PA Redistricting Comments
Dear Mr. Nordenberg and Committee, Please consider the following comments regarding Pennsylvania redistricting: The proposed map needlessly divides the city into three Senate districts instead of two. This is contrary to the PA State Constitution. The revised map for the 38th District should propose removing all City Wards and add in Avonworth School District, Northgate School District, and the rest of Shaler School District. This would create a suburban district entirely north of the Ohio/Allegheny Rivers. This revision would produce a much more sensibly crafted district to serve the needs and interests of its residents. - The proposed map of including City of Pittsburgh wards within the 38th district gives the impression of political manipulation for political purposes, and has been a questionable decision for some years. Now is the time to make common sense adjustments. - The Northern Suburbs have more issues in common than with the City of Pittsburgh, and the map should create districts where elected officials can best serve the needs and priorities of the constituents. - School districts like Avonworth and Shaler are all in the same sports leagues and there is a much bigger community of interest in combining these with other Northern suburbs. - The 43rd District should be more compact and include more of the city and can stay entirely below the Ohio and Allegheny rivers except for parts of the City of Pittsburgh. - This would create a highly competitive, true toss-up district that gives all voters a better voice including independents. - Shaler School District would become unified, which is needlessly split. Thank you.