Local lawmakers content with new districts

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Although the ramifications of the state's new legislative districts will be pondered in political circles for months, at first glance lawmakers are generally satisfied with the results for Southeast Missouri.

"The thing I'm most pleased about is Southeast Missouri did not lose a state rep," said state Rep. Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau.

Until the next redistricting effort in 2011, the region will retain its current complement of 14 representatives and three senators. The districts, finalized on Thursday, will be in effect beginning with the 2002 election cycle.

While satisfied with the big picture, Crowell was somewhat puzzled why the six-member judicial commission that drew the new legislative maps chose to divide Cape Girardeau County into four House districts.

"I'm kind of uneasy about it," Crowell said. "I thought the population looked pretty good for Cape County to have two state representatives, as it has had traditionally."

However, Crowell is happy that his 158th District has expanded to include virtually all of the city of Cape Girardeau. So far it appears that only about 1,200 residents of the 17th Precinct will not be in the 158th, instead remaining in a district with Jackson.

Technically, five House districts take in part of Cape Girardeau County. However, one of those -- the 161st, served by state Rep. Lanie Black, R-Charleston -- only encroaches into a tiny, unpopulated sliver of territory just north of the Scott County line along Interstate 55.

Two other districts will move up into Cape Girardeau County from the south. Both are held by Republicans -- Dexter state Rep. Rob Mayer's 159th and Sikeston state Rep. Peter Myers' 160th.

Of the two, the 159th will take in more of the county, stopping north of the Jackson city limits.

"I enjoyed the district I had and appreciated being able to represent those folks," Mayer said. "But I think this portion of Cape County will be a nice addition to the 159th District."

The final county district -- the 157th -- will include the remaining area currently served by state Rep. David Schwab, R-Jackson. Schwab's home will be in the 159th District, but the point is moot since he is term-limited next year.

The new 157th will include Jackson and most of rural Perry County, though not Perryville. That city will be in the 106th District with portions of Ste. Genevieve County and St. Francois County, including Farmington.

Term-limited Republican state Rep. Pat Naeger of Perryville currently represents a district where Perry County is whole. While he said the new House map meets all constitutional requirements, splitting the county dilutes its voting strength.

"There is no question if you live in Perry County, it is no longer a stronghold for votes," Naeger said. "It's really clear that in the 157th District a majority of votes will be in Cape County."

Two Jackson Republicans who have already announced their intention to seek the seat both said they were pleased with the boundaries.

Donna Lichtenegger said she owns farmland in Perry County and has a number of relatives who live in and around Altenburg and Frohna.

Scott Lipke said he is happy that redistricting is over so he can begin meeting with voters newly added to the district.

While Cape Girardeau County will be divided, Bollinger County, currently split three ways, will be united in the new 156th District.

Though he will lose many of his current constituents, having his home county together is fine by state Rep. Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill, as is picking up Madison County, which he said will be a good fit for the district.

mpowers@semissourian.com

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