Local redistricting
Marion County commissioners haven't made plans for redistricting, as they did after the 1990 census. It isn't a big issue, but it might be someday.
In 1992, commissioners put Logan, Moore, Durham Park, Lehigh, Risley, Menno, and Liberty townships in the First District, currently represented by Bob Hein; Blaine, Centre, Clark, Clear Creek, Colfax, Lost Spring, Gale, and Grant townships in the Second, represented by Howard Collett; and Catlin, Doyle, Fairplay, Milton, Peabody, Summit, East Branch, West Branch, and Wilson in the Third, a seat held by Leroy Wetta.
According to 2000 Census figures, the First District has 4,531 residents, the Second has 4,365, and the Third has 4,465. The First has 166 more residents than the Second.
A quick look at the map shows Logan Township, in the northwest corner of the county, could be shifted to the Second District. The would lower the First to 4,404 residents and raise the Second to 4,492, a difference of 88. The Third District would be unchanged.
Commissioners can cut the discrepancy in half with a single step, but is it worth it to either the county or those residents affected?
In the August primary (which admittedly set a record-low turnout statewide), Logan had 48 registered voters, of whom 10 cast ballots. Residents there probably have a closer affinity with Salina than Marion. It's hard to expect they'll feel excited about voting for someone who also represents the area just five miles north of Florence.
And certainly this commission is to be commended for their countywide attitude. Districts are of less importance when all officials think of the county as a whole.
The real impact is in the area of "might happen."
If a commission seat is vacant due to death or resignation, precinct committeemen and committeewomen in that district elect the replacement. One more or one less precinct could make a dramatic impact during a close race.
In addition, studies often have located proposed regional landfills in the northwest corner of the county. If such plans ever come to fruition, the commissioner who represents that township can expect a great deal of pressure from all sides.
Perhaps that means Commissioner Hein will try to move Logan Township to the Second District and Commissioner Collett will try to keep it in the First. Saying "that's not in my district" isn't much of a defense, but it's a start.
— MATT NEWHOUSE
