Opinion

Coast could lose three seats next year Rep. Frances Fredericks, D-Gulfport, said, “It’s not just gerrymandering, it’s also like-a-mandering — whether the people in power like you or not as to what happens with your district.” The process, and politics, in 2001 created some bizarre districts, including some that meandered across counties, communities and neighborhoods that didn’t appear to share common populations or needs. Many split long-established voting precincts. Some have in years since been referred to as “snake” or “dragon” districts because of how they look on maps. Rep. Jessica Upshaw, R-Diamondhead, said her district lines contain some bizarre twists. “When I go into the Windance subdivision, I have the area off of the right side of the street and the right side of the circle, but that’s all I have,” she said. “I guess I’m going to keep my mouth shut because I don’t have any seniority, and just pray I have a district when it’s over.” Rep. Brandon Jones, D-Pascagoula, said, “There’s a little bit of science in this, but let’s be honest. It’s really partisan warfare.” Sen. Billy Hewes III, R-Gulfport, Senate president pro-tem, said he hopes much of the politics, gerrymandering and “games” of the past can be avoided with this redistricting. He said he is pushing for new district lines, to avoid splitting precincts when possible and to follow logical boundaries such as rivers and roads. Asked if South Mississippi lawmakers in positions of power would be able to minimize loss of representation for the area, he said, “I’m counting on it.” Reprint of Sun Herald 12/12/10