Elections in the hands of tech geeks

Of Cabbages and Kings

by BOB BARTON

I’ve been observing and sometimes participating in the redistricting of congressional, legislative, county and more recently, city governmental bodies, on a once every decade basis since 1960.

Like many old geezers, I have an inclination to judge current fights along these lines more harshly than I did in my youth. But, by jingoes, there is considerable justification in my current reactions. Redistricting fights are now dominated by computer geeks whose loyalty is to their bosses – well-paid consultants.  Their only duty is to tirelessly seek ways to advance the fortunes of the politician who pays them big bucks to map out their route to higher office, and perhaps fame and fortune.