There was a bump in hits to the blog this morning. People were getting here by googling variations of "liz taylor's husbands/children."
(Let's pause a moment in remembrance of this beautiful woman and talented actor whose life was filled with great and not so great moments. Each person is born with different personal characteristics and into different life situations. There are no instruction books for life that fit all those different conditions. The life of a beautiful woman has its own opportunities and hazards. The life of child celebrities has additional perils. Elizabeth Taylor got to meet some of the most interesting people of the 20th Century, and was, perhaps, one of them herself. But that's not, as her life demonstrated, a guarantee of generally sustained personal happiness. Taylor's work for cures for AIDS has made a big contribution as did her excellent acting.)
Back to google's mysterious ways. People are getting to my post on Famous People Born in 1909 which includes a short bio of one of Taylor's husbands, Mike Todd, which includes the line, 'and one of Elizabeth Taylor's husbands.' (The one, I'd note, that seemed like the one that would last, but he died in a plane crash. But a lover who dies in the height of the romance can never do wrong, so who knows?) But could this humble blog's obscure mention of Taylor be snagging google hits for this? I googled to see where What Do I Know? showed up. I gave up after 20 pages of google. I did a google image search and didn't find the Todd picture I have up either.
A second google mystery I've been pondering: Suddenly one day last week I was getting hits on a post about my wife breaking a bone in her foot. People were googling "bones of the foot" or 'foot bones." I tried googling and again couldn't find a google page leading here. But then I noticed these were image searches and there is a picture I found and posted (with attribution) with bones of the foot - in addition to an x-ray of my wife's foot. And that showed up near the top of google images. But why is google sending them to my blog instead of the original site with that picture? I realize this has to do with other factors google uses to rank websites and that blogs that update regularly like this one gain some advantage that way. But what changed last week after 10 months with no hits from people searching for foot bone pictures? It's like all of a sudden the switch was turned on. And it's continued every day since.
These are hits I don't think I really 'deserve.' They are accidents of google algorithms. But then there are hits google botches - getting them to this blog, but not really to the best page here for the search terms.
And since I'm doing this parenthetical blogging post, I'd note that I started a Famous People Born in 1911 post. I have a list of names and started some bios. But each year the internet gives me more 100 year old names than the previous years and my bio research keeps getting more elaborate and it takes more time. And I'm distracted by other topics. But I want to do this one because this year would be my father's 100th birthday. So it might happen.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Redistricting Board Member Marie Greene of Kotzebue
Marie Greene is the sole member of the Board not appointed by a Republican elected official. She's the President/CEO of the NANA Regional Corporation and talks about her role on the board and how to prepare for the Board hearings in rural Alaska.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Randy Ruedrich Brief Video
I should have mentioned on the last post that I had to leave at five to get to my own meeting - Healing Racism in Anchorage. I'm home now and ready to take off, but here's a brief comment I got from Randy Ruedrich, head of the Republican Party.
I've video that I'll add later from three more of the Board members and another person who spoke to the Board today.
[I've always had some sort of mental block that changed Randy to Rudy. I actually wrote Randy a couple of times today and changed it to Rudy. I've fixed it in the post here and will get to the video soon, but that takes more work. Sorry. And thanks DZ]
I've video that I'll add later from three more of the Board members and another person who spoke to the Board today.
[I've always had some sort of mental block that changed Randy to Rudy. I actually wrote Randy a couple of times today and changed it to Rudy. I've fixed it in the post here and will get to the video soon, but that takes more work. Sorry. And thanks DZ]
Two More: District 6 and District 17&32 (Eagle River)
4:40pm
Geri Simon - attorney by trade, work for village corporation here in Anchorage, speaking on my own behalf. Process is very important to my family and people home in the Interior. As you know District 6 has 90 odd villages. Mine has 100+ people on a good day. Want to keep the district as much as possible as it is. Good representation now. Everyone has equal opportunity to gain from our current representation. Interior Alaska saw the greatest out migration - to Fairbanks mostly. As you draw the lines take those folks into consideration. Some parts of Fairbanks has a large number of Alaska Native population. I've worked with the Native vote process since 1998 and used numbers then. Now better technology.
Also encourage group to visit some of the more rural areas District 6 - while you go to Bethel, many won't be coming in from outlying communities. About $340 from
to Fairbanks one way. I work for Tyonek here. It's $150 one way for a half hour flight. If people go into to town to testify it will be because they also have a medical appointment.
Pete Giessel - District 17 resident. Don't want to waste your time. ER districts horribly mangled, especially 32 from ER to Hope. Divides community, doesn't keep them together. Part is much more like 17 voters, the rest doesn't share our concerns. It's a bad division. Those parts of 32 should be put back with rest of Eagle River.
