ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley has created a committee to draft a legislative and congressional redistricting plan for the state.

O’Malley announced the five-member Governor’s Redistricting Advisory Committee on Monday. He says the group will immediately develop a schedule of public hearings so that citizens can participate in the process.

O’Malley says his secretary of appointments, Jeanne Hitchcock, will serve as chair of the committee. Also on the committee are Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller; Speaker of the House Michael Busch; James King, who has served as a member of the House of Delegates; and Richard Stewart, who is currently president and chief executive officer of Montgomery Mechanical Services Incorporated.

The group plans to hold its first meeting on Wednesday.

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