Mayor McLaughlin and Councilmember Beckles, who both abstained on the vote last week regarding congressional redistricting have changed their minds and now oppose the plan. Like most people, including me, they did not understand at the time that the current plan would split Richmond in half. Following is an email from the mayor to the Redistricting Commission:

Dear Commissioners,

Although I am not taking a position regarding in which district Richmond is placed, I strongly object to dividing Richmond and strongly support redrawing the lines in a way that keeps Richmond unified. 

Community ties run deep in Richmond.  One of our themes for ongoing community development is:  One Richmond!  

I thank you for your attention to our concerns and look forward to a redrawing of the lines. 

Sincerely,

Gayle McLaughlin
Mayor, City of Richmond, CA
Mayor@officeofthemayor.net
(510) 620-6503