Keep it the way it is. NO CHANGES!!!

What data are the maps based on? How are the projections made Please describe on your website all data used to make projections. What is the cost of this? Can't we just fix the sewer instead? This is a waste of $$

There is a reason redistricting is performed after the decenial census. This is complicated and expensive to taxpayers for a vert small distric change… which will most likely have to be done again in 2021 after the 2020 census. Put the $ used for this into upgrading Bee Ridge Sewage Plant!

1. Should wait for census, unnecessary cost and community impact/changes are not warranted especially with a Presedential election next year. I see little to no value to cange all the districts when only one district's population is near the "acceptable" threshold. There are also unattended consequences yet to be determined or considered.

I don't believe that it is reasonable to redistrict before the election and so close to taking the 2020 census.

1.) What is the toatl cost of redistricting? It is more than the consultants. It includes SOE expenses. Also it will probably be redone when 2020 census results are available 2.) I called County Commission office to get information on redistricting. Had 2 questions, was promised call back but never recieved it.

Nearly equal should consider equal in registered voters. Equal in full time residents transient populations - such as high density apartments - are not equal in registered voters why not more districts for better representation?

I do not understand the need for redistricting at this time.

Strange to redistrict before census

ALT 2 seems to make the most sense. Dist 5 should be Venice to Englewood.

It appears that redistricting in this case seems to honestly consider population and doesn’t appear to dilute a peek minority strength. I don’t want to see either Newtown minorities or rural poor disadvantages by redistricting.

The rush to do this is insane. The Districts 1,2,3 alternative maps have the incumbents on all maps. Districts 4 and 5 may or may not contain the current office holders. How convenient. Private meetings - really. Sunshine laws!!! Guess you got around that. Sarasota County can do better for its citizens.

Thanks for holding these open houses. This is a complicated subject so appreciated the opportunity to study the maps and ask questions

Have districts been drawn to incorporate County Commissioners? The location of their homes has not been made known.

I prefer that redistricting wait until after the next census is completed.

Insufficient information to make a selection. Should wait for 2020 Census results.

Not sure - none of the changes proposed affect my district location.

sounds like people trying to protect their jobs.

Preferred waiting until after Census.

The "minority residents" - who exactly are we talking about? What is a significant number!!?

I think that redistricting should be done after the census has been completed.

Redistricting makes sense when all of the expansion/development of our area is complete. We often do not use real #s. An example is the new construction of Rt. 41 between Venice Ave. (approx.) and Center Rd. This was not too long ago. Now being re-done. BAD PLANNING!! Waste of time and money ( taxpayers!!)

Do not split cities among districts. Pay attention to postal codes and communities locales in the unincorporated area. Redistrict now with 2018 data pop. Estimates. Redistrict again in 2021 using US 2020 census data. Throw out any reference to current districts and start from scratch.

SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN STARTED.

My address stays in District 5 so I don’t feel that I know enough to comment.

Is absolutely not necessary to do this redistricting at this tim. Lost my vote.

This whole process is entire waste of taxpayer money when we have a census coming up next year. There are more pressing issues that the taxpayer money should be used to address. The first that comes to mind is the overwhelmed/inefficient/inadequate waste water treatment plant on bee ridge rd. needs extensive improvements.

Not sure why we are going through this costly process prior to 2020 census Data from survey perhaps should be superimposed on maps.

Any attempt to redistric before the 2020 Census is taken and the findings - determined and tabulated is a waste of taxpayer dollars. You do not put the "cart before the horse". Even the "novice" population study guru said he shouldn’t have accepted this job... as mentioned in a Herald Tribune column dated September 29, 2019. The cost of such a study does not outweigh the benefit, because nobody of any intellect wouldm't endorse or support such a pre-mature waste of taxpayer dollars.

1.) Why now? 2.) What will be the positives on the changes. Isn't this gerrymandering or is there another definition for this?

I am most interested in the subtle differences between Alternatives 1 & 2: The inclusion of downton in district 1. I would love to hear from district representatives as well as the potentially affected constituents about how th change of downtown might affect the priorities of district 1. Downtown is not inviting to the Black community (i.e. Overtown's history, parks, benches), so what effects might their presence in district meetings have.

We should wait until after the census to redistrict especially if it may lead to a second redistricting after we have accurate information. The money could be spent on an affordable housing survey for new housing projects for Sarasotans below the poverty line, a new county park, Red Tide funding for cleanups and habitat restoration, community events, or hire more county employees.

Why are we redistricting in the first place?

Take a look at Joni Miller's map where all of City of Sarasota is one district, all of Venice is one district and all of North Port is one district. It makes sense.

Please wait for the census. Thank you.

The doubts about the commissioners' motives in this hurried redistricting process, compounded by the problems identified in the consultant's methodology, make redistricting now, at best, a wrongheaded pursuit and, at worst, a craven political power grab by politicians looking to consolidate their political power at the expense of the voters.

Thank you for making this available.

Districts should be compact. Cities shouldn’t be split between 2 districts. Redistributing shouldn’t be done until after the census.

All voices must be represented and heard.

Redistributing should be done again after the 2020 census!

It should be delayed until after the 2020 Census or at least a commitment made to revisit the populations of the districts and allow for changes after the Census is complete.

Redistricting must not be politicized. Partisan politics, including gerrymandering and other attempts to give a political party control over the outcomes in elections must be not only discouraged but made illegal. Voter suppression should never be the goal when changing district lines.

Wait until the 2020 Census! There has been much made of elected officials and parties tampering with voting districts in order to gain political party control and power, nationally, by state and now locally. Even if Commissioner intent is not with that in mind, the hurried redistricting certainly gives that appearance. Thank you Christian Ziegler for your vote against!

Process appears flawed and rushed.

Wait until the national census

pretty much a waste of taxpayer money

I have no confidence in the reasoning behind this effort. Why don't we leave it alone and study the impact of the changes outlined more diligently.

