Council 'Votes' 3-2 Against Lowcountry 7th

Patch asked Dorchester County council members if they were in favor of state House plan to develop a Lowcountry seventh congressional district. 

According to this informal vote, the council would vote 3-2 opposed to developing the district in the Lowcountry. Councilmen Jay Byars and Larry Hargett, council chairman, couldn't be reached for comment, so two votes were absent.

During the July 18 regular meeting of council, a county resident asked the council to weigh in on the matter. However, no action was taken. 

Redistricting is currently being discussed in that state capitol and it appears that a seventh district will be enacted. However there are two proposed plans.

One would create the seventh district out of Berkeley, Dorchester and Beaufort counties, and the other would create the seventh district in the Pee Dee region of the state. 

Currently, the southern end of Dorchester County resides in District 1, represented by Republican Tim Scott. The northern end of the county resides in District 6, represented by Democrat Jim Clyburn. If District 7 is established in the Pee Dee region, Dorchester County will remain divided and under the same representation. 

If District 7 is established in the Lowcountry, Dorchester County will see a new representative.

The legislature is expected to vote on the matter by the end of this coming week.

George Bailey, Vice Chair, County District 3

In favor: "I feel like we need to be combined as one district with Berkeley, Dorchester and Beaufort." 

Willie Davis, County District 1

Opposed: "However, I can understand them wanting to keep the area together."

David Chinnis, County District 2

Opposed: "I personally would like to see Tim Scott remain my congressman."

Richard Rosebrock, County District 5

Opposed: "I want us to be in the tri-county area … (and) I'd like to make sure we don't fool around too much with Tim Scott's district."

Bill Hearn, County District 6

In favor: "It appears to provide the best representation for all of Dorchester County and would give our residents a stronger voice."

Hargett represents District 4 and Byars represents District 7.