Senate to examine redistricting for Desoto County
February 2, 2011
Legislation is being filed in the Mississippi Senate by Senator Merle Flowers (R-Olive Branch) that will allow the Desoto County Board of Supervisors the authority to move the candidate qualifying deadline from March 1st to June 1st for local elected officials.
“We are anxiously awaiting the census numbers to arrive any day now,” said Flowers. “Desoto County’s population has exploded in the past decade, and we expect to garner another Justice Court Judge and Constable as a result of our growth. This legislation will allow ample time for our Supervisors receive the census data and draw new district lines for local offices prior to this year’s elections.”
Legislative redistricting is already underway utilizing preliminary census data. Flowers believes Desoto County will also receive a third Senate seat and at least two new Representatives after redistricting. “We have very unique and special needs as a result of our population growth, “said Flowers. “We fought for many years to get full funding for our school system and to get a hospital for Olive Branch. We will continue to push for moving the qualifying deadline whether by legislation or in federal court. Our folks deserve more representation based on our census numbers.”
Merle Flowers Press Release
2/2/11
Magnolia Tribune