As I had mentioned to Matt Osterhoudt at the first redistricting workshop at the North Library, it would be helpful for the public to better understand a few things, noted below. I happen to live in Lake Sarasota, but the questions would apply to any area that you are considering moving from one district to another. What led to specific choices of tracts, areas, or neighborhoods? E.g., why choose Lake Sarasota -- a densely populated highly white conservative neighborhood -- over other specific areas to move? In looking at these choices, what demographic data was used by the consultant? Was such data requested? Was he advised that it would be readily available to him? Did the consultant access data such as average income, age, race, political affiliation, etc, into account? I

Would like all of the West Villages in one district.

No redistricting!

It is a great idea to redistrict and recognize the need as Sarasota's population increases.

Redistricting is not needed for such small population differences in my opinion. Otherwise, we should wait until the new census is complete.

It's been approved so not much can be done. I think after the census would have been a better time.

The redistricting should be AFTER the 2020 census when we have ACTUAL NUMBERS and LOCATION of residents and change districts accordingly.. The current redistricting process is getting ahead of the actual numbers especially with all the new growth/subdivisions occurring in South County.. The redistricting is being changed on ASSUMPTIONS of where the residents are living.

I think you should wait until after the 2020 census results are available to perform any redistricting.

Doesn't matter, you all will do whatever you want.

Why are you redsitricting before the results of the 2020 survey are in? This seems very suspicious.

I am disappointed that the commissioners are ignoring the input of Rich Doty & redistricting before the 2020 census. This reeks of gerrymandering.

Drop this at tempt at obvious political maneuvering

DO NOT FORCE THIS REDISTRICTING. It was ill-conceived, ill-executed, and demonstrates bad faith on the part of the current commissioners. Wait for accurate data from the 2020 census and redistrict as planned in 2021. Even the subcontractor who performed the work - Rich Doty - says "Redistricting is best done right after a decennial census, as census counts are the most accurate data available" and “I said at the beginning that unless they absolutely have to do it they shouldn’t do it". SO DON'T DO IT.

Still want to know: 1. Why now? This seems like a waste of time and funds with the census around the corner. This is poor feduciary action by these commissioners. We have a huge waste water problem . 2. What was the reasoning to by pass competitive bidding on this?

I agree in theory with redistricting per population demographics. I do not feel it appropriate to divide a community based District, such as West Villages District.

The County Commissioners should not be going through districting at this time. They should have decided to wait until the results of the 2020 census are in.

Electing by districts seems it would serve voters better by having a rep that lives in that area & knows its needs/wants.

This is a very poor attempt to hide the truth of what you are really doing. Wait until the census. District 5 will grow another 5000 or so and it will have to be redone. This survey should have been done by mail to afford everyone’s voice to be heard. You failed your constituents.

Redistricting is done after a census which means 2020. This is self serving and a waste of tax payers money.

They are almost identical. Which is obviously jerrymandering.

Disappointing that present county commissioners seek to overturn the will of the people.

Wait til u have an an accurate population count and don't mix urban areas with areas east of hwy 75.

I am making a selection from the re-districting options in order to have a voice in the process, but I do want to go on record that I highly oppose this pre-emptive redrawing in advance of the 2020 census. The argument of a potential suit implies that the current commissioners have very deep pockets and would be willing to spend a great deal of their personal fortune to fight this with no likelihood of winning. There are differing interpretations of the variance between Districts and nothing that suggests that this will reflect the results of the upcoming census, although we will be stuck with it for 11 years. Not the best use of our Commissioners' time and energy, frankly.

Just trying to keep all Repulicans in office, including career politician Nancy Derert who does nothing for her district, never has. She just is interested in staying in office so she can have a comfy retirement. That's why she left State office, not enough $$$. She never interacts with her constituents, only her buddies. She does not address the needs of her district, especially North Port area.

Gerrymandering for a political party is not democracy regardless of what party it favors.

Are the people on this panel parents of school age children? If they were they would understand that some of these lines being redrawn could make kids have to go to another school. I have found that once Sarasota County makes up their minds, it a matter of a common curtesy that you put this up for the communities opinions. It’s done. I just don’t think it’s a good idea

We don't want any gerrymandering!

Put a hold on this and wait for the 2020 Census data.

Wait for the census

Needs to be done now.

Redistricting is essential now that we have moved to Single Member Districts to insure every citizen has equal representation on the County Commission. We know from voter registration data that is simply not the case now. We must do the beast we are able to correct any imbalance prior to our first Single Member District election. I hope this map helps in some way.

do not split the west villages communities

It was not really necessary to redistrict now before the regularly scheduled census.

I believe that the Board of County Commissioners should not have pursued redistricting prior to the results of the 2020 census. There was inadequate time for full review of the population data and assumptions used by the consultant and for meaningful review and input by the public. There is no valid reason to rush to revise the districts at this time. Single member voting does not require this at this time.

Strongly believe redistricting should not occur until after the census. It is premature to do so now without accurate population figures and it is costly to do so twice.

I am not sure why the investment of redistricing is necessary. We have so many other things in this county to be concerned about - develop density, water and water preservation along wth Natural areas and their constant assault by development. Please focus on the on long term impacts not immediate dollars.

This directive is in direct confliction with the principles of Conservatism, the County Comissioners who I've voted for sold out.

I think this was unnecessary due to the Census being next year. I also think the data used to claim a 10% variance is not accurate enough to justify the change. I am very disappointed that the Commission undertook this process at this time.

Agree this needs to be done to even out the districts and who is on the Board of Commissioners going forward.

North Port should not be split apart.

No redistricting should take place prior to the 2020 Census!

Changes in population density and commercial development occasionally lead to examination of redistricting. Changes in boundaries is sometimes warranted. It is important that this is not done for political advantage, nor should it unnecessarily split up a CDD, as option one would do.

