It’s redistricting time again.
Every 10 years, following the census, state legislators are faced with the task of redrawing congressional and legislative boundary lines. This process is intended to ensure that every person receives equal representation in the state.
On June 7, a Select Committee on Redistricting was created through Senate Resolution 103 to begin the redistricting process.
The Joint Committee on Redistricting, led by Sen. Charles Trump, R-Morgan, and Del. Gary Howell, R-Mineral, is currently traveling throughout the state to receive input from citizens and local representatives on how the redistricting process should go. On Tuesday, August 3, they held a meeting at Tamarack in Raleigh County.
Sen. Rollan Roberts, R-Raleigh, welcomed everyone to Beckley.
“There has been a lot of things that happened in the last redistricting and we will take a look at some of those things,” Roberts stated.
Sen. David Stover, R-Wyoming, stated that “I am sure when all this is through, we will take a look at what we have done in the legislature and say we have done it right.”
He noted that 10 years ago, following the most recent redistricting process, he walked to Charleston to bring awareness that Raleigh County had been divided into many delegate districts.
“I couldn’t figure how that was right,” he said. Further, he explained that those representing a county should be accessible to the public. “They should be seen at church or in the grocery store.”
Raleigh County Commissioner Dave Tolliver also spoke regarding the last redistricting and what happened in Raleigh County.
“All we are asking for is to use common sense,” Tolliver stated. “Common sense goes a long way. The last time it was redistricted, Raleigh County was chopped up like sauerkraut. I mean, we have 11 or 12 delegates that represent all or part of Raleigh County and that doesn’t make a bit of sense. We had to spend over $450,000 in buying voting machines because we had so many delegates.”
“It’s ridiculous for one county to be represented by so many delegates,” Tolliver continued. “If you chop us up again, who knows how much money we will have to spend.”
Monroe County Commissioner, Melvin Young, stated that for those in Monroe County, family is important and while they currently are represented by four delegates, it would be nice to have one delegate from Monroe County.
“Family is a big thing,” he said. “You know the heartbeat of your family, you understand what’s going on and as a commissioner, I understand what is going on in Monroe County.”
He added that Monroe County is experiencing financial difficulties and that he needs a person who can help them get a new courtroom.
Near the end of the meeting, Trump added that members of the public are welcome to submit their own comments and maps for possible boundary lines. He said he wants the process to be as open and as transparent as it has ever been.
Ideas are welcome by visiting https://www.wvlegislature.gov/redistricting.cfm.
Redistricting committee members are continuing to visit communities throughout West Virginia until September 16. They will also host three virtual hearings to be announced at a later date.
Each meeting will start at 6 p.m. at the following locations:
Aug. 4: Summersville Arena & Conference Center, Rooms 112-116, 3 Armory Way, Summersville, WV 26651
Aug. 10: Stonewall Resort State Park, Birch Room, 149 State Park Trail, Roanoke, WV 26447
Aug. 12: Hazel & J.W. Ruby Community Center, 111 Mylan Park Lane, Morgantown, WV 26501
Aug. 17: Martinsburg Sheriff’s Office Meeting Room, 510 S Raleigh St, Martinsburg, WV 25401
Aug. 18: Keyser VFD Station 2, 1550 Cornell St Keyser, WV 26726
Aug. 24: Wheeling Independence Hall, 1528 Market St, Wheeling, WV 26003
Aug. 26: Cabell County Courthouse, Courtroom #1 Judge Paul Farrell’s courtroom, 750 5th Ave, Huntington, WV 25701
Sept. 9: The Culture Center, Building 9, Capitol Complex, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E., Charleston, WV 25305
Sept. 16: Judge Donald F. Black Courthouse Annex, 317 Market St, Parkersburg, WV 26101
Members of the public are encouraged to attend and offer their opinions on redistricting.
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