Gerrymandering has always had a sour political smell. In my high school history classes in 1953-54, I learned how Massachusetts Gov. Elbridge Gerry created a new voting district around Boston. On a map it resembled a salamander.
The new district was meant to favor his party. The Boston Weekly Messenger published the map (with claws, wings, and fangs added) with the title “The Gerry-Mander.” It became the object of derision in textbooks and taught me the lesson that such manipulation was inappropriate for the republic.
What is best for New Hampshire? A manipulated map with partisan bias? Or transparency and a structure that should eliminate the current gerrymandering and curtail future manipulation by either party – voting district maps that can be the pride of New Hampshire, with fairness to both parties and all voters?
Alas, Sununu didn’t want the latter and vetoed the bipartisan bill, House Bill 706 (2019). His veto perpetuates gerrymandered districts. They are not right for New Hampshire. Who could be proud to represent such a district?
Sen. Dan Feltes, by contrast, supports objective redistricting for the good of the state. He recognizes that those measures that have bipartisan support represent the collected will of the electorate. That is why I support Dan Feltes for governor.
KENT HACKMANN
Andover