Pinal Co. BOS Asks Gov. To Veto HB2575

In a special afternoon meeting, the Pinal County Board of Supervisors voted to approve a letter asking Gov. Janet Napolitano to veto HB2575. The legislation mandates Pinal to increase its Board of Supervisors from 3 to 5 before the 2010 census occurs. The Supervisors are philosophically in favor for the 5 member board for Pinal County. But they are opposed to HB2575 because they believe it's flawed legislation supercedes the right of the voters in their say if they want 5 members. In the letter to the Governor, the Supervisors point out that the increase would create a potential legal problem with the U.S. Dept. of Justice based on the fact that the numbers used to create the extra 2 districts are based on outdated 2000 census data.

There's a lawsuit in front of the Supreme Court based on redistricting in the State of Texas which used 2 year old outdated Census numbers. If the County goes to 5 supervisors the census numbers from 2000 would have to be utilized to form the additional 2 districts. Those numbers don't count the major growth having occurred within Pinal County. This means Pinal County will be redistricted based on 179,000 residents-instead of the 250,000 residents that are now estimated to live here.

If the bill's signed into law, the implementation will cost the taxpayers of Pinal County over $1 million dollars for redistricting, salaries & other related expenses. This law depletes needed funds from such services as public safety & public health. The time & expense of redistricting will be duplicated 4 years later based on info generated from the 2010 census.

Current law provides a petition & election process for creation of a 5 member board. This process ensures local control & gives voters the ultimate authority.