George: Effort Under Way to Carve Up Clearfield County
October 27, 2011 at 1:00 PM by Gant Team · 8 Comments
State Rep. Camille "Bud" George (GantDaily File Photo)
HARRISBURG – State Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 of Clearfield County, said that a redistricting plan advancing in Harrisburg would leave most Clearfield Countians without an effective voice in the state Capitol.
“The offense is not what it means for me but how the plan would splinter most of Clearfield County and dilute its voice at this critical juncture in history,” said George, who has won 19 consecutive elections. “This scheme orchestrated by the Republican majority and its deep-pocket benefactors will harm Clearfield County long after I am gone.
“The GOP leaders and their schemers couldn’t beat me at the ballot box so they are shooting a bullet into the heart of Clearfield County by eliminating a district that has stood for almost as long as we’ve been a Commonwealth.”
Pennsylvania’s Constitution requires legislative districts for the state House and Senate be redrawn each decade. Under a plan percolating through Harrisburg, the current 74th District would be divvied among surrounding districts. It and an Allegheny County seat would be moved east to account for changing populations.
“Republicans and Democrats in Clearfield County must ask how the plan will leave the region prepared to face the future without adequate representation,” said George, who has won both the GOP and Democratic nominations over the years. “At issue is not the politics of today but the potential of all our tomorrows.”
George said the machinations behind the ploy leave him both defiant and sad.
“The hard-working and proud people of the 74th Legislative District – Republicans and Democrats – deserve a voice in Harrisburg,” George said. “Extinguishing my vote is a minor footnote. Squelching Clearfield County’s voice is the triumph of partisan politics over good governance.”
George acknowledged that options to fight the plan might be limited. The Legislative Reapportionment Commission – made up of the four legislative leaders and its chairman, a retired state judge. — is expected to file its preliminary plan possibly as early as Monday.
The commission’s Web site is available and comments are accepted.
“Too much is at stake not to mount a fight,” George said. “Through my service, I have fought for Clearfield County residents – whether they were right or wrong, Republican or Democrat – but this plan would mute their voices and aspirations for the foreseeable future and at least through the end of the decade.
“Clearfield County deserves better treatment.”
The 74th Legislative District currently includes 18 boroughs and 26 townships — all of Clearfield County except the northwest corner.
- Excited
- Fascinated
- Amused
- Bored
- Sad
- Angry
Having read the concerns about redistricting, I am stunned at the snarky, sour-grapes comments relative to Mr George’s statements on this matter. As a native of Clearfield County, and a college graduate with life sciences degree prior to military service during Vietnam War, I attest to the reasoned quality of Representative George’s concerns on behalf of all residents here in central PA. It will be a degrading tragedy for everyone (not only the people, but the enviornment also) if we fail to heed his insights and fail to fight the redistricting plan with every means available to us. Let us work together to prevent the GOP from fragmenting this county.
While I share your concerns about the redistricting, placing the blame on the GOP is misguided at best. It has been widely reported (check politicspa.com)that the moving of the 74th District came from within the State Democratic party. Hopefully a better solution can be reached, but until then remember – “Everyone is entitled to their own opinion – just not their own facts”.
Nice try.
“Democrats have agreed to move the seats of Reps. Bud George (whose Clearfield County seat no Democrat will win should George ever leave office) and Chelsa Wagner (who is leaving her South Hills seat to serve as Allegheny County Controller). In return, Dems gain a safe seat in Chester County, and a new Latino-majority seat in Allentown.
House leaders said they believed he (George) was going to retire, and said making his seat evaporate was a part of that process.
“Retire? Retire! Retire, my ass! What the hell would I do if I retired?!” That was George’s roaring response when I asked him if he was calling it a career.”
What a perfect quote.
Perhaps he should try selling cars for his brother in Houtzdale. Or find any real job where he actually had to accomplish something himself.
Looks like he dodged a bullet.
chose the 74th District to eliminate. This district will be moved to a Democrat-chosen area in the east that has gained population.
Last, in the article on politicspa.com the quote from George would indicate he is more interested in HIS job that the good people of Clearfield County.
Additional information can also be found in the Altoona Mirror.
No one wants to see our district disappear – just read the facts to see who is actually responsible.
“Extinguishing my vote is a minor footnote. Squelching Clearfield County’s voice is the triumph of partisan politics over good governance.”
This coming from one of THE most partisan politicians of our states history. I cannot ever remember a time when in Bud George’s eyes a Democrat did anything wrong or a Republican did anything right. Talk about partisan BS!
This could just be exactly what Clearfield County needs at this time. To be in a position to get some new ideas and representation into the area. Why approach this with fear of what might happen to us, but rather look at this as an opportunity as to what might be possible for us?
When is your last day Mr. George? I’d like to mark it on the calendar and throw a party.
First, the redistricting plan will be presented Monday in Harrisburg. For George to issue a press release prior that then is inappropriate.
Secondly, redistricting is done by a group of two democrats, two republicans and a judge. According to an article on politicspa.com the DEMOCRATS