer 4The entire process has been rushed, interestingly the census data included race, age, and other factors, but the major factor in the proposed maps seem to be party affiliation. How are minority groups being represented. How are independent voters being included? BUT I would be remiss if I did not state this fact: the voting power of the African American and other minorities should not be diluted. It is ridiculous to think that by spreading the vote in several districts would strengthen the voting power. Community of interests has to be taken into account---do not dilute the the strongest voting block of the African American vote which is found in District 4.
12/7/2021LaWanda DeShazer 4I attended the last redistricting meeting and it was disheartening to hear repetitively "in the interest of time"...if committee members are pressed for time then they should NOT have agreed to serve on the committee. The proposed changes will effect our County for the next 10 years....the process should not be rushed. As a matter of fact--the redistricting should be delayed until sometime in 2022 to allow more time, and possibly other maps to be drawn to reflect the sentiments of voters.
12/7/2021Connie J Mayes UI support Plan 6 for redistricting.
12/7/2021Mark Furry 4I like plan 8 the best. It seems to reflect the best direction for socio-economic development and potentially unifies interests Sedgwick County. I think most people are looking at their neighborhoods exclusively, but there needs to be a "big picture" approach. to this process, Each of the commission districts seem to have an equal stake in most segments of the area: center city, suburban and rural, ethnically diverse, economically diverse, small town vs. big city, etc. No particular area is over or under represented, forcing the commissioners to work together to solve problems that affect all citizens in the county, not just in their district.
12/6/2021Judah Craig 1Hello, I was fortunate enough to share by comments with you at the last meeting. I serve as the District 1 CAB chair and just wanted to take a moment to share our thoughts with you before your next meeting. Simply put, a lot of the feedback we have received is in regards to not splitting up Riverside and Indian Hills. Obviously, this has become a hot topic for our community. In addition to that, we have received feedback and priotized population equivalency while maintaining common areas of interest. At this point, I feel comfortable saying that of the remaining maps we would endorse map 6 over the rest of the maps available. Thank you for everything each of you are doing for our community. We are inspired by your ability to come together as a diverse group and do what is best for our common interests.
12/6/2021Cassandra Zeiner 4Splitting up Riverside is counterproductive to its needs.
12/6/2021Sierra Franklin 4I just have a comment about the appointing of this committee. As someone who has great concern about the bipartisan nature of this committee, I find it hard to to see bipartisanship when there is a current elected official presiding as the chair of the committee. This causes me great concern as a constituent that some of the rulings and over rulings by the chair may have partisan interests at stake. Also, in watching the meetings online, as a constituent, I would like to see more decorum and interest in the discussion at hand and not trying to belittle or make accusatory statements toward the members on the board. We constituents are trusting the recommendations in the hands of the committee and I do have fears that these discussions happening are just a farce and this issue will end up being left in the hands of the courts to draw which is disheartening. As a resident of Wichita and not necessarily in the areas of Indian Hills/Riverside etc. but as a former resident of the north end of town, those communities of interest’s concerns should be taken into account. The public comments submitted for the previous meeting have a clear determination that those communities of interest are urging the county commissioners to keep them in tact. Please keep their thoughts in consideration when making determinations.
12/6/2021bodeans@cox.net 4Please reject maps 3 & 4 which would separate Riverside and Indian Hills from neighborhoods that are historically aligned in their culture and identity. Indian Hills, North Riverside, Benjamin Hills, Riverside, El Pueblo, and others are a cohesive community within Wichita and splitting us up would be detrimental for us. Please do not separate us from those currently in our closely aligned community.
12/6/2021Marcia Schroeder 4I support the proposed plans that keep the entire Riverside neighborhood in District 4. Riverside and North Riverside have common interests and values.: we should be together. I also support keeping the Indian Hills/Riverbend neighborhoods (precincts 606 and 610) in District 4. All of these neighborhoods utilize and support the businesses on the Amidon corridor. We belong together.
12/6/2021James Rasmussen 4This address belongs into District 4 - there is no reason for a change. Ilse Rasmussen Tax Payer Voter
12/6/2021Derek Keller 4Please don’t split up the riverside neighborhood.
