Tuesday, December 29, 2009

The Sun Herald asks, Will Census 2010 cost us a seat?

An editorial from the Sun Herald...

Following the 2000 Census, South Mississippi gained a seat in the state House of Representatives: District 95, which meanders north from Diamondhead in Hancock County to East Saucier in Harrison County, where it plunges south through Orange Grove, shoots east into the Bel Aire precincts of Gulfport and finally bottoms out south of Interstate 10 just outside of Long Beach.

Even though the area is represented by Jessica Upshaw, a Republican from Diamondhead, South Mississippi legislators of both parties are concerned about the chances of the district staying in South Mississippi during the redistricting process that will follow the 2010 Census.

Population estimates show roughly as many people live in the six southernmost counties now as did 10 years ago. But the numbers have shifted. In the north, George, Pearl River and Stone counties have gained population, while in the south, Hancock and Harrison counties have lost population. Jackson County is about where it was.

Next year, those estimates will be turned into hard numbers. It is vital that each South Mississippian is counted, so that all will be properly represented at the Capitol.

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