Opposition to redistricting of Cumberland County
As President of The Mechanicsburg Club located in the 4th ward of Mechanicsburg Borough, and a resident of Hampden Township both located in Cumberland County, I want to express my opposition to the proposed redistricting map approved by the Legislative Reapportionment Committee (LRC) for Cumberland County. The Mechanicsburg Club supports the local community via financial donations to Fire companies, Police departments, Simpson Public Library, local museums, parks, charities, senior citizen programs, as well as the Mechanicsburg and Cumberland Valley school districts for academic scholarships, athletic programs and special interest projects. Our Club has had great support from Sheryl Delozier as part of the 88th district. The LRC proposal splits the Mechanicsburg Borough in half. I see no need or logic in splitting the Mechanicsburg Borough in half between the 87th & 88th districts. Mechanicsburg is a small borough less than 3 square miles and under 10,000 in population. The folks that live in the borough enjoy the “small town” atmosphere and have similar community interests. The LRC proposal splits the Mechanicsburg school district in half. The LRC proposal splits a recently united borough Fire Department in half. The LRC proposal splits the Simpson Public Library base in half, just to name a few. The Mechanicsburg Borough does not need split in half like a custody battle? The Mechanicsburg Borough council has passed Resolution #02-2022 opposing the LRC redistricting plan which speaks volumes about what this community wants. In addition, the LRC has moved and flipped districts for several surrounding communities. Upper Allen township moves completely from the 88th district to the 87th district. This is a change for local residents and splits the Mechanicsburg school district for the first time ever. Hampden Township was flipped and now becomes part of the 88th district for the first time, which adds more change to the residents and the Cumberland Valley School district. Both of these communities and school districts have had prior success under their current districts and representation, why change? What are the economic consequences of these decisions? What is the added burden to Sheryl Delozier, Greg Rothman and their staff due to these changes? As a resident of Hampden Township and a taxpayer, I see no need for these changes? Other local areas that the LRC has proposed change is to expand the 103rd district across the Susquehanna River. Having grown up in this area for over 50 years, the river has always been a divide for local residents. The East Shore residents and the West Shore residents have different community interests and ethnic backgrounds. The communities on the West Shore like Camp Hill, Lemoyne, Enola and Wormleysburg that are part of Cumberland County deserve “local” representation rather than the representation of the 103rd district which has Harrisburg City and Dauphin County interests at heart. The LRC appears to have sliced and diced south central Pennsylvania based on population growth with an effort to redistrict solely on that growth. The LRC should be more concerned about continuity, financial impact and community interests. Since Cumberland County has one of the largest population growths throughout the State and mostly from western townships like Monroe, Middlesex, Silver Spring, and Hampden, maybe a new legislative seat should be placed to service these local needs rather than the cookie cutter approach? Sincerely, Michael Wagner