12/6/2021Carol Collins 3I sent this comment a few minutes ago. I listed my Commissioner District as 5. My correct district is 3, Please correct. Thank you Redistricting Sedgwick County November 2021 Recent events concerning redistricting have made me recall an idea I have had for some time. Could we require right angles on all precincts and commission districts in Sedgwick County? This simple solution would allow movement for populations shifts and some consideration of political parties but stop the extreme gerrymandering as in now exists.
12/6/2021Carol Collins 5Recent events concerning redistricting have made me recall an idea I have had for some time. Could we require right angles on all precincts and commission districts in Sedgwick County? This simple solution would allow movement for populations shifts and some consideration of political parties but stop the extreme gerrymandering as in now exists.
12/5/2021Elaine Harvey 1I do think that redrawing Sedgwick County Commission districts should not be rushed and think that more time should be taken this year. Communities of interest should be kept together rather than divided up to dilute their representation. Riverside should not be broken up into two commission districts for instance. We should aim for districts that are as geographically compact as possible so people can be clear on which district they live in at election time and as the need to contact a commissioner comes up. Given that we have a lot of people who do not identify with either party we should be very cautious in using information we have on party affiliation but we should not draw districts to prevent voters of minority parties from having influence at the polls. We definitely do not want to artificially protect a current office holder or separate a current office holder from the community they have represented.
12/5/2021David L Bollenback 4Neighborhoods from Cowtown to the North end actively support each other's projects and events, regardless of neighborhood "boundaries." Since the neighborhoods share similar concerns and goals, it would make sense to represent them together. Residents come from a wide range of backgrounds, including diverse ages and incomes, in addition to cultural, ethnic, and educational backgrounds. Each neighborhood works to promote participation in area and city events and policies. The county representative will get comprehensive feedback if they are able to cooperate.
12/5/2021Susie Cunningham 4Here is a map of the neighborhoods that share goals and actively support each other's projects and events, regardless of neighborhood "boundaries." Since the neighborhoods share similar concerns and goals, it would make sense to represent them together. Residents come from a wide range of backgrounds, including diverse ages and incomes, in addition to cultural, ethnic, and educational backgrounds. Each neighborhood works to promote participation in area and city events and policies. The county representative will get comprehensive feedback if they are able to cooperate. Here is a link to the map... https://www.facebook.com/thelittleark/photos/a.596799820694855/1502038173504344/?__cft__[0]=AZXjVelE1QFI7XBASe-meLSXbOF2akfvq5jBZiqcElAFGSgcEXIF2jbgvC8MGRTZQyQIqTHpU2Z2dm9Wy9gr34C6Drr7BdfWwmIDNjXARhBSMQeiHWuV3DoMlSFSIf4jpC-ixs3svpNLNZ_Co_E2Uxe0nvt0ZNkTOS530S7AmtFtCg&__tn__=EH-R
12/5/2021Donna Cooper 3Proposed plans 1 and 5 dilutes the minority voting bloc currently represented in current district 4. Plans 2, 6, 8 and 9 represents the most neutral political and racial demographic. Plans 3 and 4 dilutes the voting representation of Riverside and Indian Hills neighborhoods. Plan 7 represents a major shift in voting bloc of Riverside neighborhood. Plan 10 represents the most politically charged which benefits Commissioner Howell and prevent any opportunity for a Democrat to be elected in District 2. I support Plans 2,6,8 and 9.
12/5/2021Vikki Jo Stewart UPlease do not support a redistricting that unfairly favors one party over the other. I believe unfair redistricting will cause election apathy and that hurts democracy and that could harm our republic.
12/5/2021Janet Stanley 4Reject maps 3 and 4. Don’t split up the Riverside community!
12/4/2021Carole Neal 4My concern is that maps are drawn to fairly represent the makeup of the community so the voices of all are being heard. There are many unaffiliated voters in the districts and maps should not be drawn to give one political party undue advantage. Census data reflects race and ages and should be considered when drawing the maps.
