Madison County board member Chris Guy presented two redistricting maps with 29 and 27 districts for the board to review as alternatives to the 25-district map proposed by Chairman Kurt Prenzler.
“I think it’s in the board’s hands and the public to provide input to decide which direction to go,” Guy said at a Government Relations Committee meeting on May 19.
The meeting was held shortly before county board members rejected Prenzler’s map at a board meeting held that evening.
Guy thanked Prenzler for opening the door to the discussion, saying they would not be exploring the possibility of reduction “without you bringing it to the stage.” He added that they owe it to the taxpayers to discuss all options.
Guy’s redistricting maps did not cost the county any money and were created with the help of board members and county departments. Guy said at the meeting that the process has been both stressful and enjoyable.
“I’ve gotten to know all of you really well,” he joked.
The board members who joined the discussion favored the 29-district map.
Board member Judy Kuhn said she was not in favor of the 27-district map because it would eliminate local representation for her district. She expressed that her decision “has nothing to do with me,” but she is concerned about her constituents if her district is merged with another.
Similarly, Robert Pollard said he grew up in the East Alton-Wood River area, and the majority of his district would be merged with Alton.
Guy acknowledged their concerns and said the districts got bigger as the number of districts decreased for the 27-district map.
Board member Mick Madison showed his support of the 29-district map, saying the larger board is not an example of bigger government.
“I don’t believe that more representation is bigger government,” he said.
He added that fewer board members would make it harder for constituents to reach them.
Many of the board members present also thanked Guy for his efforts.
County board district lines are adjusted every 10 years to reflect population changes and to ensure equal representation of residents.