Politics & Government

Opinion: Joe Emrick's Stand on Redistricting

The congressional redistricting plan passed through the House State Government Committee and then to the House floor, where State Rep. Joe Emrick cast a "NO" vote; do you agree with this vote?

By State Rep. Joe Emrick (R-137th)

Many people have contacted me regarding the Congressional redistricting issue. I wanted to take a moment to offer you a response, and the reason for my steadfast “NO” vote to split our county and the Lehigh Valley.

Northampton County and the Lehigh Valley have been part of the same Congressional district for the last 40 years. It is a “luxury” we have enjoyed, as there are 67 counties in Pennsylvania and (now) only 18 Congressional districts, meaning that county splits are inevitable.

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The Lehigh Valley is the third-largest metropolitan area in the state, and I feel we are deserving of this “luxury.” So you can imagine my disappointment upon learning on Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 13, of the plan to divide our region.

The following morning, I issued a press release, which you can view on my website by clicking here. In it, you will read my staunch opposition to “fractur(ing the region) in this manner,” and being satisfied with nothing less than a complete, intact Lehigh Valley.

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The plan passed through the House State Government Committee and then to the floor, where I held steadfast with my “NO” vote. A Democrat amendment was offered as an alternative redistricting plan. While this approach was gerrymandered as much as any map released, it again did not keep Northampton County or the Lehigh Valley whole (which was my wish). As a result, I cast a negative vote.

In the end, the plan passed with overwhelming bi-partisan support, as 40 percent of House Democratic members voted yes.

Despite heavy pressure from House leadership to cast a vote in support of the plan, I voted “NO” on the proposed map because the line I “drew” was one I vowed not to cross. I did what I thought was best for our region... in other words, for you. I am not happy with the outcome, but did what I could to change it. I look forward to working with our two Congressional representatives, all of us with the goal of serving the people who send us to work for them. 

 

Do you agree with Emrick's vote? Take the poll below, and make sure to leave additional thoughts in the comments section.


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