Politics & Government
District 39A Voters Await Redistricting Results
How the lines will be redrawn was a hot topic at the DFL caucus, according to Mendota Heights legislators.
Minnesota party caucus meetings Tuesday night meant it was a short week for legislators at the capitol.
Mendota Heights legislators Rep. Rick Hansen (D-South St. Paul) and Sen. Jim Metzen (D-South St. Paul) attended the DFL caucus at , where they said the mood was good and turnout looked comparable to two years ago.
Both reported that redistricting is on the minds of voters.
Find out what's happening in Mendota Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The Minnesota Supreme Court will release new district maps Feb. 21 realigning the boundaries of representation.
“They were concerned about the district being cut up,” said Hansen of caucus attendees. “Folks, particularly in Mendota Heights caucuses, were concerned that we may not be in the same district anymore.”
Find out what's happening in Mendota Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The lines are redrawn after the results of the U.S. census to evenly distribute representation. An ideal Senate district would hold 79,163 constituents, and a House district will hold 39,582 according to redistricting criteria.
Hansen said the district fell short about 4,500 constituents in the 2010 census, ensuring some change will be made to its the boundaries.
Metzen said that redistricting ten years ago split South St. Paul in two, and that might be a boundary susceptible to change.
“I have mixed feelings,” said Metzen, “Because I really love and respect Katie Sieben and the job she does (representing South St. Paul).”
Metzen said he also heard concern from constituents about the number of constitutional amendments proposed by the GOP this year including a right-to-work amendment, , and the definition of marriage amendment, which was passed last year and will be on November's ballot.
“Everyone I talked to is going to vote no on all of them,” said Metzen.
Sen. Jim Metzen
Introduced:
— South St. Paul floodwall extension grant bond issue and appropriation. SF1802 awaits a hearing in the Capital Investment Committee. introduction Feb. 13
A list of all legislation authored by Sen. Jim Metzen this biennium is available on the Minnesota Legislature's website.
Rep. Rick Hansen
A list of all legislation authored by Rep. Rick Hansen this biennium is available on the Minnesota Legislature's website.
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