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Cumberland County Charter Commission Redistricting
Friends:
The Charter Commission is pleased to present a preview of five newly-apportioned districts that we propose to adopt in early January. Recall that the Charter you accepted in November calls for an increase in the number of districts—from three to five—to promote a more robust form of representation for the more-than-one-quarter-million residents of Cumberland County. To that end, commissioners have been working hard to reapportion that representation through a fair, open, and rigorous process. We are now prepared to formally adopt these new districts in the first weeks of 2011. You can view the map of the proposed districts here.
A word about our process: Commissioners considered a number of criteria to ensure equity and fairness of representation. We followed the legislative practice of creating districts that are equal in population, give or take a five-percent difference allowable under state law. And we drew these districts from communities that are geographically contiguous. So, towns such as Harrison, Bridgton, and Sebago, which share municipal boundaries, form a natural affinity in the same district. Commissioners also considered such intangible connections as historical affiliation and traditions of cooperation. For example, both Chebeague and Long Island educate their children in the Town of Cumberland. So, those islands are now formally aligned with that municipality on the mainland. These are just a few of our criteria. Commissioners adhered to a strict set of objective standards and steered clear of political considerations. We believe firmly that this proposed apportionment serves the best interests of the County as a whole—while maintaining and preserving the unique character of each community and region.
Charter Commissioners are eager to hear from you. So, please share your observations with us. As always, our meetings are open to the public. And we welcome your views. Thank youyou're your continued support of our work.
Claude Morgan, Chairman
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