Redistricting should not take place until the Census of 2020 is completed. The current redistricting smacks of gerrymandering and done for political gain.

Best choice

Should have waited until the Census is completed. Just another power grab from the Republicans.

Redistricting should not happen until after the 2020 Census. Furthur proof of this was presented in the 9/29/19 Herald Tribune article regarding the many errors in the rushed and inadequately funded map redraw recently completed.

The process must be transparent. No back room manipulation.

Redistricting should be done after the census.

It shouldn't be done until after the 2020 census.

waste of money until 2020 census is done...spend money on sewage treatment problems in Venice

I cannot in good conscience approve any of these with the decisions that have been made on redistricting as a whole. There is no good reason to do this at this time prior to the 2020 census (when it should generally happen anyway) and to do so ahead of that can't possibly be seen as anything having to do with fairness. After reading the H/T article: https://www.heraldtribune.com/news/20190929/sarasota-countys-redistricting-population-study-has-big-errors - when even the hired subcontractor is telling you that doing this now is a mistake and this should wait until after the census, perhaps you should take their advice. The pure number of errors pointed out by a member of the public that were not caught are also shameful. Please put this on hold until after the census like suggested.

I oppose any redistricting that skews the outcome of any political party.

This seems to have been initiated by partisanship and the opposition largely guided by it as well, over the matter of the Republican versus Democratic registration in District One. Unfortunate.

None

I am strongly against redistricting based on the current study, as the data is unreliable. This should wait until after the 2020 census. Let me quote Mr Doty, the person you hired to do the study: "Wait until 2021 because there’s no good way to do it; that was my flat-out response” and “I would say there is a lot of uncertainty with these data ... if any boundaries are moved at least those blocks should be scrutinized, but if it were me I would say just wait until 2021 and not spend any money and we’ll get counts” It is clear there is no sound basis for redistricting prior to the results of the 2020 census.

Premature redistricting. Much better to wait till 2020 census data available.

I think Sarasota should become and remain a model for all fo Florida and the nation in terms of commitment to fair representation adn open dialogue. Re-districting will be an important step to achieve that.

IF we must redistrict now, then we need to do it again after the 2020 census. Too much guess work going into the current redistricting effort.

This wasn't necessary. There are many more urgent things in our county to be addressed. This seems like a political attempt to slant elections in favor of one side.

Shame on the County Commissioners who developed this redistricting proposal...after the consultant whom they hired told them it was a flawed project and would not be an accurate assessment of population.

We need to end gerrymandering for political advantage.

You should not move entire large chunks of a district to another district. You should attempt to leave things alone as much as possible. This is why I voted for option 1

does the best job of balancing populations

This process should be halted NOW. Moving forward with redistricting in 2019 - before the 2020 census - was a move made solely for political reasons, and I am angry and disgusted by this process. Only Commissioner Ziegler has stood for logic, and it has not gone unnoticed. Sarasota County voters made their wishes clear and the commission is scrambling to work around or hack what voters decided. Moving forward without the accuracy that 2020 census numbers will give makes the agenda of certain county commissioners crystal clear. With the exception of Comm. Ziegler, it appears this commission will work to retain their seats by any means necessary. This is blatant manipulation.

Redistricting would be more appropriate after the next national census.

One person one vote. All votes should have the same value. No more gerrymandering.

The redistricting proposals based on inaccurate and incomplete data needlessly initiated before the 2020 census reeks of partisan interests and gerrymandering aims.

This whole process should wait until AFTER the 2020 census. Today's (9-29-19) Herald-Tribune front page story shows the flaws in the current process.

If we have to re-district at this time, I feel that choice one will result in the fairest redistribution of voters. The others will result in an unfair amount of Republican councilman

There need to be changed made.

Should wait to do this after the 2020 census

I strongly feel that redistricting should NOT be attempted prior to the 2020 census. To do so, esp. with flawed data as outlined in today's Herald-Tribune article, is tantamount to gerrymandering. Please listen to the will and voice of the people and do the right thing - WAIT!

I don't understand why this is being done ahead of the 2020 Census, especially now that your redistricting plan has been found to have some significant inaccuracies at the neighborhood level. This is terrible public relations to make such a move after your constituents have voted for single member districts - looks like a political power play. The optics are really bad!

Why are you trying to split up West Villages? All West Village communities should be under ONE DISTRICT! Thank You

I see no reason not to wait until the National census is finished To redistribute. We could save money and avoid the appearance of gerrymandering.

The politics behind “redistricting” disgusts me.

Redistricting should wait until after the 2020 Census for purposes of accuracy. If redistricting is done now, it's basically a "guesstimate" and based on information in today's (9/29/19) Herald Tribune, there's apparently some discrepancies in the numbers the consultant came up with for each district. Therefore, I am strongly against redistricting at this time. Please wait for the 2020 Census figures and do it properly.

Redistricting should be done after the census in 2020.

With alternate 1 the commissioners are violating one of the traditional factors to " avoid splitting communities that have similar interests ( e.g. neighborhoods or cities ). If there ever was a neighborhood that had similar interests it would be West Villages. West Villages is what is highlighting this area of Sarasota County which will bring additional business to Sarasota County, don't mess it up.

Redistricting needs to be fair to the citizens and not political party motivated.

All of new maps basically include stacking, as Newtoen is sit off from the rest of downtown which is very white & disproportionately rich.

Why are you going through this process when you’ll have to go through it again after the census data is released? This is a waste of time and money!

No gerrymandering. The districts shouldn't be changed just to allow one party to maintain control. It needs to be representative of the people/population.

I still question why the rush to redistrict now before the census data is collected. We'll just have to go through the process again.

Hmmm...this sure appears to be an effort by the commissioner to gerrymander the county. If this redistricting is necessary it should be done after the 2020 census.

Current district map as well as alternatives seem very irregular in design and similar neighborhoods in our area are not grouped together.

