When the first public hearing for redistricting for Florida's congressional and legislative districts began Monday in Tallahassee, there were frequent complaints by the public about the lack of any such maps to review.

"Where are the maps?" asked American Civil Liberties Union regional director Susan Watson. "Make a map now, present it to the public now and start a meaningful conversation. … We don't want fake hearings and meaningless talk."

But Senate President Mike Haridopolos says it's all about the people of Florida's turn right now, and he's encouraging people to produce their own maps, though what he would do with them after they're drawn is a bit tentative.

"I truly believe this is government in the sunshine," the state Senate president told CL Friday afternoon in Tampa." He said he looked forward to the 26 public meetings scheduled (including in the Tampa Bay area in late August), because he wants to hear public opinion before the lines get drawn up.

"This is the Sunshine State, let's listen to people first before we arrogantly begin drawing lines," Haridoplos said, saying he wants to get as much comment from the public before he and other legislators will craft the lines for the 2012 election – at least before the courts intervene.

This article appears in Jun 16-22, 2011.