The Maryland State Constitution requires that districts are to be "compact and contiguous".
Clearly, the proposed district that includes Mechanicsville, Oakville, Hollywood, and California is not contiguous, and is certainly not compact. The hope of any new district lines is that it would continue to keep our communities together, as we share common challenges and needs that are so often tied to our geographical region.
For example, the economic drivers for St. Mary's County businesses, especially those associated with the Naval Air Station Patuxent River are significantly different from businesses in Anne Arundel County.
Delegate Morgan and I are asking for your help and input to keep our St. Mary's community whole. Any new map should allow for St. Mary's County to remain intact for the simple reason that we believe our unique peninsula-based community is stronger.
CALL TO ACTION
The Redistricting meeting to go over these draft maps is set to occur on Monday evening via ZOOM.
We are asking you to help us by testifying at the meeting with a straightforward message for the commission.
Let St. Mary's County remain whole. Do not divide and gerrymander us!
You can also submit your comments electronically or send a redistricting question to [email protected].
Thank you for your time and consideration,