I don't think redistricting is necessary at this time. It is difficult to understand and study these maps without understanding the make up of the populations.

The vote was strong to create Single Member Districts and at no time did it mention that the County Commissioners should create any new Districts at this time, it certainly is not what the voters were expecting from you! I am a 42 year resident of Sarasota, and have lived at my current address for 26 of them and I expect my vote to count as it was intended.

Make sure it’s fair.

NO gerrymandering please. NO packing a district for either party. Let the true spirit of democracy prevail. After all, the commissioners work for 'the people' not a party.

Good job in giving us some good alternatives and explanation of the process and impacts. Thanks!

Just make it fair an equal.

I prefer that the districts NOT be redrawn until after the completion of the 2020 census. This is another example of blatant partisan gerrymandering. There was no problem with the districts until our last election. The districts were acceptable then and are still acceptable now. This was a blatant waste and misuse of taxpayer dollars. This redistricting should be ended right here and now and not another penny of our money wasted on corrupt politics!

More information on population distribution for each of the choices would have helped in making the best selection.

I think equal distribution of people into voting districts is the only way to go. Not how many R or D there in each area

I do not think that redistricting should be done at this time. The upcoming census will provide better information on which to base a decision.

Wait until the next census , why do a redistricting now. Seems like a waste of taxpayers money. I can't help thinking this is politically motivated by those trying to turn Florida blue.

Power to the people

Redistricting now ahead of elections and in negative response to voters mandate is once again a partisan ploy to usurp voters' rights.

DISGUSTING. DISGUSTING. DISGUSTING.

Irregular shapes are obvious signs of Gerrymandering in order to obtain a specific partisan result. I find it objectionable.

County Commissioners are trying to thwart the will of the voters with this bald faced attempt to redistrict before the 2020 Census and following the recent single member . district vote. Who do they think they’re trying to fool - we’re not all that stupid.

I oppose the move by the County Commission to redistrict at this time rather then after the 2020 census. This is an unnecessary expense and the data is inaccurate. The Commission was warned by the expert behind the study that there were flaws in the method used as reported in the Sarasota Herald Tribune on 9/29/19. The rush to redistrict ahead of the 2020 census appears to be a partisan action. County Commissioners are elected to represent the citizens of Sarasota and not their political party!

Districts should be balanced and fair without regard to party registration.

I believe the redistricting should be postponed until after the 2020 census. See today's Trib. The person assigned to calculating population admits that figures are fraught with errors and that he stated that doing calculations prior to the 2020 census was not advisable.

Won’t we have to do this again after the census numbers come out? Aren’t we spending a lot to do this with less than perfect data when we have to do it again in a very short time?

Honestly, I’m ashamed of our elected officials for putting their own political interests ahead of those they serve by slipping this redistricting in before an election. Thank you for putting the issue in front of the citizenry for feedback. Now I hope an objective and fair decision will be made.

I would prefer no alternative maps at this time. The districts are not proven to be highly unbalanced as of now. Redistricting should be done after the 2020 census and not waste the time and money to do this twice in the space of 2 years.

This looks very difficult. Thank you for your hard work. I love the standards you are using. It would appear that you are trying very hard to make the outcome fair to all...I certainly hope so.

Would have preferred single member districts.

Wait until the 2020 census, particularly in light of the known deficiencies in the data as reported in the Herald-Tribune.

Idiotic that we're doing this now, before a census next year. Very transparent attempt here boys and girls . . . Abandon this now!

Sneaking little buggers 🙄

Gerrymandering for political reason is a danger to a democracy. You are on the front lines of this battle for the citizen. Please use your conscious when voting.

Make sure the data is accurate before redistricting. Wait for the census.

I'm not sure this should be done before the census, which will give us more accurate data.

Redistricting should be postponed until the US 2020 Census is completed. This is a waste of money.

Keep it balanced please

Please wait until after the 2020 census. This is wasting our tax dollars

I believe alternative 1 is the most appropriate.

About time !

I personally would prefer if any redistricting were to wait for the results of the 2020 census. It does not make much sense to me to redistrict a few months before the census is done. bill mckay

My district is ok you should wait

Wait until after the census results come in before doing this.

Must create districts that give likelihood of partisan results commensurate with partisan population totals in county.

I would have preferred the Commissioners had waited for census data

It is extremely important for democracy to exist that there Be a balanced, unbiased r districting. NO PARTY should have an unfair advantage over another.

All districts are a suspicious shape. Make blocks out of the districts except for natural land forms. If populations aren't equal, move out a boundary. No BS. Do not let conniving republicans, who have no conscience, steal elections. Make it fair. Whose idea is the redistricting? If GOP, it’s suspect and I vote against it. If DEM, I trust it and I vote for it. What is the true reason for redistricting, anyway? Is it a thinly veiled attack on democracy? May the Force be with us: do the right thing. You didn't give us the population distribution as far as I can tell, so my drawn districts are based on simple shapes, meant to be impartial.

Make it around the entire city of Sarasota, around the proper boundaries.

Why do this BEFORE the census? How much money did this cost and will it change again after the census?

I disagree with this rushed effort. Should have waited on the census

Sarasota is changing rapidly, and it seems there is a more and more diverse geographic spread. I am guessing that to fairly represent our voting population, these maps will have to be redrawn more frequently. I am pleased that this process is being handled in a transparent (?) and participatory way, and with the option of getting the best representation, not just of one political party. (PS there is an error in the current map of district 2 shown above--the line is below Bee Ridge.)

This redistricting was not necessary. It should have been deferred until adter the 2020 census.

Stop wasting taxpayer money and wait for the upcoming census. There are far more pressing issues that deserve the attention of the county commission. First one that comes to mind is the inefficient, overwhelmed waste water treatment treatment plant at bee ridge and the accompanying infrastructure (pipes etc).

How dare you spend a no bid $50,000 of our money to save your own jobs, when this this will have to be done all over again after the census. Shame on YOU!

