South Middleton Township
On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, we respectfully request that the Redistricting Commission reconsider the splitting of South Middleton Township, Cumberland County between two House districts, as proposed in the December 16, 2021 redistricting map. Specifically, we ask that the legislative integrity of the Township remain whole, preferably within the confines of the current 193rd House District. As the Commission members are aware, Article 2, Section 16 of the Pennsylvania Constitution requires that legislative districts be compact and contiguous, and that municipalities not be divided “unless absolutely necessary.” Furthermore, a traditional consideration used in past redistricting efforts has been to maintain the continuity of “communities of interest.” The rationale of such an approach is that some areas share particular values or mutual concerns that require a unique and attentive approach at legislating, one that would be lost should a community be artificially divided. Though it is large in area and has seen recent population growth, South Middleton Township continues to remain a closely-knit community with shared norms, a commonly-held cultural outlook, and progressive vision for the future. From our residents’ widespread appreciation of our shared history to their near universal dedication for protecting our unique natural and cultural resources, our community’s popular cohesion is pervasive, extending across our entire landscape and held by those from all walks-of-life. Perhaps no institution reflects this commonality and collective vision more than our School District, with which the Township shares a coterminous boundary. Despite this, South Middleton is one of the few school districts in Pennsylvania to have its territory divided into multiple legislative districts. In such uncertain times, now is not the time to weaken the integrity of Pennsylvania’s school districts. Modern good governance demands a coherent vision based on building sound partnerships between all levels of government. Over the past few years, South Middleton Township has undertaken numerous major public improvement projects, many of which relied on collaboration between us and the Commonwealth. Splitting our community into multiple legislative districts will not only dilute our ability to continue to strengthen such relationships, it will unnecessarily undermine the common purpose and vision of our community to fulfilling not only local goals but State priorities as well. Finally, though we share some commonalities with many of the proposed communities proposed in the December 16 map, mere proximity does not necessarily engender similar goals and outlook. Development pressures and trends impacting these areas are not necessarily the same as those communities within the current 193rd House District, with which South Middleton currently shares a common interest. Thank you for taking our comments into consideration. We again request that South Middleton Township remain wholly contained in one legislative district, preferably the 193rd House District. Respectfully submitted, Cory S. Adams, South Middleton Township Manager.