Redistricting update: Redistricting Commission scheduled to select fifth member February 24

The four members of the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission (AIRC) who have been appointed by the leadership of the Ariizona legislature will meet next week to select a fifth member, an Independent, to fill out the membership of the AIRC and to serve as chair.

The agenda was emailed to me by Jim Drake of the Arizona Secretary of State's office.  Here's a summary:

Date: Thursday, February 24, 2011
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Location: State Library Conference Room, Ste. 200, 1700 W. Washington, Phoenix (go to the Old Capitol and ask for directions to the office of the Director of the State Library; it's on the 2nd floor.)

Once the meeting is gavelled to order, Secretary of State Ken Bennett will administer the oath of office to the four members.  After that, they will interview the five independent candidates individually.  The planned order -

3 - 3:30 p.m. - Kimber Lanning

3:30 - 4 p.m. - Colleen Mathis

4 - 4:30 p.m. - Ray Bladine

4:30 - 5 p.m. - Paul Bender

5 - 5:30 p.m. - Margarita Silva

After the interviews, public comment will be accepted, after which the members will make their selection.  An executive session is possible/likely.

If the four members who have already been appointed cannot agree on the selection of a fifth member, the responsibility for that reverts to the Arizona Commission on Appellate Court Appointments.  Given that the current membership is split between two Republicans and two Democrats, that possibility isn't a remote one.  However, not personally knowing any of the current appointees, I cannot speculate on the likelihood of that occurrence.

The section of the Arizona Constitution covering this is here.

Later...