Geri Simon - attorney by trade, work for village corporation here in Anchorage, speaking on my own behalf. Process is very important to my family and people home in the Interior. As you know District 6 has 90 odd villages. Mine has 100+ people on a good day. Want to keep the district as much as possible as it is. Good representation now. Everyone has equal opportunity to gain from our current representation. Interior Alaska saw the greatest out migration - to Fairbanks mostly. As you draw the lines take those folks into consideration. Some parts of Fairbanks has a large number of Alaska Native population. I've worked with the Native vote process since 1998 and used numbers then. Now better technology.
Also encourage group to visit some of the more rural areas District 6 - while you go to Bethel, many won't be coming in from outlying communities. About $340 from
to Fairbanks one way. I work for Tyonek here. It's $150 one way for a half hour flight. If people go into to town to testify it will be because they also have a medical appointment.
Bruce Schulte on District 28 Changes
During the break I got to talk to one of the folks who testified, Bruce Schultze, who is from District 28 and had suggestions. He also talked about how he found out about the meeting - he got a call from Randy Ruedrich.
District 28 is in south Anchorage.
District 28 is in south Anchorage.
AFL-CIO, Logging Contacts, and District 21
About 4:05pm three more people:
Joelle Hall - AFL-CIO Political Director. Thank you all for doing this. Public service not being paid, this is a big task. I wish there were 40 million more behind me making good use of your time.
AFL CIO member of Alaskans for Fair Redistricting. Our view, we'd like on the record, we feel the current districting has created a good balance for Alaska voters. The most competitive district is the best for the district. When two candidates both have a good chance to win is the best - then the best candidates will win. At least nine highly competitive districts. 1/4 of the House. In any given year, the quality of the candidates, campaign, mood of people. Things can change. 53% of Alaskans are non-partisans and in competitive districts, they get represented.
In a time with lots of stridency on both sides of the aisle - Alaska is different, Alaska has cooperation.
Highly competitive districts and folks working across the aisle evidence that the plan is working well. I know lots of population change is a great challenge, but urge you to retain the competitiveness. Gives Alaska the ability to be different in the situation.
Housekeeping. Saw in public notice - I saw some administrative meetings before public hearings, can that business part be webcast or audio cast?
Steve Aufrecht [That would be this blogger]: I've been sitting at these meetings. Last time you discussed being able to talk as individuals to members of the public. I think that's the right decision. I would ask that you consider logging those contacts, at least ones more than a few minutes, so that public is aware. All the paper you get you will put up on the website. So you should at least list all the oral contact as well. Thank you.
Bill Noll: District 21, among other things, Chair of Republican party in District 21.
1. Has seen growth in population but is 1400 or so below the 17,755, as way to amend that, 21 has added that precinct on top of Stuckagain Heights - the old Joe Henry, Roger Premo district. It is now in District 32, one of the big districts. Basher could be added to 21. Don't have a cure - Senate Distric K, 21 and 22 is overall short and we welcome anything reasonable. East Side of Anchorage has up trend with the valley.
Another area - 36 comes to mind - Brother Brodie and I worked to gether in Valdez. They are terribly short in 36 - about 3000 - mutually interest both culturally and i industry - fish. East-West Access could reach out to Cold Bay even - they'd have a fishing similarity. Congratulations on Kotzebue numbers coming out well.
Fish related to Kodiak - earthquake in Japan. Is anyone paying attention to the economic impact of earthquake on fish. Sendai and that area north of Tokyo big problem and lots of buyers there. Off track from the assignment. But I see leaders of the state here, I'll call Alan Austerman to see what can be done for Alaska industry.
Torgerson: Recess at 4:15pm and wait for next wave.
 |
| Joelle Hall |
AFL CIO member of Alaskans for Fair Redistricting. Our view, we'd like on the record, we feel the current districting has created a good balance for Alaska voters. The most competitive district is the best for the district. When two candidates both have a good chance to win is the best - then the best candidates will win. At least nine highly competitive districts. 1/4 of the House. In any given year, the quality of the candidates, campaign, mood of people. Things can change. 53% of Alaskans are non-partisans and in competitive districts, they get represented.
In a time with lots of stridency on both sides of the aisle - Alaska is different, Alaska has cooperation.
Highly competitive districts and folks working across the aisle evidence that the plan is working well. I know lots of population change is a great challenge, but urge you to retain the competitiveness. Gives Alaska the ability to be different in the situation.
Housekeeping. Saw in public notice - I saw some administrative meetings before public hearings, can that business part be webcast or audio cast?
