PA house district 200 and 194
As a long-standing, active resident of Chestnut Hill and a Democratic committeeperson whose ward covers both Chestnut Hill and portions of Mt. Airy, I strongly support the People’s Map created by Fair Districts PA as it relates to the proposed boundaries of the current 200th legislative district. Although the two neighborhoods represented currently by(District 200), Chestnut Hill, and most of Mount Aire and the (District 194) (Roxborough/Manayunk) appear to be adjacent on the map, they are, in fact, quite geographically separate due to the Wissahickon Gorge and limited bridges between them. They have over time developed their own unique social and political cultures that are quite distinct from one another. Merging most of Mt Airy into the 194th district, while cutting off the lower portion to create a new 200th would do a grave disservice - not just to the residents, but to their representatives. For legislators to be effective, they must deeply understand the needs and concerns of their constituents. The current 200th and 194th districts each have well-respected representatives who know their districts' unique concerns related to commercial corridors, residential development, schools, houses of worship, etc. Asking one person to represent both districts is asking them to split their representation in two, diluting their obligations to both communities. I emphatically urge you to adopt the boundaries outlined in the Fair Districts PA "Peoples Map,” which would keep both communities of interest intact. As a member of the 9th Ward Democratic Committee, I believe that LRC’s well-intentioned preliminary map unnecessarily divides a vibrant neighborhood based on simplicity over congruity by carving out borders based on ward lines that have little meaning to local residents. I respectfully request that the LRC tweak the boundaries of the Northwest Philadelphia districts in the spirit of - Fair Districts PA’s People’s Map.