12/4/2021Betty M. Ladwig 3Concern over food deserts in over half the city, Maintenance of streets and trees on easements. Water system other than the new treatment plant, maintenance of floodways for storm water drainage. Housing code enforcement, animal control. Districts are very uneven in compliance or enforcement of certain provisions. I am a League of Women Voter member and have been for over 60 yrs. Thank you.
12/4/2021Beth Schafers 2As a citizen of Wichita living on the edge of Sedgwick County District 2, I urge the BoCC and the ad hoc redistricting committee to consider the implications of how the 2021 Sedgwick County redistricting process has unfolded. It is a true shame that this has not been done in a more thoughtful, transparent manner, but instead has been done along party lines and in rushed fashion. Redistricting is a process that has domino effects that last decades. This process should always include a non-partisan review/recommendation and should be informed by public feedback. Having one town hall meeting on the edge of the city in a location that was difficult to find is completely insufficient and inexcusable, as is asking for public review, comment, and final decisions over a time period that includes a major holiday before an abbreviated deadline. Shirking the opportunity to have a non-partisan review guided by a trusted organization in favor of a thrown together, mostly partisan panel is an embarrassment for all residents and voters in Sedgwick County. In the current situation, I ask the ad hoc committee and the BoCC to consider the following: - Communities of interest and neighborhoods should be considered and their feedback should be given incredible weight. Residents should be given an opportunity to have their voices heard about how re-drawn lines would affect them. - The implications and number of voters affected by changing election timelines should be weighed heavily. Striving to negatively affect the least number of voters in our community should be a top priority with a proposed redistricting plan. - Given the condensed timeline and lack of opportunity for more feasible options, and taking the previous notes into consideration on the remaining maps in the review process, I would suggest that the committee recommend proposed map #6 to the BoCC. - I would still urge the BoCC to delay the final decision for this process in order to enable time for a more full and thoughtful consideration of this important part of your jobs. Looking forward, I ask the County Commissioners to consider the following: - After a plan is adopted, it is important that any resulting changes be broadly and clearly communicated. Voters should be well informed and communicated to regarding any decision that will affect their assigned district or their voting timelines. I would ask the BoCC and their staff team to put a firm plan in place in order to make sure this happens in a timely manner. - Politicians should not draw their own boundaries and political parties should not be part of map data. This is extremely problematic. I urge the BoCC to establish a policy for the redistricting process going forward. This policy should include a well thought out timeline, a required non-partisan review, the exclusion of party affiliation on map data, and a minimum required public town hall opportunity in each district at the beginning of this process to identify concerns and priorities of the public that the Board represents. Having an official policy in place sets Sedgwick County up for a more transparent, successful process in the future. Finally, I ask all of the Sedgwick County Commissioners to recall and consider the oath of office that you took for this role and will remind you all that you are in this position to advocate in the best interests of the constituents in your district, not your own. Thank you to all of the members of the ad hoc committee and the Board of County Commissioners for your time, energy, and service.
12/3/2021Carrie Van Sickle UPlease reconsider redistributing options which move or divide the Riverside Neighborhood. This area is already a good mix of income, race, family/retired, and faith.
12/3/2021Joann Ryan UPlease reject maps 3 and 4.