Steve Aufrecht [That would be this blogger]: I've been sitting at these meetings. Last time you discussed being able to talk as individuals to members of the public. I think that's the right decision. I would ask that you consider logging those contacts, at least ones more than a few minutes, so that public is aware. All the paper you get you will put up on the website. So you should at least list all the oral contact as well. Thank you.
 |
| Bill Noll |
1. Has seen growth in population but is 1400 or so below the 17,755, as way to amend that, 21 has added that precinct on top of Stuckagain Heights - the old Joe Henry, Roger Premo district. It is now in District 32, one of the big districts. Basher could be added to 21. Don't have a cure - Senate Distric K, 21 and 22 is overall short and we welcome anything reasonable. East Side of Anchorage has up trend with the valley.
Another area - 36 comes to mind - Brother Brodie and I worked to gether in Valdez. They are terribly short in 36 - about 3000 - mutually interest both culturally and i industry - fish. East-West Access could reach out to Cold Bay even - they'd have a fishing similarity. Congratulations on Kotzebue numbers coming out well.
Fish related to Kodiak - earthquake in Japan. Is anyone paying attention to the economic impact of earthquake on fish. Sendai and that area north of Tokyo big problem and lots of buyers there. Off track from the assignment. But I see leaders of the state here, I'll call Alan Austerman to see what can be done for Alaska industry.
Torgerson: Recess at 4:15pm and wait for next wave.
Video - Redistricting Board Attorney White and ED Miller
I asked the attorney, Michael White, about whether the public would have access to the computer software they are using to manipulate the data and test out different plans. He suggested I talk to the Executive Director, Ron Miller.
More testimony, a map
Vicky Russell - Retired teacher. Alaska Women's Political Caucus. Glad you've adopted and shared guidelines. Appreciate your commitment to avoid politican and racial gerrymandering. The 2001 apportionment led to balance politically and allowed our legistors to work together. And want to be sure Alaska Natives represented fairly in legislature. Remind you these are important decisions, due care, represent the rights of all Alaskans to be represented fairly.
Torgerson: During the break, legal gave us new guidelines for Federal. Can you walk us through the memo?
Michael White: This is beyond administrative issues - full discussion with the board pushing more than we can do. Perhaps . . . any upcoming meetings teleconferenced? We could meet then so people could listen and hear. Don't want people to say it isn't on the agenda.
At the break talk to each of you, but no notice to public of this issue.
Quiet - they're thinking.
Torgerson: OK, we'll stand in recess at 2:53pm. They went out for coffee and snacks and are walking back in now at about 3:11.
If you are in downtown Anchorage, come by and just ask questions, look at the maps.
Redistricting Board - A Couple More Comments
Attorney Michael White:
Ms. Lamb[nd]reth's comment on the first part is right - last sentence of par. 2c and move it up to be the last paragraph 2b.
The second part I don't agree with her yet - removing unavoidable before retrogression
Heidi Drygas - Gen Council from Alaska District Council Laborers. AK faces significant challenges because of growth and loss in parts of the state. But we should resist the urge to make significant changes. Districts we have now work well, and to the extent we can maintain them we should. Resulted in good party representation in the state as well as Native representation. Current districts under 2001 plan represents the people well.
2:14pm: Deborah Williams: Reserve bulk of comments to March 31 because we are eagerly looking at numbers and drawing lines. Appreciate that opportunity to present the plans March 31.
1. You've already taken care of - the guideline issues.
2. Saw in most recent notice, your desire to have administrative board meetings prior to the public hearings. I would recommend you do one of two things at the prehearing board meetings;
a. telephonically communicated - notify people on mailing list and calling number. If technically impossible.
b. have staff as quickly as possible summarize the meeting send out info to mailing list.
Thank you for your hard work. Very impressed by your deliberations, Last meeting was outstanding.
2:19 recess until next wave.
Board continued to sit as a group and talk about the Federal law.
Torgerson: Stop talking until we're on the record.
Ms. La
The second part I don't agree with her yet - removing unavoidable before retrogression
Heidi Drygas - Gen Council from Alaska District Council Laborers. AK faces significant challenges because of growth and loss in parts of the state. But we should resist the urge to make significant changes. Districts we have now work well, and to the extent we can maintain them we should. Resulted in good party representation in the state as well as Native representation. Current districts under 2001 plan represents the people well.
2:14pm: Deborah Williams: Reserve bulk of comments to March 31 because we are eagerly looking at numbers and drawing lines. Appreciate that opportunity to present the plans March 31.
1. You've already taken care of - the guideline issues.
2. Saw in most recent notice, your desire to have administrative board meetings prior to the public hearings. I would recommend you do one of two things at the prehearing board meetings;
a. telephonically communicated - notify people on mailing list and calling number. If technically impossible.
b. have staff as quickly as possible summarize the meeting send out info to mailing list.
