52°
DARIEN, Conn. Some Darien residents will have a new delegate in the state House of Representatives. A new redistricting map released this week by the state Reapportionment Committee shows Darien will now be in two districts, instead of just one.
The entirety of Darien had previously been contained in the 141st District, along with Rowayton. The towns representative in the House is Republican Terrie Wood of Darien, who is now in her second term.
For the 2012 election, the northeast corner of town will be part of the 147th District. This district previously encompassed parts of Stamford and New Canaan. But it now will be made up of parts of Stamford and Darien. Democrat William Tong currently represents the district.
Im disappointed that I wont be representing New Canaan anymore. Im proud of what we accomplished there, and Im looking forward to working with the people of Darien, Tong said.
The Reapportionment Committee is tasked with redrawing district lines every 10 years based on U.S. Census data, so that districts contain similar populations. Tong said it makes sense to put parts of Darien and Stamford in the same district. Im excited about it. I think that Darien and Stamford have a lot in common.
Although the town was previously represented by one person in the House, Tong says its good that Darien now has two representatives. I think its good to have multitown districts. Obviously its not possible everywhere, but its good to get another perspective.
Tong is currently seeking his partys nomination to run for U.S. Senate. He said although some have reported he will not seek re-election to the state House of Representatives, he has not ruled out the option.
Dariens state Senate districts are not changing. The Reapportionment Committee was unable to come to a consensus on how to redraw congressional lines and has asked for an extension.
What do you think of the new redistricting? Tell us in the comments below.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Darien and receive free news updates.
