If you are even just an occasional reader of this blog, you already know that here, in the People's Republic of Northampton County, we screw things up all of the time. But there's one thing we do right, at least so far, and that's the redistricting of Council Districts. According to our Home Rule Charter, after every ten-year census, the four council district boundaries must be re-established. "The population of each district shall be substantially equal; each district shall comprise compact and contiguous territory and wherever feasible shall follow municipal boundaries."
For legislative and Congressional districts, you can expect redistricting to precipitate lawsuits as quickly as Phil Mitman can shout "Fore!" But in Northampton County, the job has already been done.
Ten years ago, Council Clerk Frank Flisser came up with new boundaries, and he's done it again so that every district follows contiguous municipal boundaries. Best of all, each district is within 0.001% of each other in terms of population.
There will be three changes.
District Two, where Mike Dowd currently serves, will lose Williams Township to District Three, where Lamont McClure is the incumbent. McClure will lose Freemansburg to District 1, which is currently served by Anna McHale. He'll also lose Bath to District 4, which is currently served by Ron Angle.
These changes will have to be approved by Ordinance, and will take effect next year.
12 comments:
First impression is that District three becomes a little more Republican leaning with these changes. However, as we are past the primary it will not impact this year's municipal election. Considering the huge disparity in spending between McClure and Schwartz compared to the election results the last time around, this is probably fortunate for McClure. Coupled with that, despite your opinions on the matter, I can't help but think that he will also be helped with the current boundaries by the Gracedale issue being fresh enough. Turn out rates will be important.
Regarding the bigger picture of reapportionment, I wish that the state-wide districts would be redrawn first, and then trickle downward. I know that after the last census Bethlehem Township had redrawn into nice evenly populated, almost boxy wards, but had to make adjustments because the Commonwealth House districts which were done afterwards dictated changes at the municipal level. On that subject, BT is split between three state Representative which dilutes our influence to Easton and City of Bethlehem. This also translates into 2 of the 3 Representatives being Democrat, though the actual voting patterns of the Township have been Republican leaning.
This was done to screw over Lamont McClure.
Whether this hurts or helps a Council member politically, is irrelevant. The HRC sets the standard for redistricting and that is the standard that was followed. Ten years ago, Williams was very Republican. But with all the development and new owners from New Jersey, I think it is a bluer township.
Two new and huge gun stores and ranges in Williams Township and you think it is now a "blue township" Wanna rethink that one?
Hey, I have no frickin' idea, but I think it's a little bluer than it was 10 years ago bc of the numerous developments.
Anon 1:15 AM
It takes effect NEXT year so it is not targeted at McClure. Bath is Dem registration as is Williams so it is really a wash for district 3
You are correct. The new district will not take effect until next year.
dems don't use guns? Are we showing our preudices or our butt, AYN?
Any is the once Battle cry, Chris Miller with a brand new logo.
There are several tea party members who comment here, and they are welcome. They have just as much right to comment anonymously as you do, so long as they refrain from personal attacks. Identifying Ayn Rand as Chris Miller has about as much factual basis as me stating that you are Steve Barron.
what a shame that any BLOG has to allow for anymous responses. we should all be held accountable for our comments. no one but a coward would contribute anything to a BLOg anonymously. I'm not including my name because I don't want my wife to know I am wasting my time on this sillyness. I'm sure you understand Bernie. Oh, and by the way, all your anonymous responders lack back bone. have a nice day.
What I said, and what you fail to understand is that the privilege of commenting anonymously is no excuse for personal attacks or wild allegations that you can't back up.
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