News Releases for November 2001
November 30, 2001
For further information, please Contact the Governor's Office
Hoeven Signs New Redistricting Bill
BISMARCK, N.D. - Governor John Hoeven issued the following statement today upon signing the Legislature’s new redistricting plan into law:
“Redistricting is a difficult process. Despite the challenges, however, the Legislature came in with a plan and got the job done within the five days targeted for the special session. I commend our lawmakers, from both parties, for their hard work and willingness to change. The positive aspects of their work need to be pointed out.
The new map with fewer districts is consistent with the state’s reducing the number of school districts and judgeships in response to shifting populations. The Legislature’s efforts have produced a district map that allows for a more streamlined, cost-effective government for our state, and solid representation for all of our citizens.
Inevitably, some people are unhappy with the plan, but no plan will be perfect. Some of the districts are large, but in fact, whether we have 47 districts or more, all must have approximately the same population and some rural districts will be large. Consequently, the urban-rural balance of representation is unchanged, regardless of the number or size of the districts.
Additionally, although there has been much discussion about partisanship, the resulting district map requires roughly the same number of incumbent Democrats and Republicans to run against other incumbents to retain their seats.
Embracing even positive change can be difficult, but it is especially important for us in North Dakota to embrace change if we are going to move forward as a state and a people.”
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