Council leaders in both Troy and Brundidge presented their redistricting plans to the public this week, with surprisingly little attendance and interest from residents.

At two separate public hearings on Tuesday, the city councils offered outlines of new district lines ­ boundaries that will change some council members’ districts. The changes, in turn, will impact the voting public.

But few of those voters attended the redistricting hearings. As Troy Council President Johnny Witherington pointed out, the "sole purpose" of the meeting was to get public input but the meeting was attended by more city leaders than members of the voting public.

And that can be disappointing. Even though redistricting occurs every 10 years, as Census figures detail the demographics of voting wards and districts, the process is anything but routine. And the new lines which are drafted as part of this process will likely stay with us for another 10 years, impacting dozens of elections in the meantime.

We believe the elected officials have worked through the redistricting process with the best interests of our communities in mind. Still, we encourage each of you to take an interest in the redistricting process; to review the proposed changes for both Troy and Brundidge; and to offer your input and comments to our elected officials.

It’s our responsibility ­ as members of the voting public in this democracy ­ to take an interest in our government at every level.  

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