NAACP opposes county redistricting, highlights proponent’s efforts to defund equity

The NAACP says ‘No’ on changes to redistricting in the county charter, and ‘No’ again on immediately using that new method. On Oct. 8, Legal Redress Chair Drae Charles:

Drae Charles (Eugene-Springfield NAACP): Drae Charles, here representing the NAACP from Eugene-Springfield.

[00:00:15] Eugene-Springfield NAACP strongly opposes the proposed off-cycle redistricting changes to Lane County’s home rule charter, due to concerns with the process, timing, and intent behind the proposal.

[00:00:25] These changes appear to borrow heavily from a previous statewide IP (Initiative Proposal 14) that garnered broad support, including from our branch. However, that support does not extend to this county-specific proposal. Proponents’ implication that the NAACP supports and endorses this based on the statewide IP is misleading, problematic, and undermines our organization’s commitment to transparent and equitable governance.

[00:00:48] To be clear, the Eugene-Springfield NAACP does not support this measure.

[00:00:52] We also raise concerns about one of the proposal’s key proponents, who has previously sought to defund county equity initiatives through the erasure of its Equity Department, casting further doubt on the motives behind these changes and their potential negative impact on marginalized communities.

[00:01:09] The current plan is problematic on several fronts. It includes two main components. The first is the county-modified version of this previous statewide IP (Initiative Proposal-14), which, despite some philosophical merit, contains numerous technical issues.

[00:01:25] The second more troubling aspect is a so-called housekeeping measure. Initially, the proposal permanently defined a north-south boundary within Eugene, locking the Whit into South Eugene and shifting North Eugene toward a more conservative base. Such a boundary change politicizes the process, contrary to the proposal’s purported goal of reducing partisanship.

[00:01:46] Additionally, the proposal contains vague language about partisanship considerations, which could prevent the redistricting committee from addressing unfair maps.

[00:01:56] Our branch urges the rejection of the proposal and calls for a transparent, nonpartisan process that reflects the needs and values of all Lane County residents.

[00:02:05] Furthermore, we demand an immediate cessation of any willful or intentional misuse of our branch’s name or brand by public officials. It is unacceptable for proponents of this measure to mislead the public by falsely implying NAACP support where none exists. The integrity of our organization and its commitment to equity must not be manipulated to serve political agendas.

[00:02:31] Public officials must be held accountable for any statements that distort that support and mislead the community. We stand firm in our commitment to transparency and fair representation, and any attempt to undermine these principles is an affront to both the public trust and the values of democracy and will be taken very seriously.

[00:02:50] John Q: The three commissioners who support the independent redistricting proposal each responded to his statement.

[00:02:58] Commissioner Pat Farr: Mr. Charles, thanks for being here this morning. I want to thank you personally for your work on the Bethel School Board, leading that entire board into a completely new direction with a great superintendent and really good things happening. Willamette High School, yeah! Go Wolverines!

[00:03:14] And also, I received a copy of the letter that you read this morning. I’m looking at every single sentence, every single line on that letter. And I hope that you and I can get together later on and talk about the letter and talk about the things that we can do to get our heads together on how to move forward.

[00:03:27] Thank you very much, Mr. Charles.

[00:03:31] Commissioner David Loveall: Commissioner Farr said something I thought was pretty significant, is that he wants to meet with people who disagree with him. And I’ve been a commissioner that’s done that. Anytime I’ve gotten an email from someone who thinks a certain way or has a filter about how they view me, I put out what I would like to meet with them in a very, in direct and immediate fashion. And Mr. Charles, I put out that to you a number of weeks ago without a response. So I would appreciate a response to my invitation to meet, please.

[00:03:56] Commissioner Ryan Ceniga: I also have invited anybody that disagrees with me to come grab a coffee, swing by the office, I’ll come by your office. And I find those meetings to be very productive.

[00:04:09] You can be a little more candid, you can really get to know somebody. And I just, I think it’s something we should do. We’re here to represent our constituents, and we’re here to get to know you, and we’re here to meet you.

[00:04:23] Mr. Charles, I didn’t know you’re a school board member, a fellow school board member here, and nothing will bring to light why you put in public service like being on the school board, so thank you. I truly appreciate that.

[00:04:36] John Q: The NAACP speaks out against the charter amendment on redistricting. You, the voter, will get to directly decide, when ballots arrive in the mail later this month. Register to vote by Oct. 15.