Thank you for your hard work. Very impressed by your deliberations, Last meeting was outstanding.
2:19 recess until next wave.
Board continued to sit as a group and talk about the Federal law.
Torgerson: Stop talking until we're on the record.
Redistricting Live Blogging continued
This is really rough and spellings uncertain.
Laura Rheingold - District 32 - from Hope to ER, We're hoping that the ER part of 32 will reunify ER. I'm on Parks and REc board. We have our own service area. We have our own seperate ER issues. Reps for each Community Councils, REC: Put part of 32 in ER back into ??
Natalie Landreth - Paper copies for all of you. Sr. Staff attorney Native American Rights Fund.
Fishing Rights, Tribal SElf Determination, and Voting Rights. Nick case established that Election materials be translated into Yupik in certain parts of the state. One of few 203 fully litigated in US and only one where courts required Native language for voting area. About 76% speak Yupik first. Illiteracy rate is 15X national average because there were no schools in the villages.
REquired in Bethel meeting that you have live interpretation in Yupik when you are there. Otherwise, many communities and thousands of voters will be left out of process.
2. I understand there were draft redistricting guidelines. Two incorrect statements that were summarized and misleading.
2C of Fed. redistricting materials. Quote 1: Unavoidable retrogression should be No retrogression at all. We will be watching carefully. DOJ will contact us. I want you to know this in the spirit of complete transparency.
The other misleading statement: Minority group must be large cohesive and vote in a bloc. This suggests that minority group must demonstrate this. SEc. 5 only measures changes of the status quote. Sec. 2 about diluting minority vote. It looks like these two sections conflated.
Sufficiently large and compact enough to represent a majority. Large is subjective
Cohesive.
Vote as a bloc. - Bloc is the majority - I'm not getting enough of this to catch it well.
I understand the guidelines a summary and that you will engage legal counsel that will steer you correctly
Vicki Otte - chair of my village corporation. (missed other organizations she's involved with) I commend you for the public service you are taking on and wish you well. Want to clarify comment on redistricting board. One was Republican, ONe Democrat, two undeclared, and ??? That group gave us a fair and balance legislature we have today. It has been good for us today. We have a balanced Senate. When you draw new legislative districts keep that in mind and preserving incumbents as much as you can. How lines drawn means wther Alaskans will have fair representation. INsure rural Alaska continues to have a voice and is represented fairly. I know that is difficult and wish you well.
It's 1:45pm and no one else is here to testify at the moment. REcess. Until next wave comes in.
Laura Rheingold - District 32 - from Hope to ER, We're hoping that the ER part of 32 will reunify ER. I'm on Parks and REc board. We have our own service area. We have our own seperate ER issues. Reps for each Community Councils, REC: Put part of 32 in ER back into ??
Natalie Landreth - Paper copies for all of you. Sr. Staff attorney Native American Rights Fund.
Fishing Rights, Tribal SElf Determination, and Voting Rights. Nick case established that Election materials be translated into Yupik in certain parts of the state. One of few 203 fully litigated in US and only one where courts required Native language for voting area. About 76% speak Yupik first. Illiteracy rate is 15X national average because there were no schools in the villages.
REquired in Bethel meeting that you have live interpretation in Yupik when you are there. Otherwise, many communities and thousands of voters will be left out of process.
2. I understand there were draft redistricting guidelines. Two incorrect statements that were summarized and misleading.
2C of Fed. redistricting materials. Quote 1: Unavoidable retrogression should be No retrogression at all. We will be watching carefully. DOJ will contact us. I want you to know this in the spirit of complete transparency.
The other misleading statement: Minority group must be large cohesive and vote in a bloc. This suggests that minority group must demonstrate this. SEc. 5 only measures changes of the status quote. Sec. 2 about diluting minority vote. It looks like these two sections conflated.
Sufficiently large and compact enough to represent a majority. Large is subjective
Cohesive.
Vote as a bloc. - Bloc is the majority - I'm not getting enough of this to catch it well.
I understand the guidelines a summary and that you will engage legal counsel that will steer you correctly
Vicki Otte - chair of my village corporation. (missed other organizations she's involved with) I commend you for the public service you are taking on and wish you well. Want to clarify comment on redistricting board. One was Republican, ONe Democrat, two undeclared, and ??? That group gave us a fair and balance legislature we have today. It has been good for us today. We have a balanced Senate. When you draw new legislative districts keep that in mind and preserving incumbents as much as you can. How lines drawn means wther Alaskans will have fair representation. INsure rural Alaska continues to have a voice and is represented fairly. I know that is difficult and wish you well.
It's 1:45pm and no one else is here to testify at the moment. REcess. Until next wave comes in.
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