§ 60827. Relevant Analytical Skills.

(a) “Relevant analytical skills” means the learned abilities that a commissioner may need to successfully complete the work of the commission.

(b) Abilities related to performing the following tasks shall be considered relevant analytical skills: gathering and comprehending information that bears upon redistricting; evaluating the validity and significance of the information gathered by the commission in order to make sound decisions about the proper placement of communities in districts; applying the appropriate legal standards, including, but not limited to, the United States Constitution and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (commencing with section 1971 of title 42 of the United States Code), to drawing district boundaries; and working effectively as a member of a group to promote redistricting decisions that are factually and legally defensible and that the commission can agree upon.

(c) The following are examples of relevant analytical skills grouped according to the tasks listed in subdivision (b):

(1) Gathering and comprehending information that bears upon redistricting:

(A) An ability to read and understand dense and technical written materials, including, but not limited to, maps and statistical information.

(B) An ability to participate effectively in public hearings regarding redistricting by listening carefully and critically to the testimony of witnesses and formulating concise questions that will elicit relevant information.

(2) Evaluating the validity and significance of the information gathered by the commission in order to make sound decisions about the proper placement of communities in districts:

(A) Basic mathematical skills.

(B) Familiarity with using computers and working with software programs such as spreadsheet programs, mapping websites or programs, or word processing programs.

(C) An ability to assess the credibility of information provided by staff, consultants, and members of the public, distinguish facts from opinions, distinguish relevant facts from irrelevant facts, and assess the relative strength of competing arguments.

(D) An ability to resolve complex problems, particularly those involving factual ambiguities as may arise when all of the relevant facts are not apparent or when there are conflicting claims about the facts.

(3) Applying the appropriate legal standards to drawing district boundaries:

(A) An ability to understand the legal principles that govern redistricting as communicated through written materials and advice provided by the commission's legal counsel.

(B) An appreciation for the importance of applying proper legal standards to redistricting decisions.

(4) Working effectively as a member of a group to promote redistricting decisions that are factually and legally defensible and that the commission can agree upon:

(A) Effective communication skills, including, but not limited to, basic writing skills.

(B) An ability to interact effectively with other commissioners to build consensus on proposed decisions through reasoned discussion and negotiation.

(d) An applicant may demonstrate his or her possession of relevant analytical skills through a description of those skills and through occupational, academic, volunteer, or life experiences such as:

(1) Compiling information from a variety of sources, including, but not limited to, statistical reports, expert opinions, and members of the public to develop an understanding of an issue or problem.

(2) Assessing the value of information received from various sources to determine how much weight should be given to certain information versus other information when making a decision concerning an issue.

(3) Receiving expert advice, particularly of a legal nature, and applying that advice to decisions.

(4) Participating in group decision-making as a member of a commission, board, grand jury, task force, or other collection of individuals whose mission was to produce a report, plan, or other work product addressing some issue or problem.

HISTORY

1. New section filed 11-5-2009; operative 11-6-2009 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4 (Register 2009, No. 45).