Reapportionment Game-changer

Originally posted online at www.post-journal.com on April 1, 2011.

There is a fear among some that the County Legislature's Republican majority might try to force the downsizing issue to their favor now that the issue is tied to reapportionment.

Past proposals to downsize required the support of 17 of the county's 25 legislators, as the proposals were to change the county charter. However, now, as the issue's tied to reapportionment, the vote will only require a simple majority -- which is 13 of the 25.

Though there are 14 Republican legislators in Mayville, one is Bob Duff, R-Sheridan, who does not caucus with the rest of his party. There are 10 Democrats in Mayville and one Independence Party member, Scott Stutzman, I-Jamestown.

Whatever the downsizing plan ends up being, Legislature Chairman Fred Croscut, R-Sherman, has repeatedly said the majority caucus wants bi-partisan support.

After the legislature's March 23 meeting it became evident that that "want" might be more of a "need" as Croscut admitted he might not be able to make the April 20 vote.

Below is audio of the media's post-legislature interview with Croscut:

Further Reading

~Shagla Criticizes Legislature Leadership: Weblink

~Croscut Says Legislators Can't Please Everybody: Weblink

~Rush To Redistrict County Begins: Weblink

~Legislators Primed For Reapportionment Discussion: Weblink

~Saturday Meeting Scheduled: Weblink

~Legislators Primed For Reapportionment Discussion: Weblink

~Scudder Encouraged About Downsizing: Weblink

~Democrats Question GOP On Reapportionment: Weblink

~Census Numbers Arrive: Weblink

~Committee Created, Deadlines Set: Weblink

~Croscut Proposes Reapportionment Committee: Weblink