Respecting Political Subdivisions
The Preliminary House plan splits too many political subdivisions, particularly cities and school districts whose population can fit within one House District. Two clear examples of 3rd Class Cities who are currently and should remain intact within a single House District are the Cities of Harrisburg and Lancaster. The Preliminary House plan would split the City of Harrisburg into 3 House Districts and the City of Lancaster into 2 House Districts. An example of School Districts is Lower Dauphin where I reside--currently within a single House District, it would be split into 2. The effects of splitting such political subdivisions (a) breaks communities of interest, (b) dilutes the voting power of the municipalities and school districts and (c) provides the opportunity to have no House member from 3rd Class Cities who have particular needs and state statutory rules that do not apply to boroughs and townships.