The new maps for the U.S. Congressional Districts will split Cambridge into two different districts:
| Precincts in new 5th Congressional District (Markey): part of 3-2 4-2, 4-3 Ward 6 (all precincts) Ward 7 (all precincts) Ward 8 (all precincts) Ward 9 (all precincts) 10-1, 10-2 |
Precincts in new 7th Congressional District (Capuano): Ward 1 (all precincts) Ward 2 (all precincts) 3-1, 3-3, most of 3-2 4-1 Ward 5 (all precincts) 10-3 Ward 11 (all precincts) |
It really gets fun up by Tremont/Elm Streets – where instead of following the established outlines of voting districts, the new 7th CD comes to resemble a jaggle-toothed Gerrymander. The map is a joke.
I understand that it will satisfy some constituencies. But it screws Cambridge, splitting our representation between a Congressman who will cater to the Western suburbs, and one who will cater to Boston. In the process, our city becomes a mere source of useful diversity, to be parceled out so as to help other districts hit their demographic targets.
I’m peeved, to put it mildly. We’re the fifth largest city in the state. Can’t we anchor our own district?
Comment by Cynic — November 7, 2011 @ 2:50 pm
Can we at least pick our own colors?
Comment by Rozann Kraus — November 7, 2011 @ 3:48 pm
I took the colors directly from the state’s maps.
If you like, I can turn them psychedelic.
Comment by Robert Winters — November 7, 2011 @ 4:01 pm
It would be nice to have linked to the source on these. I assume that http://www.malegislature.gov/District/ProposedDistrictMaps is the best source? Thanks.
Comment by John — November 9, 2011 @ 12:44 am
The shape of the new 7th district is eerily close to the original Gerrymander.
Comment by Maurice Lesses — November 9, 2011 @ 5:19 pm