What’s the hurry. Wait for the 2020 Federal census. You’re wasting tax payer money to protect incumbent Republican candidates.

Redistricting is like redistricting red light districts.

I disagree with doing this without the information that will be gained by the 2020 census. What is the rush?

Districts must be drawn by nonpartisan, independent, commissions. Map-drawing must be fair, independent, and ensure meaningful elections in which all voters’ votes count. The only sure way to eliminate gerrymandering – both intentional and unintentional – from American elections is to abandon single-member plurality arrangements and adopt proportional representation.

This is political BS brought about by the commissioners fear to the public will.

This should have waited until after the census

We don't really need redistricting right now. It's going to have to be done in 2020 anyway, because of the census! Why waste all that money?

Alternative Maps 2 and 3 would both change the partisan compositions of the districts so that all five would be majority Republican.

i am out of town and unable to attend the meeting. the county commissioners should be ashamed of themselves in spending our money on this before the census. overgrab again!

Redistricting at this time is bad idea & an obvious attempt by the Repubilcans to undo the will of the people.

Should WAIT until after census!

We know perfectly well that whatever Pat Neal's gang who own the commission want is what the commission will obey.

I think Alt.1 is fair

This is a waste of govt funds.

I DO NOT THINK THERE IS A NEED TO DO A REDISTRICTING THIS YEAR - IT IS A WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY. WE HAVE A CENSUS NEXT YEAR THAT WILL PROBABLY MEAN MORE POPULATION CHANGES. ALSO, IT IS APPARENT THAT THIS REDISTRICTING IS PURELY FOR POLITICAL PURPOSES.

I oppose any redistricting that shows all districts as Republican. That in itself does NOT represent the sarasota county that I know and love!

Let’s fix gerrymandering.

Why couldn’t you wait until the census numbers came back??????

I do not like this proposal to re-district---definitely not necessary and a waste of taxpapers funds.

I would like to also note that single member districts are the norm for many counties in many states & seems to be working just fine. Now that people in each district do not have to pay as much to campaign, maybe we will have more people try to have a voice who previously could not. Thank you

I do think it’s best to wait for the 2020 census as the taxpayers are paying for this assessment and will most likely have to pay again after 2020.

It was not necessary to do this now and I am strongly against that decision and the cost involved. It clearly was a partisan decision.

Today more than ever we need an election process that gives integrity to the phrase "one person, one vote." Skewing boundaries to favor one party over another violates that basic tenet of a democracy.

There is no need for redistributing prior to 2020. In my opinion, it is a gerrymandering attempt to keep total GOP control. Commissioner Moran (the most conservative member) represents one of the most liberal districts, which is grossly unfair.

There is no reason to redistrict before completion of the 2020 U.S. Census. To push for redistricting without up-to-date information on population is at best a thoughtless waste of effort, time and taxpayer money, and at worst an example of partisan manipulation or Republican abuse of power. I strongly oppose redistricting before completion of the 2020 Census.

Making any decisions on this subject over the summer and before everyone has returned, is very suspect. You are spending taxpayer money that could have been used for far more important purposes. Let the 2020 census determine how the new boundaries are drawn, if at all.

Map one seems to be the most reasonable approach

I am very much against redrawing boundaries to change the partisan compositions of the districts.

When did I miss this vote on redistricting??? Why is the county commission being allowed to muscle this through?

Greed, selfishness, the obscene reach of the Developers and those in their pockets! Judgement day is forthcoming!

Why is this being done now? The census happens next year, wait for those results. This is yet another waste of taxpayer money.

It would be better to wait until after the election

We shouldn't even be doing redistricting now, when the census will happen next year and provide much more accurate population data.

You folks should be ashamed of yourselves for even trying to create districts that favor voting for one party over another. Go look at yourself in the mirror to see an unethical, immoral person who is supposed to be working towards the betterment of all constituents and not a political party. You disgust me.

long over due. changes need to reflect voting populations better

commissuoners Need to listen to the constituents and not developers

Appears like Republican gerrymandering

Should have waited for Census results

I am strongly opposed to redistricting at this time--it should have come after the Census. Money is being wasted and the results might not be correct 1-2 years from now. It appears to be a partisan move that was not necessary based on the current population statistics

I do not know the reason redistricting had to be done at this time. Post census time would be the time to do the redistricting.

Avoid gerrymandering Keep single distrists so all parts of the situation can. E represented

I am voting for Alternative 1, since I have been provided with specific analysis and information about these map alternatives that you failed to provide - population numbers and partisan outcomes. This has been yet another disappointing failure by the BOCC in accountability and transparency to the public, and it should not proceed at all.

Alt 2 and 3 are not balanced politically.

Stop being partisan......draw the districts fairly

Seems strange to be doing this process right before the 2020 census and before a very politically divided general election cycle.

Why even have it.? Popular vote should rule. What is so hard about that. What are these dudes afraid of ....I know losing to justice.

I would have preferred that you wait until after the next census. Second best choice is the map with the fewest changes.

Alternative One would best insure the protection of voting rights and equal protection rights of everyone concerned.

I think it is abhorrent that the commissioners are deliberately defying the will of their constituents in order to protect their partisan interests. They are also wasting our tax dollars in hiring a consultant for something that can be done for free after the 2020 census. This county commission is a sham.

Ambiguous question. "In which district do you reside?" I responded as if it said, "In which district do you currently reside?"

I feel very strongly that districting should NOT be biased by partisan registrations. Peoples votes should guide policy not the politicians vote. When politicians try to rig the system in their favor, no matter which party, it makes me sick to my stomach. Please make this process as fair as possible. Please let’s make this a fair and equal process.

I understand districts need to be redrawn to account for population growth and shifts. But it disgusts me when political groups draw lines to handicap certain voters and minorities. The greed, control and entitlement in this county are nauseating. Thanks for your effort to make voting districts more fair however, this is just one piece of the voter discrimination problem in this county that needs to be corrected

This redistricting should wait until the upcoming census results can be viewed.

