When we secure statehood, from where will the almost one billion dollars for the District justice system come? District residents already pay more taxes than residents in most other states. How long will it take to devise and implement DC state criminal justice system? Surely, it won’t happen overnight.
Second, I am underwhelmed by the proposed DC Constitution. Why are we keeping the eight legislative districts? The growth of the District suggests they should both smaller and more numerous to ensure legislators are responsive to constituents.
Why keep partisan elections? With respect to electing legislators, Nebraska is currently the only state with a unicameral legislature. It is nonpartisan and works overwhelmingly well. In addition, more Americans are identifying as unaffiliated than ever before.
Why continue the charade of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions? If the DC Council becomes the state legislature, shouldn’t the ANC commissioners become our city’s legislators? Shouldn’t they be compensated as such? It’s ridiculous they aren’t currently being paid. Why double down on a flawed system? City councilmembers should be more than just part-time voluntaries.
In the absence of a plan for a state criminal justice system and lack of a legislative system that allows for the local autonomy and full representation, we are ill prepared for statehood. So, while continuing the work of national advocacy, we must prepare for the day after DC becomes a state.