Dec 22 Public Hearing on Our District 23A Realignment (2011)

Governor's Redistricting Advisory Committee 
Recommends Maryland Legislative Redistricting Plan 
Significant Changes Proposed for District 23A 
Public Hearing to be Held on December 22nd at 10:00 AM 

2011.12.18 UPDATE -- Official Press Release at:
mdp.state.md.us/PDF/Press/PressRelease-GRACLegisPlan-121611.pdf 
The Governor’s Redistricting Advisory Committee (GRAC) released its recommendations for Maryland’s state legislative district boundaries late Friday evening. The Governor and the Committee invite the public to comment on the recommendations during a public hearing scheduled for Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in the Joint Hearing Room, Legislative Services Building, in Annapolis, Maryland.

The interactive map and the boundaries may be viewed at http://planning.maryland.gov/redistricting/2010/legiDist.shtml and those wishing to testify can use the website to register for the hearing.

The recommendations include significant changes to District 23 that will be recognized in the 2014 election. While that seems like a long time into the future, the opportunity for public hearing is taking place now.

 As currently presented, the new boundaries for District 23A no longer include Fairwood, Woodmore, Lanham, Seabrook, and large portions of Glenn Dale and Bowie.

 The newly proposed 23A will be a single member district and will include previously held portions running from South Laurel down along MD 197 into Old Bowie, and will include a portion of Glenn Dale, Bowie neighborhoods such as Tulip Grove, a portion of the Meadowbrook area, Long Ridge, Belair Greens, High Bridge, Northridge, Grady’s Walk, Westview and Old Stage. The remainder of Bowie will move into 23B, which will become a two member district and will extend as far south as Croom (south of route 4).

 When the process is over – there will be change and it is almost a certainty that our current legislative district will be dramatically altered. But know that I am committed and will continue to serve you and work towards the best interests of District 23.

 We are all neighbors and a legislative boundary will not divide our ability to work together for safer streets, better education, and good job opportunities for our families and community.



 Geraldine Valentino-Smith
 Maryland State Delegate
 District 23-A