Due to the Census in PA.... we will go from 19 to 18 Representatives. I had said if we do lose one I thought it would be Murtha's old district now headed by Mark Critz.
Now the belief if that happens... Con. Elect Kelly (outgoing Dahlkemper) will pick up part of that district and Altmire may end up with more area in Mercer County.
I agree. Now that the 4th seems to be evolving into a more reliably Democratic district, I especially think Sharon and the 3rd's chunk of Hermitage are likely to be added to it.
Gerrymandering is usually in the power of the party in power of the state. The 3rd and 4th District were made out of what was the 21st. I imagine the end product of the gerrymandering will be seen sometime in the spring. Districts are sized by a population level and PA shrank.
Re the gerrymandering--that's why the most strongly Democratic portion of Mercer County is split basically in half.
PA actually grew according to the census, but not at the rate of several other states, which is why it's losing a district.
I have to wonder who makes up the demographics. I know...dispite the winters (I don't think they are that bad) PA is a spot for people to retire in. Cost of Living isn't bad and there is no income taxes on retirement at the state and most local levels. That creates a pocket for older and unprocreative citizens. Less kids, lower population as well as the aftermath of economic/employment woes.
Our National population has increased, though at a lower rate than normal and I have to wonder the demographics in that aspect.
I've often wondered why the Mercer County area, and the Shenango Valley area in particular, hasn't done more to market itself to "snowbirds" as well as retirees from larger areas. Laugh if you must, but I think this area offers a lot for members of those particular demographic groups, including:
*Easy access to the resources of larger metro areas
*Easy access to recreation (golf courses, Buhl Park, Buhl Club, country clubs, Shenango/Pymatuning/Mosquito lakes, Goddard State Park, Cook's Forest, etc.)
*Senior centers, volunteer organizations, social clubs, and active churches
*A small, but growing arts community
*Affordable cost of living (yes, the taxes aren't great, but the burden is still significantly lower than a lot of large cities, due mainly to property values being lower)
I realize this doesn't represent a balanced economic development plan in and of itself, but I think it could offer a pretty nice slice of pie. Seniors may not generate the tax revenue of younger people, but they DO consume plenty of goods and services, which in turn creates jobs for others.
Sorry to get off-topic!
