City Club Virtual Conversation: Redistricting: the intersection of high-stakes politics and the Idaho Constitution

U.S. Census figures arriving soon will show significant population growth confined to a small number of Idaho’s counties. New district boundaries for the Idaho legislature must be drawn to even out the representation within a required range of difference. These realities mean there will be winners and losers and court challenges.

Our distinguished panel will provide context, history and expectations for the coming politics and legal trip-wires.

Jim Jones grew up in the Magic Valley, became an Idaho lawyer in 1967, served in the Vietnam War, worked three years in Washington for former Idaho Senator Len Jordan and spent 25 years in private law practice in Jerome and Boise. He has been involved in redistricting issues, first as Idaho Attorney General in the 1980s, and later during his twelve years on the Idaho Supreme Court. He retired from the Court as Chief Justice in 2017.

Professor Gary Moncrief taught at Boise State University for 43 years before retiring in 2019 as University Distinguished Professor. His books include Why States Matter (3rd Edition) and Reapportionment and Redistricting in the West. He was a consultant to the National Conference of State Legislatures, the Council of State Governments, the State Legislative Leaders Foundation, and the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University.

Moderated by City Club of Boise programs committee member Sue Reents.

This Virtual Conversation will be on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.