Jan. 14, 2022
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY - Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-Schuylkill) released the following statement in regard to how redistricting will affect the 123rd Legislative District.
“While the 123rd District would gain some great communities and great people, it would also see the key communities of Shenandoah, Mahanoy City, and Mahanoy Township moved to a Luzerne County-focused district as well as Ryan Township which would be included as part of the 124th District represented by Rep. Jerry Knowles.
“These three municipalities have been part of the community in the 125th District since 1968 and having our neighbors now being shifted to a county that has little association and is dominated by the city of Hazleton would be utterly devastating for our area. Shenandoah, Mahanoy City and Mahanoy Township share history, culture and community with Schuylkill County and should not be forced extremely ‘North of the Mountain.’ These communities share municipal services agreements, Chamber of Commerce affiliations, economic development with SEDCO, volunteer fire company training facilities in Frackville, schools, shopping and even faith communities.
“Should this preliminary map indeed be finalized, I would be forced to close our Mahanoy City district office that is currently shared with Sen. Dave Argall, making it more of a hassle for residents as they would have to travel further in order to get assistance from my staff and me.
“Although the 123rd District was not as heavily altered as many of the other Pennsylvania House districts were, this newly proposed map would still cause major disruptions in our local culture as well as the representation of our residents if implemented.
“Currently, public comment is being accepted on these state House district map changes and are requested from residents in order to ensure the best representation occurs for our community. Those wishing to offer their feedback and suggestions can do so by visiting
redistricting.state.pa.us/commission/article/1086. The deadline to submit feedback is Tuesday, Jan. 18.”
To view the new proposed preliminary state House redistricting map visit
redistricting.state.pa.us/maps/ and select “Preliminary Map (Dave’s Redistricting)” under State House District Plans 2021.
While the 123rd District would lose Shenandoah, Mahanoy City, and Mahanoy and Ryan townships, it would include following municipalities should the proposed preliminary map be approved:
Cities
Pottsville City
Townships
Blythe, Branch, Butler, Cass, East Norwegian, New Castle, North Manheim, Norwegian, Wayne and West Mahanoy townships.
Boroughs
Ashland (Schuylkill County Portion), Cressona, Frackville, Gilberton, Girardville, Gordon, Mechanicsville, Middleport, Minersville, Mount Carbon, New Philadelphia, Palo Alto, Port Carbon, Schuylkill Haven and St. Clair boroughs.
Representative Tim Twardzik
123rd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Abby Chiumento
717-260-6617
achiumento@pahousegop.com
RepTimTwardzik.com /
Facebook.com/RepTimTwardzik