January 6, 2022
Paul Marquardt’s artwork is an experience. This Kalamazoo native creates pieces that you can not only see, but touch and hear. While each piece presents a unique experience, they all share one key thing in common: societal change for the better. Whether it is a chair that literally speaks to you or a motion-triggered display that sounds off the same word in multiple languages, Paul’s artwork encourages people to re-examine the world around them, promotes justice and fairness, and explores our common humanity.
It’s that common ground that stood out to Paul when he was volunteering on the Prop 2 campaign back in 2017 and 2018.
When I was out canvassing, I went to all the houses on the list and the one time that really stands out is one of the first times where I really had a talk with someone that was obviously a conservative politically. You could tell from the signs in the yard. But when I told her what I was doing and what we were attempting to do she was very supportive. What that reinforced for me was that this is an issue that is important to everyone and from then on I found universal support for the redistricting proposal.
Paul was surprised by the broad base of support to end gerrymandering in Michigan, though not as much as his fellow Michiganders were to see him rolling down the street. Paul covered a lot of ground during the Prop 2 campaign, thanks in part to a Segway to help him knock doors. Not only did the Segway help him burn up turf and knock over 1,600 doors, it also helped him break down some barriers.
While the Segway put smiles on people’s faces, it was Paul’s open and honest approach with people that helped him connect with Michiganders at the door.
I had an approach of genuineness, honesty and straightforwardness without trying to disguise what I was doing and could get down to the basics of the issue. I found that I could be more effective in what I was doing.
Ending gerrymandering by establishing an independent citizens commission was important to thousands of volunteers like Paul. It provided balance and fairness to a process that had long been jockeyed by partisans who wanted to rig elections for themselves at the expense of marginalizing voters.
The citizens redistricting commission is so important to reinstate a fair election process. It’s obvious over the years that it has always been one party or the other that has manipulated the Census Data to give themselves an advantage and denying people one vote counting for one vote so that some voters would be disenfranchised.
Paul believes that the timing of the campaign was also key, both in terms of the political climate and preparing our state for the 2021 redistricting process.
I am glad that we did it when we did it because it would be much harder now. The political climate now is much harsher and confrontational. There are so many people out there who are denying reality for one thing but they’re also people that are obviously lying and cheating. It’s the liars and cheaters that are manipulating the election process in other states right now. Michigan would be set up to do that unfortunately if we didn’t have this.
Paul admits that Michigan’s redistricting process has not been perfect. He has concerns with commissioner attendance and the political views of the law firm that was first selected by the Commission. However, he is both optimistic that the process can be improved for the next cycle and that the outcome of Michigan’s inaugural independent redistricting process put us ahead of many other states.
In the end, considering what’s happening around the country and other states, we are still going to be much better off no matter what comes out of this Commission.
Since the Prop 2 campaign, Paul has refocused his attention on his artwork. He is aiming to make the changes in his community through his art that complement the goals of VNP. Paul remembers his canvassing days fondly. He felt empowered to be a part of a structural change that benefits all Michiganders.
I found it to be very rewarding especially with the support that I found and having it voted in and approved. It’s very rewarding. The other thing is I felt like I was doing something constructive to make the world better and it was something that I could do. I can do my part with climate change for instance, but I can’t go out there and close coal plants or generate solar electricity. I can voice my opinion. But here was something that was a nuts-and-bolts issue that I could actually get in there and make a change.
Paul may have taken a break from volunteering with VNP, but he still has his Segway and is ready to roll for the next campaign.
