New Political Maps Propose Shift in Easton's Districts

A joint committee in the state legislature released the first draft of redrawn district maps Tuesday that propose a shift in Easton's representation on Beacon Hill.

Rather than three state representatives and two state senators, Easton would be represented by two state reps along with the two senators.

While Board of Selectmen Chair Colleen Corona said she is happy with Easton's current state reps (Geraldine Creedon D-Brockton, Christine Canavan D-Brockton and Angelo D'Emilia R-Bridgewater), she felt more consolidation would have given the town a louder voice in the state legislature.

Last July, selectmen to the committee asking for more consolidated representation where Easton would have its own representatives in the House and the Senate.

"The board voted to request that we would be consolidated and to have less representative districts and senatorial districts," Corona said. "There was progress in that there will be two representatives as opposed to three."

The new layout would put Easton's precincts one, two, three, four and five in the 11th Plymouth District, which is currently held by Geraldine Creedon. Precinct six would be moved to the 3rd Bristol District, a seat currently occupied by Shaunna O'Connell of Taunton.

Town Clerk Jeremy Gillis agreed with Corona that the change would be "a step in the right direction." He expressed concern, however, that the two districts are both tied to major cities (Brockton and Taunton). He said that Geraldine Creedon picking up another precinct in Easton, however, would be good for the town.

"It’s going to be about 20,000 people in Easton and 20,000 people in Brockton," he said. "It sort of balances out and I think it really helps Easton’s voice."

For Easton, nothing will change in terms of State Senate districts. Precincts three, four, five and six will continue to be represented by Brian A. Joyce (D-Milton) and precincts one and two will be represented by Thomas Kennedy (D-Brockton).

Gillis said he is happy that both would continue to represent the town.

"Brian is a fantastic senator and Tom is great too," he said. "They both come into town hall, they hold office hours here and sit on pretty powerful committees so I’m pretty happy to keep them both."

Corona agreed, but added that having more consolidation in the house and senate may have given the town a stronger voice.

"I think we have great representatives and senators, but consolidation certainly makes it easier for our community," she said. "This certainly is a step in a right direction."

The state is asking for citizen input into the redrawn maps so they can be finalized in the coming months. To voice your opinion on the maps, click here.