Comparison of LRC and Carol Kuniholm's map
Dear LRC, Previously, I submitted testimony on the proposed LRC map for my House District (currently #143 , and proposed #29), in which I found the proposed LRC map to be much better than our current map in the areas of compactness and common interests. After receiving a newly drawn House district map by Carol Kuniholm, I wish to submit more testimony regarding her map. I lived in Lower Bucks for the first 28 years of my life, then in Upper Bucks for 34 years, and currently reside in Middle Bucks now. I taught in Council Rock School District (in Middle Bucks) for 35 years. So, I do have a feel for a lot of Bucks County. Therefore, my comments in this testimony cover more than just where I currently live in Bucks County and focus mainly on “communities of interest.” I’d like to highlight the differences between Carol’s and the LRC’s map (links below): Carol’s map adds Wrightstown to the townships of Newtown, Upper Makefield and Lower Makefield. This is a good move because Wrightstown, Newtown and Upper Makefield share a common planning commission, in addition to each having their own. These areas are also in the same school district. Placing Warwick with Warrington and Warminster makes sense for common interests they share in community events and shopping. Having all of Nockamixon, Bridgeton, Springfield, Haycock, East and West Rockhill together works well because they all are rural areas and acclimated to the Lehigh Valley for much of their shopping and events. Also, Nockamixon, Bridgeton and Springfield townships are all in the Palisades School District which belongs to the Colonial League in sports and that league encompasses many schools in the Lehigh Valley. All in all, for these reasons, I believe Carol Kuniholm’s map is even better than the LRC’s and I feel both are superior to our current House District map. I appreciate all the transparency of the LRC in this map-drawing process and for allowing me this opportunity to submit testimony. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Forte https://davesredistricting.org/join/34aa59e5-067c-4e98-b088-18d7e949c803 (Carol Kuniholm’s map) https://davesredistricting.org/join/d2b6cfc3-0c63-49cf-b696-a38e8acd9f52 (LRC map)