ATLANTA – The Cherokee County House Legislative Delegation issued the following statement today regarding reapportionment and redistricting in Cherokee County:
“The State of Georgia requires local delegations to review census information for the reapportionment and redistricting of all local governing bodies. The delegation is charged with ensuring all districts are represented fairly and equitably. Cherokee County has grown dramatically in the last ten years, shifting the population much more into the northern portions of the county. Hence, extreme population disparities have developed in the posts of the county commissioners and school board members.
“Initially, the Cherokee County Legislative Delegation requested input from the County Commission and the School Board as to their suggestions for making necessary changes in the post districts; neither body could reach a unanimous agreement. The Delegation rules require a unanimous decision by the County Commission and School Board in their vote for future governance; therefore, we took further action to ensure the citizens of Cherokee County have fair and equal representation on the County Commission and the local School Board.
“First, an open public town hall forum was held in December 2011. This event was well attended by the public and everyone who wanted to express an opinion had an opportunity. The Delegation listened intently and made note of each and every comment by the citizens who spoke. Each comment was considered during the decision making process.
“In January 2012, a Blue Ribbon Committee was appointed to review the question of governance. It consisted of local citizens who furthered discuss and propose ideas. This citizens’ roundtable met a number of times and, within it had differing opinions on how the restructuring might be accomplished. Votes taken on two different occasions reached different outcomes.
“Additionally, the Delegation commissioned a third party poll of voters in Cherokee County. 61% of those polled were in favor of having School Districts and County Commission posts coincide. A second question asked on the poll concerned the method of electing those members – whether we would continue with our current method of electing across post lines or whether we would change our procedure to vote only for a representative within the post where you live. Again 65% of respondents were in favor of changing the method of election to allow voting only for the School Board member to represent their district.
“Citizens of all differing opinions have come forth with a myriad of ideas for redistricting and voting plans. The Delegation has listened intently to all sides of the issues, and has considered all of the information. As a result, a determination was made to include the updates addressed in House Bills 978 and 979.”
# # #