Of Cabbages and Kings
by BOB BARTON
Release of additional census data relating to the racial and ethnic breakdown of Hays County’s current 36 voting precincts, as well as the makeup of three new and controversial congressional districts, is beginning to result in some burning of midnight oil by both political leaders and average citizens.
Specifically, a Texas Legislative Council (TLC) analysis of the racial and ethnic composition of the newly created 35th Congressional District that stretches from San Antonio through Comal and Hays counties to the northern edges of Austin, has brought to light a bit of political reality that is sure to affect area politics at least until the 2020 census is conducted. The TLC is the statistical arm of the State Legislature so its analysis on the obvious growth of the Kyle-Buda are the cat’s meow.
TLC certifies that 59.1 percent of the Hays County portion of the Congressional district classified themselves as Hispanic, African American, Asiatic or American Indian. This means that most of the voting districts in Pct. 2 will also have standing when it comes to the requirement for U.S. Justice Department clearance before final adoption of redistricting.
The latest census takers revealed that 64,643 folks now live in our joint communities. That’s nearly twice as many residents as Wimberley and Dripping Springs, yet they have two county commissioners and we have only one. This century-old 2-1 division was equitable when the communities were virtually even–steven in the number of residents in each commissioner’s bailiwick but this year it’s a new ball game. The Kyle and Buda area has grown enormously and now contains more folks than the whole county possessed 20 years ago.
Our current county redistricting is far from complete, so now is the time to think and talk (with a good batch of arguing thrown in) about such topics as fairness to all parts of the county. The four member County Redistricting Committee, including commissioners Debbie Gonzales-Ingalsbe and Will Conley, has met once and have another session “soon”. Also present will be a representative from the Rios law firm, which specializes in redistricting matters.
The county commissioners still make the decisions, but they have to take a look at the future as well as the past. The center of the county has lots of people and the refrain of “wait another 10 years” is getting a bit worn. Perhaps the time is now!
