Framingham May Get 3 State Representatives

On Tuesday, the Massachusetts Legislature's Special Joint Committee on Redistricting released its first draft of redistricting plans for 160 representive and 40 senate districts.

The new map for state representatives has Framingham divided up among three districts. All of this is still a proposal until the legislature votes and the governor signs.

Current State Rep. Tom Sannicandro, a democrat who lives in Ashland, would likely lose Precinct 15 in Framingham, as Ashland grew in population. Sannicandro would still represent a few precincts on the southside of Framingham.

Framingham's other state representative Chris Walsh, a democrat from Framingham in his first term, said last night he would likely gain Precinct 15 but lose Precinct 3.

Framingham's Precinct 3 would likely become a part of Rep. Tom Conroy's 13th Middlesex District. Conroy is a democrat from Wayland.

Ironically, Walsh's legislative aide Brian LeFort lives in Precinct 3. He is an elected Town Meeting member in Framingham for Precinct 3.

Current State Sen. Karen Spilka, a Democrat from Ashland, would continue to represent all of Framingham.

State representatives must live in their district for a full year prior to election, which means these proposed redrawn maps need to be approved by the Massachusetts Legislature and signed by Gov. Deval Patrick by Nov. 4, 2011 in order to meet the deadline of the Nov. 4, 2012 election, according to WBUR.org.

In regards to Congressional districts, WBUR.org is reporting they are  not ready. Massachusetts must eliminate one of its 10 current districts. Congressman Edward Markey presently represents Framingham and has a district office downtown. The Boston Globe is reporting that map could be released as early as next week.