Statewide Redistricting Plan Would Affect Lower Saucon

A proposed statewide redistricting plan would change representation at the state legislative level for residents of Lower Saucon Township, but not for residents of Hellertown.

Specifically, the proposed redistricting plan would move Lower Saucon into a new senatorial district and change which township wards would be represented by the same two House seats.

Lower Saucon would go from being in the 18th Senate district, represented by Democrat Lisa Boscola, to the 16th district, represented by Republican Pat Browne. Hellertown would remain in the 18th district.

Lower Saucon would still be represented by the 131st House district of Republican Justin Simmons and the 136th district of Democrat Bob Freeman. But which legislators represent which wards would change.

The 131st at present represents District 4 (Seidersville), and Districts 7 and 8, which are also considered part of the Seidersville district. Under the plan, it would increase its representation to District 1 (which is called the “Hellertown” district although it does not include the borough of Hellertown), District 2 (Leithsville), District 4, and Districts 7 and 8.

Meanwhile, the 136th district would evolve to represent fewer Lower Saucon wards. It now represents Districts 1, 2, 3, 5 (Shimersville) and 6 (Wassergass). Under the plan, it would represent only Districts 3, 5 and 6.

Hellertown, in addition to remaining in Boscola’s 18th Senate district, would stay in Freeman’s 136th House district.

Wednesday, Nov. 30 is the deadline to submit comments about the state's plan to redraw legislative districts.

Any resident who wants to register a comment or complaint can do so through the 2011 Legislative Reapportionment Commission’s website at www.redistricting.state.pa.us.

The website also allows users to access detailed maps of the redistricting proposal and watch videos of the various meetings and hearings the commission has held.

Simmons has also asked that his constituents reach out to him if they have feedback they wish to share.

His district office is located at Route 378 and Black River Road in Lower Saucon Township. It is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and also by appointment. Call 610-861-5201 for more information.