By Mike Feinstein, Green Focus. Fall issue. Flashman is an Oakland attorney who specializes in environmental, land use and elections law. In his solo practice he represents private individuals, and community, environmental, and other public interest groups during administrative processes and in litigation.
Additional background: Over 30, people submitted initial Stage 1 applications to be on the commission including Greens , of which approximately 25, were deemed tentatively eligible including Greens Of these 4, completed the more extensive Stage 2 application, 37 of them Greens.
Then again in July, the number was reduced to , all of whom were interviewed face-to-face at open public meetings in August: 40 who were registered Democrat, 40 who were registered Republican and 40 who were not registered Democrat or Republican. Among the latter group were the three Greens. Ultimately, none of them were chosen to serve on the Commission.
Please describe why you are interested in serving on the Citizens Redistricting Commission from the official applications to serve on the Commission. I am interested in serving on the Commission because I believe in a government for the people and by the people. Every time election season rolls around people are often disappointed by the candidates running.
We all have have heard or voiced complaints over the years about the quality of the candidates in public office; Yet seldom do these good people look to themselves as a solution. Do they take the leap and throw their hat in the ring and decide "Okay, I am going to run for that position". A few do, but many more don't. I think it has a lot to do with courage and not letting money and other barriers keep one from fully engaging in the political process.
