84th districy
As a long-term resident of district 84, I am in opposition to the way the proposed redistricting has been drawn. The proposal as written is Unconstitutional, and also impairs our Representative’s ability to communicate effectively with the Pennsylvania State police who cover much of our region. I am adamantly opposed to the current proposal. Article II, Section 16 of the Pennsylvania Constitution states that each district shall be composed of COMPACT and contiguous territory. It also states “Unless absolutely necessary, no County, City, Incorporated Town, Borough, Township or Ward shall be divided in forming either a senatorial or representative district.” The current drawing is completely contrary to the constitution as it applies to the 84th district. Also the division of State College borough to help accommodate this proposed plan is also against the constitution - clearly the division of the borough of State College is not permitted by the constitution. Finally, it is clear that one of the primary functions of our government is the protection of the people. Currently the 84th district is located entirely within one Pennsylvania State Police troop, that being Troop F Montoursville. The map as written would unnecessarily divide the the 84th District over two State police Troops, Troop F Montoursville and Troop P Wyoming. This would make the task of the representative of the 84th district clearly more difficult to meet with State Police command personnel to deal with their constituents’ law enforcement safety concerns, as these Troop headquarters are located approximately 70 miles apart. Such a redistricting would make one of the representative’s key roles twice as challenging and time consuming.