I am opposed to this unnecessary use of tax payer resources when the entire map will be mandatorily redrawn based upon actual, not estimated population. It is unfortunate that this effort lead by member Detert and approved by the majority of the commissioners is occurring. I can assure you that as a voter I will do all I can to punish the self-serving politicians who are attempting to protect their seats rather than respect the will of the people they represent.

The maps are too small for an informed decision

Completing the redistricting process before the next election is desirable.

The action of the Commission appears to be a deliberate attempt to overturn the popular vote of the majority of the voters. Given this rush to redistrict in advance of the normal centennial census driven redistricting, the bias inherent in the options presented, no honorable purpose can be detected.

Should be a non-partisan effort. Racial distribution maps should be available to check against divisions or packing.

Wait for results of 2020 Census to re-draw districts.

DON'T GERRYMANDER!!@

We do not support redistributing with the intent of subverting the will of the people that voted for single member districts and changing election outcomes

It’s stupid to waste money to redistrict this year when we have to do it again next year. This is gerrymandering.

I disagree with the decision to redistrict before the 2020 census. Whether they intended to or not, it gives the appearance that the commission just wants to keep their seats.

It should be fair so there is less partisanship.

Would hope plan done after census will move us to align with Venice, not North Port.

Support holding off redistributing until after 2020 elections. Leave boundaries as they are until then. This is a wast of money.

Good Lord, this is one of the most difficult processes to follow. . .the maps are hard to navigate, the color lines drawn are difficult to follow, and it seems that very important decisions are being made re: our voting rights and options, yet you've made it one of the most cumbersome processes to follow. . .

This is an outrageous plan to gerrymander districts in favor of Republicans. Nothing changes should be made at this time in any of the districts until after the 2020 census when it the most accurate population figures will be available.

Please ensure a fair distribution of adaquate representation

I am deeply concerned about gerrymandering which is harmful to our democracy. Please be fair to all voters by choosing the least partisan option.

A total waste of time and money. Should not be done until “legitimate” census takes place, not a partisan authorized data collection to keep gop commission in power. I’m disgusted.

Time to take back FL from the developers

Don't think it was necessary. It was a waste of hard earned taxpayer money and is just a means for republicans try and retain control so they can help their cronies.

I cannot believe you wouldn’t wait for the census...naked partisanship. Detert a real disappointment.

It should represent the residents fairly without efforts to gerrymandering to favor either political party

PRINT & SEND the FINAL MAP to Voters & EXPLAIN the impact on the final decision of the remapping/redistricting! - Please. Thank You for all Your Work!

Should wait until after the 2020 Census is complete.

Districts should be redrawn after the 2020 census

Redistricting should wait until after the census.

You’re going to lose again in 2020. I’m a democrat and I’ve made more money under trump than Obama. Sorry trump has my vote.

I don’t think you should be doing this at all. Wait until after the census. This is WRONG.

I believe that it is a good idesi

This is such an obvious attempt by the bcc to keep the bcc members all republican only reason I can see for doing it with census next year think this is all political stuff and has nothing to do with with making population even. However consultant messes you up. Came up with fair and unbiased study esp alt 1 which actually if you adopt may provide more balanced elections we will see what you will do to make any changes. If you adopt alt 1i will be surprised because that could get at least one Democrat elected

Wait for the 2020 census

Should wait for 2020 census, before redistricting. Why. Spend the money now. Seems like a real waste of time and effort.

Should not be partisan based. Strictly population!

Critically important to maintain our democracy. Maps MUST not be drawn to include/exclude partisan majorities/minorities.

Redistricting should NOT occur until after the 2020 Census!

Want to be sure that districts don't split neighborhoods or HOAs... seems important that people who live in neighborhoods are able to vote for their interests.

The entire process has been clouded by claims of gerrymandering to favor current incumbents. Not only is redistricting BEFORE a census a waste of money, but it is also a fundamental violation of the trust that citizens have placed in commissioners to do what is best for the community instead of themselves. The fact that it is not public knowledge what the conversations between the individual commissioners and the group hired to redraw districts is severely concerning and destroys any trust placed in the commissioners. Accepting any of these maps is a mistake, the process of their creation has not been open to serious public scrutiny.

I don’t understand why the Commission is pushing to do this now before the 2020 census!

The only fair way!! We voted for this...don't voters count?

Cut the politics. Let's have a fair election in 2020 without GOP tampering.

Round one of the redistricting cost taxpayers $50k. This does not include staff time. Soon we will have tax dollars wasted when the SOE starts to change the districts and make necessary mailings of new voter registration cards. For what purpose? For a little change in district lines? There is no question that when the accurate Census numbers are available we will have to do it all over again. Some voters will likely not be able to vote in two elections for BCC if lines change again. Most likely lawsuits will be filed by these voters. Wasted tax dollars and eliminating voter rights in certain districts. The BCC has failed to live up to their duty to protect our rights and can not claim they are fiscal conservatives.

Since we closed we on our house at the end of 2016 we have been redistributed once. Now again! we moved from MD we were never redistricted, in the twelve years of living in Northern CA. I am disturbed and distrustful of what is occurring now.

I see no reason to redistrict at all since redistricting would have taken place after next year's election! This is simply a blatant attempt to reorganize districts for the benefit of existing commissioners.

Tally Ho mates!

None.

This is a political boondoggle, and anyone with half a brain knows it. The 2020 census is right around the corner, so this is nothing short of a waste of taxpayer money, not to mention a complete farce. You should all be ashamed of yourselves. Leave things as they are until the districts get redrawn post census, by a non-partisan 3rd party. The population disparity is so small between districts as to make this entire endeavor a sick joke, at our expense.

