State Redistricting Plan Could Shift District Coverage for Local Legislators

Communities in Plum, Oakmont and Verona might see a shift in their local legislators due to a state redistricting plan.
 
State legislative districts must be redrawn to reflect population changes over the past decade as measured by the federal census. This entire year, the Legislative Reapportionment Committee, the committee responsible for redrawing the boundaries for state Senate and state House districts, has been working on the matter. Sen. Jay Costa (D-43) and state Rep. Frank Dermody (D-33) are on the committee.

The preliminary reapportionment plan was approved in October. The final state redistricting plan is scheduled to be adopted some time in December.

Here's a look at how it will affect the districts of local legislators if approved:

Congressman Jason Altmire (R-4)—Altmire's district, which includes Plum and Oakmont, would be moved entirely to Central Pennsylvania.

Congressman Mike Doyle (D-14)—Doyle's district, which includes Verona, also would include Oakmont after the shift.

Rep. Frank Dermody (D-33)—Dermody would lose the East Oakmont portion of Plum and areas to the north (Curtisville, Blanchard, etc.). New Kensington and Arnold would be added to his district. He would continue to cover Oakmont Borough.

Rep. Anthony DeLuca (D-32)—DeLuca would continue to cover Verona. He would gain the East Oakmont portion of Plum, the Boyce Park area, the Renton area and a portion of the Holiday Park area. He also would lose a portion of the East Hills. 

Rep. Joe Markosek (D-25)—Markosek would gain East Pittsburgh, East McKeesport, North Versailles and portion of White Oak. He would lose the Boyce Park area, Renton area, a portion of Holiday Park and a portion of Murrysville.

Sen. Jim Ferlo (D-38)—Ferlo would keep Oakmont. He would gain a large portion of Plum Borough, Springdale, New Ken, Tarentum, Arnold and Lower Burrell. He also would lose Fox Chapel, Dorseyville, Freeport, Leechburg and Orchard Hills.

Sen. Jay Costa (D-43)—Costa would continue to cover Verona.

Sen. Jim Brewster (D-45)— Brewster would lose his entire current district—it covers Plum, Monroeville, Pitcairn, White Oak, Tarentum, Springdale, McKeesport, New Kensington, Arnold and more. He would gain Monroe County near the Jersey border.

Comments on the plan will be accepted until Nov. 30, and can be sent to Charles E. O'Connor Jr., Executive Director, 2001 Legislative Reapportionment Commission, 104 North Office Building, Harrisburg, Pa., 17120.

For more information about the preliminary redistricting plan, see www.redistricting.state.pa.us.