South Whitehall commissioners have given unanimous approval to redistricting reform in Pennsylvania.

The board, during its Aug. 16 meeting, displayed a letter which will be sent to 18 public officials at the state, federal and county levels.

The action signifies support of legislation being enacted to reform the current process which results in gerrymandered districts.

At an earlier meeting, Dr. Fritz Walker, state coordinating team chair of Fair Districts PA, explained gerrymandering is drawing district boundaries to benefit one party.

He commented on the situation.

“Democracy is the core of the gift America gave the modern world,” Walker said. “Voters should choose their legislators but the reality is legislators can now choose their voters.”

He provided examples of districts which wiggle and curve to encompass the desired voters to ensure the territory will be safe for a particular party.

The Seventh Congressional District near Philadelphia winds through five counties and, in some places, is only 800 feet wide, Walker explained.

The outline of the district resembles cartoon characters Goofy kicking Donald.

Fair Districts PA proposes creation of an independent citizens’ redistricting commission free of political motivation or partisanship.

The effort would use impartial methodology to establish district boundaries, would require public input, and would comply with the constitutional requirement that no county, city, incorporated town, borough, township, or ward would be divided unless absolutely necessary.

Janet Little, president of the League of Women Voters of Lehigh County reported some legislators have five offices to accommodate constituents spread out over a wide area.

This becomes unwieldy as representatives try to get around to meet with everyone, Little explained.

The commissioners’ letter states, “This board continuously strives to be fully transparent, fair, impartial, and without political or personal motivations in decision making.

“We believe the citizens of our township and the Commonwealth of PA deserve the same with respect to legislative and congressional district boundaries.

“It is no secret that at times redistricting has resulted in gerrymandered districts that favor one political party over others.

“The board believes that drawing district lines should be depoliticized to the fullest extent possible.”

All five commissioners signed the letter.

Walker reported a Constitutional amendment to change the redistricting procedure needs to be approved by the state legislature in 2017-18 and again in 2019-20.

The next step would be a public referendum in the November 2020 election.

If approved at that time, the new process would be ready for redistricting after the 2020 census.