Voters speak out against the division of Dunwoody into two house districts
Some who attended a special session were concerned about the proposed redistribution card. Dunwoody residents asked the State Legislature Committee to unite the district with a legislature.
ATLANTA – In a hearing Monday afternoon, residents from two parishes in the Atlanta metropolitan area hoisted red flags over a proposed state house map.
Members of the House of Representatives’ House Redistribution Committee of Parliament and Congress heard testimony for nearly three hours about their latest redistribution proposal. Every 10 years, the Georgia General Assembly must redraw the district boundaries for Congress, the State House, and the State Senate based on new US census data.
“Coweta County is experiencing a significant change in our community of interests,” State Rep. Philip Singleton, R-Sharpsburg, told the committee.
Rep. Singleton was elected in 2019 and represents most of the eastern portion of Coweta County.
According to the proposed map, its district would be divided into five parts and combined with parts of Counties Fayette, Fulton and Douglas.
“For a Republican group – there are 13 Republicans – to core Coweta County the way we were gutted, and for the Democrats to develop a better map for that area, I wonder about the party I’m in “said Jan Horn, who lives in Coweta County.
State Representative Bonnie Rich, R-Suwanee, chairs the committee. She said she appreciated the feedback from people in Coweta County, but stressed that changes in population and federal law require changes in county boundaries.
“I just want you all to know that I appreciate your commitment. I understand your plight. You should probably know that I have an immediate family who live and have well in the affected Coweta County counties, “said Rep. Rich.” I understand and understand your position. I encourage you to speak to your congressman. “
The changes in Coweta County will affect Fayette County, where the map also divides Peachtree City into separate house districts.
“Why does it seem that Philip Singleton’s district is being sliced open specifically to move his home – his house, his physical home, not his domicile, his physical home – to another district in order to rob him of the ability to do one [Representative] asked Suzanne Brown, who lives in Peachtree City. “I mean, the line was drawn to include his house. Why would you do this Why would you tear him out of his district? That’s just not right. “
Brown also asked if it was “personal revenge” against Rep. Singleton for signing a lawsuit against Governor Brian Kemp and other leaders over the use of Dominion voting machines.
Dunwoody residents also raised concerns about the way the proposed map divides their ward.
“I train. I sit the Cub Scouts and that’s all over Dunwoody. We all work together as a community,” said Long Tran. “So I urge you to reunite Dunwoody as a community with a representative of the state.”
Amy Swygert said if lawmakers approve the current configuration, she would not be able to vote for the person who represents the majority of the city in the state capitol, and neither could Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch.
“Unfortunately, the current committee map removes two districts – only two districts – from Dunwoody City. One of them happens to be my district,” said Amy Swygert. “I just want to ask you all, please, please, don’t take my vote away from me. Please don’t take our mayor’s vote away and please hold us together as a community.”
The committee is due to meet again on Tuesday at 11 a.m.
