When I think about economic development, I think about more than just the creation of jobs. I think about other issues we’re facing like the availability of housing, access to quality health care, good schools, parks, opportunities for higher education, and everything in between.

Executing a plan for economic growth is not black and white. We have systemic issues that prevent marginalized groups from finding jobs that can keep them in their homes. We have zoning and redistricting policies that have shaped access to resources. We have schools that have been marginalized and communities that have been ostracized. 

Every 10 years, Hamilton County, like every county in the country, goes through redistricting. The next date this happens will be on April 7, 2022. Redistricting is meant to redistribute districts based on population growth to ensure that each district is fairly represented and equal. In the state of Tennessee, there are no checks and balances in place that protect its citizens from unfair redistricting to favor one group or party over another, otherwise known as gerrymandering.  

We need to understand that redistricting is not partisan. We need to do what's right for all citizens of Hamilton County in spite of the financial cost. If that means, expanding the number of county commissioners and districts, then we expand the number of county commissioners and districts.

We need to take a moment to recognize that the process of selection of the chair of the county commission is not and has never been a practice that empowers a just, inclusive or equitable community. 

A question was posed on social media as to why I think the current districting is unfair. Let me be clear. Redistricting isn’t about being fair or unfair although when we look at access, support and resources, it is clear that there are areas of the county that have greater access and support. Equitable and fair redistricting is about ensuring the access and distribution of resources among all districts of Hamilton County are fair.