Following is a statement issued by former Senator Alex Villalobos on behalf of Democracy at Stake:
“Fair and impartial administration of justice is a difficult and delicate balancing act. And it is one that the seven members of the Florida Supreme Court perform admirably day in and day out.
“The politically charged debate over redistricting has focused public attention on a deliberative process that is business as usual for our state’s high court. The only thing different about the redistricting case is that this high-wire act is being carried out in the media spotlight – and under a tight deadline.
“As they do in every case, the seven members of our high court analyzed and debated the case from all angles. The majority, concurring and dissenting opinions issued today reflect the difficulty of the question and should not be wrongly characterized as a political divide.
“Floridians are well served by Justices who thoroughly debate and analyze every question that comes before them, and base their decisions on a careful consideration of what they believe to be mandated by our state constitution.”
Alex Villalobos served as Majority Leader and Rules Chair during his tenure in the Florida Senate. He is president of Democracy at Stake, a non-profit organization working to preserve a fair, impartial and non-political Florida State Supreme Court.
