State House District 125 Objection
I am objecting to the proposed changes to the 125th Legislative District. Portions of Schuylkill County currently in the 125th would be removed, and the district would be comprised of municipalities solely in Dauphin County. This is a radical change since the 125th has included portions of Schuylkill County for decades. Western Schuylkill County and northern Dauphin County share a rich history of farming and agriculture. We are rural communities who share common interests including sports and recreation, places of worship, retail outlets, and most importantly, the Williams Valley School District. While Route 209 is the major artery that connects western Schuylkill and northern Dauphin communities, it really is the daily interaction action of residents that makes this area one community. This proposed change is detrimental for that reason. This proposed change would also divide Lower Paxton Township, located in lower Dauphin County, and put half of it in the new 125th. This township is a growing suburb of the city of Harrisburg. It has nothing in common with northern Dauphin County or western Schuylkill County. As stated previously, these are rural, farming communities that share common interests and similar problems - very different than those of suburban Harrisburg. For these reasons, I am asking that my objections be made part of the public record. I humbly ask that western Schuylkill County and northern Dauphin County remain in the same legislative district and ask for your consideration of this request. Thank you.