12/2/2021Susie Cunningham 4Dear Commissioner, and committee members, I grew up at 27th and Porter on the bank of the Little Arkansas River, I attended high school on the bank of the Little Arkansas River and lucky for me I live on Lewellen street, on the bank of the Little Arkansas River. I understand that being a "Riversider" does not begin and end with one neighborhood and I ask that you understand it too. The neighborhood associations that are in near proximity to either river have always held unifying events, shared goals, and historically have united citizens in movements that support the collective interests of diverse cultures. It is the definition of a geographically compact area. It is one that revolves around maintaining a diverse community, a landscape that encompasses both rivers, a riverside park system, and supports North High School. In fact North High sits at the intersection of Riverside, North Riverside, and Historic Midtown. It is commonly known that people who live within walking distance of either river consider themselves to be "Riversiders." Riversiders live roughly between Meridian on the west, 2nd Street on the south, and St Francis on the east, and as far north as the intersection of Little Arkansas River and 53rd Avenue. As a result of common interest interests, people work together toward restoring the river, maintaining parks, and preserving the historic properties and cultures our city gains from being located at the confluence of two rivers. I have attached of a list of events and achievements in this area. It is my hope that this committee does not splinter an area that is united. Thank you for your attention, Susie Cunningham
12/2/2021Dr. Gretchen Eick UI am dismayed that you are rushing to redraw the district lines when so many people of color will have their right to choose commissioners who represent THEM diminished by this quickie process. I have written to all commissioners and Mike Poage, my spouse, gave testimony. We urged you to wait until the new year. So many interested persons are absorbed by holiday and family and COVID (our family) at this time but want to help think through the most fair and constitutional arrangement.
12/2/2021Jo Jean Knard UMy opinion as a citizen and voter, (I read all the options but didn't do anything about and now I can't find them), I do remember that the population changes aren't that sizeable. To me, the Riverside District is special in that it is the oldest area of Wichita and is beautiful in its architecture and it's natural beauty, specifically the river. It also contains the Mexican architecture and flavor due to the Mexican population from quite a few generations back and current. To break up this area for a few hundreds in population wouldn't accomplish much. If it was a LARGE population change, it MIGHT be different, but statistics aren't everything and livability and appearance is, IMO. Thanks!
12/2/2021Pam Allen 1The redistricting maps that move Riverside are unacceptable. Redistricting in this manner affects the communities of these neighborhoods and makes it less likely they will be able to have representation that matches their community residents. I urge that specifically plans 3 and 4 be dropped from consideration.
12/1/2021Marysa Stenzel 4Respectfully requesting that the Commission reject Plans 3 & 4.
12/1/2021Missy Short UIs it really necessary to divide neighborhoods? Don’t want to see Riverside divided for any reason.
12/1/2021Linda Ruzich 2Please reject maps 3 and 4
12/1/2021Daric McCoy UPlease reject maps 3 & 4.
12/1/2021Doug Ballard 4Having lived at this address since 1979 and being active in the neighborhood (Riverside) our allegiance and commonality is to the North end. Riverside, North Riverside, Indian Hills, and Midtown have a special relationship and have for decades and to split them up would be detrimental to these neighborhoods.
12/1/2021Melinda Storey UI would prefer to reject maps 2 and 3. I'm not sure I have the correct maps, but in essence, I do not want to split Riverside up. I want the opportunity to make decisions and enjoy community activities with my like minded neighbors, I respectfully submit this comment. I believe my address is currently in the 6th District, with current Councilwoman Claycomb.
12/1/2021Melinda Storey UI would prefer to reject maps 2 and 3. I want the opportunity to make decisions and enjoy community activities with my like minded neighbors, which maps 2 and 3 do not support. I respectfully submit this comment. I believe my address is currently in the 6th District, with current Councilwoman Claycomb.
12/1/2021Melinda Storey 4I would prefer to reject maps 2 and 3. I want the opportunity to make decisions and enjoy community activities with my like minded neighbors, which maps 2 and 3 do not support. I respectfully submit this comment.
12/1/2021Danielle Butler 4Please do not change our district. Keep the riverside area together.
12/1/2021Elizabeth Winterbone UReject Options 3 &4! They are not good for me and my area!
12/1/2021Shane McCurdy 4Reject maps 3 & 4! No gerrymandering of Riverside!
12/1/2021maureen Theresa masters Ureject maps 3 and 4 and don't mess with riverside, please.
12/1/2021Eric Miller 4I oppose any redistricting plan that would split up Riverside/North Riverside between districts (plans 3, 4, and 7). Riverside is one of the oldest and most cohesive neighborhoods in this city, and we must have common political representation to ensure that our voices are heard on all issues that effect our neighborhood.
12/1/2021Jonni Tennant UReject maps 3 & 4!
