Lawmakers in Austin released a proposed U.S. congressional redistricting map on Tuesday that would split Brown County between two U.S. congressmen if it is approved.
Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, and Rep. Burt Solomons, R-Carrollton, chairmen of the House and Senate redistricting committees, released the proposed map on Tuesday and had local officials scrambling.
In the proposed map, the cities of Brownwood and Bangs along with the western portion of Brown County would remain in District 11 represented by Republican Congressman Mike Conaway. The majority of Brown County would then fall under District 25 currently held by Democratic Congressman Lloyd Doggett if this current draft is approved.
The Brownwood/Brown County Legislative Affairs Committee received notice this morning of the proposed map and alerted city, county and state officials to take action.
“The minute I saw the map, I became alarmed and alerted my committee,” stated Brownwood Chamber CEO Laura Terhune in a press release. “The last thing we want is for Brown County to be split between two districts and to have the possibility of multiple state and federal representatives. That would completely dilute our voice in government.”
Rural Issues Consultant, Bob Turner reported to the Legislative Affairs Committee that he met with Seliger and with Solomons’ staff regarding the proposed congressional map on behalf of Brown County. Turner was hired earlier this year to be the “eyes and ears in Austin” for several organizations and cities in Brown County.
“I am convinced that we had their undivided attention and am equally convinced that the problem can be remedied,” said Turner in a statement.
Officials from Conaway’s office stated that the congressman enjoys representing the 11th district and does not want it to change.
Governor Rick Perry added the proposed congressional map to the list of issues lawmakers will address during the special session which began on Tuesday in Austin. Hearings regarding the new map have been set for Friday.
Officials stated that they feel there is still time to work with legislators in Austin to keep Brown County from being divided and having two different congressmen. Terhune said that she has called a meeting of the Legislative Affairs Committee for Monday, June 6 to discuss the issue and the special session.
See maps of proposed changes at top and bottom of article.
