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Lawamakers struggle over the size of the Legislature

By Dave Thompson

Bismarck, ND – Lawmakers continue to struggle with just how many legislative districts will emerge from the reapportionment process.

The Redistricting committee has agreed to look at plans for 47, 49, 51 and 52 districts. The Legislature currently has 49 districts.

Republican Senator Ray Holmberg of Grand Forks says he would prefer that the Legislature be reduced in size. Holmberg says given the recent cutbacks in school districts and the number of judgeships, now is NOT the time to be increasing the size of the Legislature.

"You know, the arguments that are used, the politicians' arguments that, 'well, it's only eighteen cents per person or 24 cents per person' - it's still an increase to the taxpayers. Politicians can spin right, left, up and down, but the bottom line is -- it's an increase."

Senate Majority Leader Bob Stenehjem says he could support one of two plans -- either 47 or 51 districts -- for a number of reasons. One being -- that means districts don't cross the Missouri River.

"I mean it isn't crossed other than where it's crossed in District four now. That crosses at the reservation. And that would continue to be crossed, even under a 47 or a 51 plan."

Committee Democrats say this is not the time to raise the number of districts. But some Republicans on that committee argue that unless the size is increased, some of the more rural districts could become so large in area that they're unmanageable.

The committee will meet later this month to try and finalize a plan for the upcoming special session.