12/1/2021Brad Greteman 4I support Plan 9. I reject maps 3, 4, 7 & 8. The historic Riverside neighborhoods should not be split or sent to another district. This is a blatant attempt by conservatives to weaken the political power of our neighborhood and destroy one of the few democratic areas of the county. Plan 10 is simply absurd, and only achieves a gerrymandered district to stifle an emerging democratic presence in order to consolidate republican power.
12/1/2021Margaret Daniels UI’m against it because it seems that because some candidates didn’t get voted this last election they want to cry “it’s not fair”. I voted because I wanted a change and who I voted for got in. There was a line where I vote. I’ve never seen that in a general election. So I don’t understand why the powers that be what to change voting districts. I’m guessing those powers are trying to save their jobs. So many people here have lost jobs here so I’m not concerned if they lose their jobs.
12/1/2021Mary L.Gillmore 4You must reject maps 3 and 4. We have a great neighborhood and want it to stay that way. Question?. Why on Earth would you hold a meeting on Webb Road?. Mary L. Gillmore.
12/1/2021Jennifer Jones UPlease reject maps 3 and 4
12/1/2021Jackie volbrecht 4Leave Riverside alone. Our district representative reflect our liberal beliefs. We are a very successful community of voting and thinking peoples. DO NOT MESS WITH US. redistricting is a curse on this nation as it’s become a tool to disenfranchise voters, which is so ironic as it was intended to do just the Opposite. There comes a time when we either do away with the electoral college or change this policy to go back to its original intent. .
12/1/2021Randy Cook 4I reject maps 3 and 4!
12/1/2021Brianne Parker 4Please do not move Riverside from the 4th district
12/1/2021Mike Marlett 4Do not use maps 3 or 4. Leave Riverside in District 4.
11/30/2021Diana Doyle 4Reject maps 3 and 4!
11/30/2021Zephyr York 4Living just outside of Riverside and having family south of Kellogg plan 9 is the plan I support and do not feel comfortable with the other maps. It’s fairly obvious that some of these maps were drawn up with the sole purpose of quieting one political party while enhancing the other rather than supporting the potentially impacted people.
11/30/2021Jeff Coomes 43, 4, 7 and 8 Reject!
11/30/2021Jeff Coomes 4reject maps 3 & 4. Leave Riverside in 4 and together. Only reason to split us up is to diminish our vote.
11/30/2021Rona Rosenboom 4Reject redistricting map 4!!
11/30/2021Angela Brown UReject 3 & 4. Keep Riverside as is.
11/30/2021Teddi McCullough 4Please reject ANY redistricting map options that split Riverside. Currently I believe it is map 3 and 4. Thank you Teddi McCullough
11/30/2021Michelle D. Ballard 4Reject map 3 & 4!!!
11/28/2021Maggie Ballard 4As the next city councilwoman from district 6 and living in riverside my entire life, i would like to share my concern with plan 3, 4, 7 and 8 proposed to the redistricting committee. All four plans in one way or another split up an important community of interest on the north side. The neighborhoods of riverside, indian hills and benjamin hills collaborate on my issues etc etc. I'd ask this committee to reject these 4 plans that would divide our community.
11/15/2021Faith Martin UI think it's important to have more community stakeholders weigh in. A non partisan commission should be gatherin input from ALL residents.
11/15/2021Joseph Robb UI looked at the 10 or so maps through the Wichita Eagle story and its links. They don't have streets on them so it is impossible to discern where we would be on each of the proposals. This means the process isn't very useful. In essence that's a lack of transparency.
11/15/2021T. L. Head UPlease do not make it harder for minority populations to have their voices heard. They are already underrepresented in government. Plans 1, 5, and 10 would magnify unfairness. Plans 3, 4, or 9 seem more representative.
11/15/2021Nancy Ross 4Please even out socio-economic demographic so all commissioners have a stake in providing services to the less of us in the community, while ensuring minority populations are not splintered I to different districts, resulting in the loss of their voices.
11/15/2021Lisa Bellecci UI am for either. Plan 3 or 4. Please do not restructure the racial balance that exists for blacks in the districts.

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