Proposed Redistricting Impact on Scott Township

As many know, Pennsylvania is going through a round of redistricting for the House and Senate legislative districts. Recent proposals have pushed Scott Township in with wards from the City of Pittsburgh for House redistricting, something our Board of Commissioners is opposed to for various reasons. The following is a letter prepared by the Scott Township Board of Commissioners to the Legislative Reapportionment Commission:

The Township of Scott Board of Commissioners disagree with the proposed redistricting map with regards to Scott Township. The proposal is to merge Scott Township with mostly the City of Pittsburgh wards.

Because of the differences between our community and city wards, it would be very difficult for the representative to take into consideration the differing interests in both areas. Some of the differences include but are not limited to:

1. Paid Fire Departments vs. Volunteer Fire Departments
2. Different sewer systems – Combined vs. Separate
3. Non-Distressed Pensions vs. Distressed Pensions
4. Differing Public Safety issues between City and Suburban Communities
5. Potentially higher taxation in the city vs. the Township

As a result of these differences, Scott Township’s interests will be better served if combined with other suburban communities.

Therefore, we are requesting that the redistricting commission revisit placing Scott with majority of wards in the City of Pittsburgh.

Thank you for your consideration. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,
Stacey Altman, Board President Thomas Castello, Esq., Commissioner
Nick Seibel, Board Vice-President Michelle Sedlak, Commissioner
Eileen Meyers, Commissioner Kathy Gazda, Commissioner
Brandon Edwards, Commissioner Angela Wateska, Commissioner
Samuel Dalfonso, Esq. Commissioner

Residents are invited to speak to the Legislative Reapportionment Commission in Harrisburg on this topic as well. The Legislative Reapportionment Commission has scheduled a second series of public hearings during the first two weeks of January to gather feedback from Pennsylvania citizens regarding the Preliminary Plans for the State House and Senate’s legislative redistricting. The hearings will be held in the North Office Building, Hearing Room 1 in Harrisburg, PA, and will use Zoom to allow virtual participation. The hearing will also be livestreamed.

To speak at a hearing (in-person or virtual), you must register in advance on the Commission page.

Hearings will be held on Friday, January 14, 2022 from 11:00am – 1:00pm
Friday, January 14, 2022 from 2:00pm – 5:00pm (This session is limited to invited presenters only)
And also on Saturday, January 15, 2022 from 9:00am – 12:00pm

Speakers generally will be registered for available speaking slots based on the timing of their requests. However, exceptions may be made to ensure that a variety of topics are addressed and that the needs of a range of regions and communities are presented during the hearings.

To register to speak at the hearings, please visit the Legislative Reapportionment Commission’s website:

https://www.redistricting.state.pa.us/commission/article/1090