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State Rep. Matthew Bierlein has called for transparency and accountability in response to recent accusations against Michigan's Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. The accusations include allegations that the head of the commission, Commissioner Anthony Eid, may have manipulated district boundaries to benefit certain candidates, and that multiple members of the commission may be residing out of state.

The allegations against Commissioner Eid have raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest. Rep. Bierlein stated, "If this allegation has merit, Commissioner Eid should resign his position." He emphasized the importance of addressing these allegations to ensure that the redistricting process was conducted fairly, as intended by the voters.

Rep. Bierlein has been a vocal advocate for increased transparency within the commission. He previously urged Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to implement a formal vetting process for commissioners, citing concerns about Commissioner Eid's past partisan leanings. Bierlein emphasized the need to consider the credibility of Commissioner Eid's claims of independence, given his previous affiliations.

Another issue highlighted by a report from the Detroit News is the presence of two commission members who are currently residing out of state. This raises ethical concerns and could potentially impact the redrawing of district maps. Rep. Bierlein supported a call to investigate the status and legality of these out-of-state commissioners, as well as an audit of the state's qualified voter file to address potential abuses related to absentee voting.

Bierlein stated, "The two commissioners in question have been living outside of Michigan for more than a year while receiving taxpayer money for their work on a commission developed by and for the people of Michigan." He expressed concerns about these commissioners making decisions that affect Michigan voters and families without being subject to the consequences of those decisions.

In conclusion, Rep. Bierlein is calling for transparency and common sense in the operations of the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. The allegations against Commissioner Eid and the presence of out-of-state commissioners have raised serious questions about the integrity of the redistricting process. It is crucial to ensure that the commission operates in a fair and accountable manner to maintain the public's trust in the state government's processes.

To find out more, go to this link: https://gophouse.org/posts/rep-bierlein-calls-for-transparency-accountability-as-accusations-mount-against-state-commission