As far as I can tell, this web site includes no information which would enable the public to reach an informed decision on which alternative is best. The maps are meaningless without data showing their demographics and, perhaps more importantly, their political makeup. My decision is based on 3rd party analysis. My request for public records to help do so resulted in a "no relevant records" response. I am disgusted that this commission is giving the citizens the bum's rush. The motivation behind this shabby gerrymander is transparent; to continue to foist 5 Republican commissioners on a 30% Democratic electorate. As a registered Green I am appalled by this shameless bullying and the spineless lack of response by the Democrats. Shame on you.

Redistributing should have waited until after the 2020 Census. Financing a consultant when the Census is only a few months away is a waste of taxpayer dollars.

This is a joke. You are all going to do what you want to anyway.

Pushing redistricting through without current information and before next census is completed is purely gerrymandering.

There is no need to redistrict until after the 2020 census. The board is wasting money by putting through a redistricting plan now. Please reconsider. If you proceed, I will not be voting for any incumbent.

Anything to re-elect Moran and protect the Developer Party's investment in all the Commissioners. As Trump acolytes, they are doing themselves proud. Each dollar that each receives above the $200 limit deliberately violates the Charter ethic. They hide behind a bent like a pretzel legalism. We deserve a much higher morality.

Stop gerrymandering

We should not be doing this redistricting now. It was not the will of the people that it be done before the Census. I am disappointed in the local leadership for taking this action.

Best balancing of population

Why do you propose such bizarre alternatives? Avoid splitting cities: That is stated above. Why even do it? No city population exceeds the district population.

Keep boundaries logical and communities in local areas together.

Should have waited until 2020 census.

This is the wrong time to redistrict and is a crass attempt to keep a Republican lock on the government. Shame on you!

(1) Redistricting should only take place after new Census figures are available and Sarasota County should redistrict after the 2020 Census NO MATTER WHAT it does relative to redistricting now. (2) County redistricting should follow the standards added to the Florida Constitution by the voters. (3) "Preserves the core of the existing district boundaries" is not a valid standard when the existing boundaries were established without fairness standards. To the contrary, it perpetuates unfair and gerrymandered districts.

This survey is not user friendly. I support a map that doesn't dilute minority voting strength and follows the Voting Rights Act. I don't appreciate the Commissioners trying to game the system by trying to shut Dems out by manipulating the map. Wait for the 2020 Census before changing anything.

See attached

09/26/2019 9:54 AM

Districts should be drawn to represent people in them without weighing them heavily towards one political party. Redistricting should be fair and equal in representation of all voters, so that our elections may be fair, and not one sided or skewed to benefit one political entity over another.

Don’t redistrict now

The County Commission should have waited until the 2020 census was completed instead of wasting our taxpayers' money.

Please redistrict by population, not political affiliation or ethnicities.

Make more politically competitive districts. Some of these districts smell of gerrymandering. There should be a mix of rural and urban citizens in ALL districts. This will end urban vs. rural conflicts.

The Republicans must think we are totally stupid. Why are they so anxious to adopt the maps of the 5 districts NOW? Why can't it wait for the 2020 census?

Sarasota county pretends to be transparent but we the people clearly see what’s going on.

I believe that the Commision is wasting taxpayer dollars undertaking this redistricting before the 2020 census. Shame on you for what appears to be a politically motivated effort to undermine the recent single member district referendum.

Why are we doing this now. I thought this was going to be done after the census in 2020.

I am generally opposed to redistricting before the election. This is just gerrymandering, but voted for the least objectionable, since they will do what they want anyway.

Test

I don't understand why the Commission is doing any re-districting prior to the 2020 census. This is a waste of our taxpayers money!

We need to stop developer interference in the redistricting plan.

There was no need to do this redisticting before the 2020 census. It was a waste of taxpayer money.

We should have waited for the US Census to be complete.

This was waste of our taxes to do now as next year will need to be done again.

We should not be doing this now ... we should wait till after 2020.

This appears to be a gerrymandering attempt by the county commissioners who are not happy with how the voters voted in our last election.

I believe that redistricting is not necessary at this time. This seems to be a blatant power play but the incumbent commissioners to protect their seats. But if you are determined to thwart the will of the voters, Alternative 1 seems to be the best option.

Not a lot of difference between the three alternatives.

Should have waited until census. OR repeat map redistricting after census. Yes double $$ but Commission brought on itself. Disappointed once again in the Commission.

wait until the census!

This is a charade. it shouldn't be happening until after the 2020 census. I am horrified at you commissioners.

I am still extremely angry that the Commissioners did not wait till the 2020 Census was done to re district. The use of my tax moneys for their partisan political gamesmanship is despicable, but sadly not unexpected!

This is a political stunt and a total waste of taxpayer money. Wait until we have real census figures and not some nonsense estimates based upon electric usage which make no sense in a community like ours!

leave me in my district

I do not think that redistricting should be done until after the 2020 census. I do not feel that our district is represented by our current commissioner.

The Mike Moran Protection Plan 2020 will fail.

Wait until 2020 census is complete before changing districts.

The redistricting efforts should ensure that residents with similar concerns are represented rather than ensuring that each district is diverse.

Let's leave the districts as they are currently defined, and then change as necessary after the 2020 census.

Districts should not be changed. The voters voted for single member districts assuming those districts would stay the same.

SEE ABOVE

Wait until the census results.

I think cities should be a district as close as possible

Redistricting is essential to insure everyone's vote counts with the same weight. As it is now a vote in North Sarasota weighs more than a vote in South Sarasota. That is simply not fair.

wait to redistrict

2020 census will provide more accurate data for redistricting process.

Waste of time & money, clearly not being done with the best interest of the voters.

Take a rectangle and divide the population as slices and you'll get more equitable districts. The way these all go in and out, you can tell it is being done for political gain!

The fact that all five county commissioners are Republican demonstrates that the districts are unfairly drawn. Furthermore, it appears that you are attempting to make them more Republican-leaning. This is unfair to the citizens of Sarasota County.

