Mixed Feelings In Charlotte Over Proposed Senate Redistricting Plan

(Host) The redistricting plan proposed for the Vermont Senate would place the town of Charlotte with Addison County instead of Chittenden County. That potential change concerns some voters in Charlotte, who believe that the town doesn't align well with rural Addison County. VPR's Kirk Carapezza has more.

(Carapezza) If the plan is approved, Charlotte would become one of 24 towns sharing two senators from Addison County. Supporters of the change say it would prevent adding yet another senator to Chittenden County, which already has six members in the Senate. They say Chittenden is already more than well represented.

But Nancy Wood, editor of The Charlotte News, has heard the other side. She says the paper has received a number of letters this week making points like these:

(Wood) "Our school district is Chittenden. The regional planning and metro planning are Chittenden focused. Many, many people in Charlotte work in Burlington or elsewhere in the county or they have businesses. Much of the attachment is right here.

(Carapezza) Wood says there's real concern in town that representation from Addison County wouldn't reflect Charlotters' views.

One idea put forth is that the redistricting plan is highly political - a design to under-represent Chittenden County and undermine progressive legislation in Vermont.

But Robert Bloch, chair of the Charlotte Republican Committee, disagrees.

(Bloch) "To the extent that the progressives run everything in this state by a wide margin, I can't imagine that someone would think that this would be very injurious to their continued hegemony."

(Carapezza) Bloch characterizes Charlotte as more rural than the rest of Chittenden County, so, he says, it would fit in well with other towns in Addison County.

(Bloch) "There may be more of a community of interest there."

(Carapezza) The Senate Reapportionment Committee is asking for public input, and has scheduled a hearing in Montpelier to take comments.

For VPR News, I'm Kirk Carapezza.

(Host) That hearing begins next Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. at the Statehouse. VPR is now posting select board minutes from Charlotte. You'll find them on VPR's Public Post.

Senate Redistricting Map