Bridgeport lawmaker named advisor to Speaker Donovan on redistricting

Rep. Andres Ayala Jr., D-Bridgeport, a third-term House member, has been named as a special advisor on Latino and African American issues as part of the Legislature’s reapportionment project. Speaker of the House Chris Donovan, D-Meriden, made the announcement Tuesday, when he also said that Rep. Toni Walker, D-New Haven, will join Ayala.

“Redistricting of House districts needs to make sense for the
communities of Connecticut, and comply with federal and state
constitutional requirements, including the Voting Rights Act’s
protections of minorities,” Donovan said in a statement.  “Latinos and African
Americans are the two largest minority groups in our state.  We need to
fully understand the impact of proposed changes on African American and
Latino communities throughout Connecticut, and I am pleased that Toni
and Andres are willing to help us with this task.”

 Walker and Ayala will work with advocacy
groups and others who are interested in participating in the process of redrawing districts as a result of the result U.S. Census.

 The Reapportionment Committee will hold five public hearings, one in each congressional district, in the next few weeks. Tonight’s will be at 7 p.m. in
Waterbury City Hall. There are others scheduled for July 6 at 7 p.m. in Norwich City Hall; July 18 at 7
p.m. in the Common Council Chambers at Norwalk City Hall; July 19 at 7 p.m. at the Fair Haven Middle School in New Haven; and July 20 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Legislative Office
Building in the Capitol complex.