Fewer representatives?

The Washington (Mo.) Missourian

State Rep. Kevin Threlkeld of Washington, Mo., serving his first term in the Missouri House, has introduced legislation that would reduce the number of state representatives. The House now has 163 members. Threlkeld's proposal would cut the number to 101.

Would 101 lawmakers represent citizens as well as 163 members of the House? Perhaps. Would the House operate more efficiently with fewer members? Probably. Would the state save money? Yes, without a doubt. Would better legislation result? Probably not. What about politics? The same.

The population of House districts range from around 30,000 to more than 33,000. By eliminating 62 districts, the population in each district wouldn't be much greater. We have 34 state Senate districts with the populations of those districts ranging from about 144,000 to 156,000 per senator. The senators do a pretty good job of keeping in touch with the people they represent. ...

Threlkeld's proposal is a constitutional amendment, which, if approved by the General Assembly, also would have to be approved in a statewide election.

Will this measure go anywhere? ... It's doubtful if it even will get a hearing by a committee. Nobody likes job cuts. But it does get people to think about this issue.