Common Communities, Common Ground
Having lived and worked through redistricting several times, I recognize the challenges the commission faces as you comply with the Constitution and the law while trying to respect local communities and municipal boundaries. Today I write to support the proposed maps specifically in regards to the 41st Senate District. While many may not like Jefferson County being divided in the Senate map, and I understand that view, I believe that concern is overcome by four positive factors which are: 1) This plan allows the Punxsutawney Area School District to remain in one Senate district giving them a stronger voice where their concerns can be heard. 2) The Punxsutawney Area Hospital is virtually a subsidiary of the Indiana Regional Medical Center as the two entities are joined financially and operationally. 3) Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) maintains a branch campus, including a highly successful Culinary Institute, in Punxsutawney. All three of these common communities generate a strong economic connection between southern Jefferson County and Indiana County. And then number 4) You have kept Jefferson County intact in the proposed House map (H-66) and I believe this is important as it ensures this small county a clear voice in the legislative process. The Senate map allows these communities with common ground to speak with a strong voice and the House map respects the interest of the county as a whole. This is a good plan.