Committee approves authorization to explore legal options on Fifth Congressional District redistricting

Jackson County’s Intergovernmental Affairs Committee voted to recommend perfection of Ordinance 6017, authorizing the county counselor’s office to pursue litigation and other legal strategies on behalf of the legislature if redistricting of the Fifth Congressional District occurs.

Legislator Barca introduced the ordinance. Whitney Miller of the county counselor’s office told the committee the authorization is exploratory: it would allow hiring outside counsel to analyze whether Jackson County should file its own litigation, join existing lawsuits, or do nothing, depending on counsel’s recommendation. Miller said the ordinance does not commit the county to file suit but permits the office to obtain analysis and strategy from outside lawyers.

Barca said the intent is to secure general counsel analysis so the county can protect the configuration of the Fifth Congressional District and that the ordinance would not allocate new money beyond existing external counsel contract authority. Committee members discussed existing lawsuits and whether Jackson County should join them or pursue separate litigation; Miller recommended analysis to determine the best course.

The committee moved and seconded perfection of Ordinance 6017. On a recorded voice vote the committee approved recommendation for perfection with the tally reported in the meeting as two in favor, one opposed and one abstention; the minutes did not record individual member vote names in the transcript excerpt. The ordinance will proceed in the legislative process for further consideration.