I think you should wait until after the census. Your information will be much more accurate.

If you want an equal number of residents in each district, WAIT UNTIL AFTER THE 2020 CENSUS! However, I don't think the intention of the new single-district plan was for equal NUMBERS, I think it was for equal REPRESENTATION. I believe you know that, too, but are ignoring it!

Leave things alone. This is obviously being done now right before a big election year to give the republicans an edge to get that monster in the White House & the greedy republican reelected. For once in your lives stop being mercenary & care about the people & the planet instead.

Wait for the Census and then consider adjusting the district boundaries to conform to the stated criteria Considering ReDistricting now is a waste of time, money and focus that should be devoted to priority issues such as infrastructure and traffic on overcrowded roads.

Census data districting only. Gerrymandering will help no one, not even yourselves. You will not be voted back in. Start listening to your constituents.

I do not think redistricting is necessary before the 2020 census. If you insist on doing it, a nonpartisan (or at least a bi-partisan) group should make all decisions about boundaries. After the 2020 census a complete redistricting should be done to follow the principles of the recent FL constitutional amendment for state and federal districts that require keeping a jurisdiction within one district. The cities of Sarasota and North Port (with the area above /below them to the county line) should each be a district. Venice/Nokomis/Osprey should be a district. The remaining western area from the city of Sarasota to Osprey should be a district, and the far Eastern part of the county should be a district. This would insure that the differing interests of these areas area all represented.

We should wait until after the census to redistrict especially if it may lead to a second redistricting after we have accurate information. The money could be spent on an affordable housing survey for new housing projects for Sarasotans below the poverty line, a new county park, Red Tide funding for cleanups and habitat restoration, community events, or hire more county employees.

I am most interested in the subtle differences between Alternatives 1 & 2: The inclusion of downton in district 1. I would love to hear from district representatives as well as the potentially affected constituents about how th change of downtown might affect the priorities of district 1. Downtown is not inviting to the Black community (i.e. Overtown's history, parks, benches), so what effects might their presence in district meetings have.

1.)Why now? 2.) What will be the positives on the changes. Isn't this gerrymandering or is there another definition for this?

Not sure why we are going through this costly process prior to 2020 census Data from survey perhaps should be superimposed on maps.

This whole process is entire waste of taxpayer money when we have a census coming up next year. There are more pressing issues that the taxpayer money should be used to address. The first that comes to mind is the overwhelmed/inefficient/inadequate waste water treatment plant on bee ridge rd. needs extensive improvements.

Is absolutely not necessary to do this redistricting at this tim. Lost my vote.

My address stays in District 5 so I don’t feel that I know enough to comment.

Redistricting makes sense when all of the expansion/development of our area is complete. We often do not use real #s. An example is the new construction of Rt. 41 between Venice Ave. (approx.) and Center Rd. This was not too long ago. Now being re-done. BAD PLANNING!! Waste of time and money ( taxpayers!!)

The "minority residents" - who exactly are we talking about? What is a significant number!!?

sounds like people trying to protect their jobs.

Insufficient information to make a selection. Should wait for 2020 Census results.

Have districts been drawn to incorporate County Commissioners? The location of their homes has not been made known.

The rush to do this is insane. The Districts 1,2,3 alternative maps have the incumbents on all maps. Districts 4 and 5 may or may not contain the current office holders. How convenient. Private meetings - really. Sunshine laws!!! Guess you got around that. Sarasota County can do better for its citizens.

ALT 2 seems to make the most sense. Dist 5 should be Venice to Englewood.

I do not understand the need for redistricting at this time.

Nearly equal should consider equal in registered voters. Equal in full time residents transient populations - such as high density apartments - are not equal in registered voters why not more districts for better representation?

1.)What is the toatl cost of redistricting? It is more than the consultants. It includes SOE expenses. Also it will probably be redone when 2020 census results are available 2.) I called County Commission office to get information on redistricting. Had 2 questions, was promised call back but never recieved it.

There is a reason redistricting is performed after the decenial census. This is complicated and expensive to taxpayers for a vert small distric change… which will most likely have to be done again in 2021 after the 2020 census. Put the $ used for this into upgrading Bee Ridge Sewage Plant!

What data are the maps based on? How are the projections made Please describe on your website all data used to make projections. What is the cost of this? Can't we just fix the sewer instead? This is a waste of $$

Keep it the way it is. NO CHANGES!!!

Should wait for census, unnecessary cost and community impact/changes are not warranted especially with a Presedential election next year. I see little to no value to cange all the districts when only one district's population is near the "acceptable" threshold. There are also unattended consequences yet to be determined or considered.

I don't believe that it is reasonable to redistrict before the election and so close to taking the 2020 census.

Strange to redistrict before census

It appears that redistricting in this case seems to honestly consider population and doesn’t appear to dilute a peek minority strength. I don’t want to see either Newtown minorities or rural poor disadvantages by redistricting.

Thanks for holding these open houses. This is a complicated subject so appreciated the opportunity to study the maps and ask questions

I prefer that redistricting wait until after the next census is completed.

Not sure - none of the changes proposed affect my district location.

Preferred waiting until after Census.

I think that redistricting should be done after the census has been completed.

Do not split cities among districts. Pay attention to postal codes and communities locales in the unincorporated area. Redistrict now with 2018 data pop. Estimates. Redistrict again in 2021 using US 2020 census data. Throw out any reference to current districts and start from scratch.

SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN STARTED.

Any attempt to redistric before the 2020 Census is taken and the findings - determined and tabulated is a waste of taxpayer dollars. You do not put the "cart before the horse". Even the "novice" population study guru said he shouldn’t have accepted this job... as mentioned in a Herald Tribune column dated September 29, 2019. The cost of such a study does not outweigh the benefit, because nobody of any intellect wouldm't endorse or support such a pre-mature waste of taxpayer dollars.