The redistricting proposal has been causing quite the discussion as of late. The redistricting plan occurs every 10 years to account for population changes found by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Kentucky’s overall population grew from 4 million to 4.3 million between 2000 and 2010.
The change required a major reconfiguration of legislative districts, which in the House must represent roughly 43,000 people.
“It is a proposal,” said state Rep. Rick Nelson. “I hope the Senate approves it.”
Nelson said if the Senate does not approve the proposal, there may have to be a special session called to solve the issue. The plan would have to be in place before the 2014 election.
According to earlier reports from the Associated Press, Democratic House Speaker Greg Stumbo said he’s willing to publicly pledge that House Democrats would pass the Senate plan as proposed next year if the Senate moves ahead with the House plan this year.
If the proposal is approved, the 87th District would gain seven precincts and lose five, according to Nelson.
The seven precincts the district will pick up are Bledsoe, Elcomb, Pansy, Fresh Meadows, Wallins Creek City, Wallins Creek School and Coldiron.
The district could lose precincts in the New York section of Cumberland, Green Morris, Lynch, Verda and Grays Knob.
No areas in Bell County will be affected by the proposal if it is approved by the Senate.
Nelson said the 87th District had to pick up about 2,000 people.
“I hope the folks will give me a chance to do a good job,” said Nelson, addressing the residents of the new areas acquired by the 87th district if the proposal passes.
Nelson also said he hates to lose the areas he already had should the proposal pass.
Nelson was born in Harlan County. He said he is sure he will feel at home with the new areas that could be acquired if the proposal passes.
Anthony Cloud can be contacted via email at acloud@civitasmedia.com or by phone at 606-248-1010, ext. 208.
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