Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Rep. Hennessey backs redistricting panel
State Rep. Tim Hennessey, R-26th, of North Coventry, has agreed to cosponsor two bills in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to establish an independent redistricting commission to draw state legislative and congressional district lines.
The bills are currently in the House State Government Committee under the leadership of Rep. Garth Everett, R-84th, of Lycoming County. In order to meet deadlines for voter referendum after the census, the two bills must pass this legislative session by the end of June.
House Bill 23 creates, by statute, an independent citizens commission to draw U.S. congressional maps. House Bill 22 extends the role of the same independent citizens commission, by state constitutional amendment, to state legislative districts.
Two bills will lead to one commission. House Bill 23 further specifies how commissioners are chosen: they would be randomly selected from a list of qualified candidates who would be held accountable to make the redistricting process impartial, transparent and provide for meaningful public input.
“I co-sponsored HB 22 and HB 23 last week, and I’ve also drafted an amendment to HB 22 which will make it easier for it to survive a legal challenge,” Hennessey said. “Our Legislative Reference Bureau has reviewed this, and agrees that it makes HB22 stronger. As a co-sponsor, I hope these bills will move through the legislative process, and ultimately be upheld by the courts.”
The 2020 Census begins shortly, after which reapportionment will reallocate the number of congressional seats each state may have. Pennsylvania is likely to lose one U.S. House seat after the 2020 census because its population did not increase as rapidly as
other states such as Texas and Florida which stand to gain seats.
After the census, redistricting determines state House and Senate district lines. Equal population is usually the first criterion for establishing electoral districts. Compact and contiguous are generally the next most important criterion.
Pennsylvania’s constitution Article II. Section
16 states “Unless absolutely necessary no county, city, incorporated town, borough, township or ward shall be divided in forming either a senatorial or representative district.”
Hennessey shared his decision to cosponsor the bills during a Feb. 21 meeting with 26th District residents Kristina Bendyk and Linda Kozitzky and Fair Districts PA Advocacy Advisor Mark Pavlovich.
“I think everyone wants fair districts that reflect the interests of voters,”
said Kozitzky.
Bendyk agreed saying, “we thank Rep. Hennessey for taking this bold step to cosponsor House Bills 22 and 23 and look forward to him working with the legislature to make reform a reality.”
According to Carol Kuniholm, chairwoman of Fair Districts PA: “For 30 years, Pennsylvania voters have been asking for redistricting reform. The current process is secretive and allows legislators to draw maps that benefit themselves and their parties. A strong majority of Pennsylvania voters want an end to this conflict of interest.”
Hennessey is running unopposed in the Republican primary for the 26th Legislative District; Paul Friel is running unopposed in the Democratic primary for the 26th Legislative District.