Contact: Chris Chesrown
Media Relations Manager
480-731-8503
June 7, 2001

Maricopa Community Colleges Sites for Redistricting Public Hearings

Greater Phoenix - With the passage of Proposition 106 during the 2000 General Election, Arizona history was changed. Proposition 106 amended the Arizona Constitution to create a five-member commission to redraw Congressional and Legislative district boundaries following the 2000 Census. Previously, the State Legislature was responsible for redrawing the lines instead of the people of Arizona. The Redistricting Commission acts independently of the State Legislature and will conduct a series of public hearings to gain citizen input.

The Center for Civic Participation of the Maricopa Community Colleges has agreed to assist the Independent Redistricting Commission in securing sites in Maricopa County for public hearings to be held this month.

Bernie Ronan, Director of the Center for Civic Participation, said, "It is only logical that we should provide the sites for the public hearings. We are neutral and our colleges are centrally located and convenient for all Maricopa County citizens."

Dr. Fred Gaskin, Chancellor of the Maricopa Community Colleges, added "We also see this as an opportunity to serve our many communities. It is another way we are fulfilling our civic responsibility. It provides an opportunity for our students and staff to be participants in these history making hearings."

Ronan explained that the public hearings will educate citizens about the process the Commission will use in redrawing the maps. A presentation will be given by members of the Commission with a question and answer period following.

All hearings start at 7:00 p.m. on the following dates and locations: June 12 - South Phoenix South Mountain Community College - Student Union

June 14 - Scottsdale Scottsdale Community College - Performing Arts Center

June 21 - Central Phoenix Phoenix College - Bulpitt Auditorium

June 25 - East Valley Mesa Community College - Navajo Room

June 26 - West Valley Estrella Mountain Community College - Community Room

June 28 - Northwest Valley Glendale Community College - Student Lounge

Additional information on the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission:
http://www.azredistricting.org or call 602-364-1350.

The Maricopa County Community College District, the largest community college district in the nation, includes 10 colleges - Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Estrella Mountain Community College, GateWay Community College, Glendale Community College, Mesa Community College, Paradise Valley Community College, Phoenix College, Rio Salado College, Scottsdale Community College and South Mountain Community College. The District also includes the Maricopa Skill Center, Estrella Mountain Skill Center, several satellite campuses and business/industry, technical and customized training institutes and serves over 264,000 students annually.

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March 13, 2002