Lehigh Valley Revised Map
View Map on Dave's Redistricting (https://davesredistricting.org/join/01c1044c-2940-414f-a8c8-fcec75312143)
I'm writing to submit this proposed compromise map for the Lehigh Valley that is being circulated around the community and to declare my support for it as an Allentown City Councilman. Ideally, I'd like to see the whole city of Allentown and most of Lehigh County united in one single state senate seat as much as numerically possible. Fair Districts People's Senate Map was one such fair design that included the most populated parts of the county and created a Lehigh County centered seat. However, I acknowledge that incumbency plays a factor in redistricting and therefore find this map to be a good compromise for the Lehigh Valley as it will still allow Senator Pat Browne to have access to a safer sear while addressing some of the worst aspects of the original LRC proposal. First, this map restores West Bethlehem to the 18th State Senate seat where it has been for the last decade. This is how it should remain, West Bethlehem belongs with the rest of the City of Bethlehem. Allentown and Bethlehem are two different cities with different struggles and challenges and thus need different representatives. This map addresses one of the worst parts of the LRC's original proposal which was the division of Bethlehem. Second, this map significantly reduces the splits to my city, by creating a more efficient route for Senator Browne to get to the rest of the 18th Senate District. Instead of drawing him through the entire West End, this map carves a narrow path through the South of Allentown and Salisbury. An analysis of this map vs. the LRC's original will show that this map results in just six precincts being removed from Allentown while the LRC's took a total of 14 precincts. In addition, the LRC's proposal resulted in 21% of Allentown's population being represented in the 16th Senate District. Given the size and scale of the 16th Senate District, this would likely leave a large part of Allentown's population without representation. In this proposed map, 92% of Allentown's population would fall into the 14th Senate District. It makes no sense to take the third largest city in the state and a majority minority city and split it in the way that the LRC did. This proposed map reduces the splits, limits the impact on Allentown and still keeps Senator Browne from being effected. That seems like the best case scenario given the reality of politics and the current redistricting process. Third, this map actually increased the overall minority share of the 14th Senate District by 1.2% which is not insignificant when you're dealing with thousands of voters. This margin could make the difference in an extremely close race. In addition, by ensuring that West Allentown and several west end adjacent precincts remain a part of the 14th, many voters of color are empowered rather than being drawn into the much less diverse 16th Senate District. If Mr. Nordenberg's goal is to improve minority influence and strengthen the political clout of Pennsylvania's growing communities of color, than this proposed map is much better for that. It also reduces many of the unfortunate results of the LRC's proposal. There is no reason that all members of the LRC cannot get behind this map. It is pragmatic and sensible and acknowledges that incumbency whether we like it or not is going to continue to be a factor in how districts are drawn. Finally, this map creates a seat that is centered in Lehigh County, the 14th Senate District would contain almost 60% of the county's total population and be concentrated in the most densely populated areas. This creates a compact and easily traversable district which is good for first time candidates who will have an easier time spreading their message. Lehigh County is big enough to have a district that comprises the fastest growing parts. My primary concern is making sure that the redistricting process is fair and just for the Lehigh Valley. This proposed map accomplishes many goals and ensure that Lehigh County residents and Allentown residents have their voices heard loud and clear, that the impact on the city is minimal and that communities of color have strong influence in the 14th Senate District. - Joshua Siegel