Bucks Co House District 142 and municipal division
My name is Kathleen Lewis Horwatt and I have served as a Councilwoman in Langhorne Borough, Bucks County since 1983. In that time, I have seen the difficulties when municipalities are split due to gerrymandering. As an elected official I see the benefit of keeping municipalities whole within one house district as well as keeping small contiguous boroughs together. Langhorne Borough is located in Lower Bucks County and is one of 4 contiguous boroughs. These 4 contiguous boroughs are surrounded by Middletown Township. The 4 boroughs and Middletown Township share similar tax issues, road and bridge improvement issues, as well as emergency services and recreation. Also, we benefit from all being in one school district. However, currently the 4 boroughs (Langhorne, Langhorne Manor, Penndel and Hulmeville) are divided between 2 house districts (141 and 142). Middletown outlined in red in the map below, is divided between 3 house districts (141,142 and 140). The total population of these communities is about 52,000, so they could be co-located in one district. This division has harmed the working relationship between the communities and has increased the number of meetings. Due to the division, Representative Frank Farry, a Fire Chief here, himself must deal with another state house rep on issues impacting the communities he serves as fire chief. Neshaminy School District which serves these communities is also divided into 3 state house districts. Prior to 2015, these communities were all part of 1 house district. Please return Middletown Township and the 4 boroughs to one state house representative.