Communities Matter
Pennsylvania law and the constitution provide guidelines directing that districts must be: 1)compact and contiguous, 2) of roughly equal proportionality, and 3) where ever possible, avoid dividing counties, cities, incorporated towns, boroughs, townships or wards. In looking at the proposed map for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, the latter of these requirements has been violated in many locations. In my area, Salisbury, Caln, East Goshen, and Middletown townships all have been divided. Perhaps the most egregious example is the City of Lancaster, formerly one district but now in two. Why is this a problem? Because communities matter. Taking Lancaster, where my daughter lives, as the example, the city has fought to overcome it's former decline by building back a thriving art and nightlife spirit, drawing in many young people. Yet now, with the proposed new districts, the needs of city residents are mixed with the very different interests of rural and agricultural residents in Manheim, Manor, and West Lampeter townships. Both groups lose their unique voices in this plan. Every day I hear about the increasing importance in people's lives of preserving and growing communities. The Commission should rethink their plan and support the rich diversity of communities that enhance the lives of all Pennsylvanians rather than continuing to splinter communities to the determent of all.