THAT’S DEBATABLE:

Some political observers say partisanship in the Legislature made it difficult for lawmakers and the governor to address some major issues in this past session such as healthcare, legislative boundaries and a dwindling water supply. The governor has pushed to stop incumbents from drawing their own district boundaries as a means to make the Legislature less partisan. Do you think that would help reduce partisanship?

Partisanship” by itself is not a bad thing, if by “partisanship” one means holding to meaningful principles that distinguish one political party from another. I represent an area of the state that is opposed to high taxes, burdensome regulations and big government. I could be less “partisan” by agreeing to increase taxes to fund big government, but then I’d not be in office for very long.

Having a fair and impartial redistricting might make about 1/3 of the seats competitive. This by itself may not be enough to moderate the voting behavior of legislators as most legislators take elections one at a time.

Rather, the harmful aspects of “partisanship” can be overcome with lawmakers who have a firm grasp of their own beliefs and who can work across the aisle to accomplish common objectives.

Chuck DeVore

ASSEMBLYMAN (R-NEWPORT BEACH)

Changing how district boundaries are drawn would play a huge part in reducing partisanship. The evidence is overwhelming that the current district lines rob many voters of the right to fairly choose their representatives. Instead of the voters choosing the politicians, the politicians are choosing which voters they would like to represent.

The politics must be taken out of the system and it should be replaced with either a citizen’s commission or panel of retired judges. Until real reforms to redistricting are made, district boundaries will continue to serve the needs of politicians over the needs of the people of California.

Tom Harman

I do think taking the power to create boundaries away from legislators will help reduce partisanship.

More importantly, I think it will lead to a legislature that is more focused to tackling real problems and working to deliver results.

I really wish the Legislature would work to solve our state’s ongoing budget crisis by reducing government, re-prioritize spending to fund real priorities like freeway construction and public safety, and end the problem of illegal immigration.

These are the issues I will continue to fight for.

VAN TRAN

ASSEMBLYMAN (R-COSTA MESA)