Kindly allow us this opportunity to express the serious concern we share over the proposed congressional redistricting plan recently presented by the House Committee on Redistricting. Of particular concern is the portion of the plan which calls for the elimination of the current Fifth Congressional District, and the reconfiguration of the Sixth Congressional District. As you know, under the House proposal, the current Fifth Congressional District would be split among five neighboring districts. This would eliminate the single congressional representation and unified voice of what is now a cohesive and historic group of municipalities sharing many of the same economic and cultural issues and goals. Additionally, the plan drastically alters the Sixth District, thereby causing the loss of representation for interrelated municipalities located therein, dividing Lynn from its traditional neighbors of Peabody and Salem. While we understand the primary goals of the House plan, we believe these goals can be accomplished without forcing a contest between two experienced congressmen, both of whom have made significant contributions to the commonwealth. At a time when we have the good fortune of not losing a congressional seat, forcing two sitting congressmen to run against each other is not warranted or necessary. Also, since we do not have to downsize a congressional district, traditional regional relationships like Greater Lowell communities, the Greater Lawrence communities, the Greater Haverhill communities and Peabody/Salem/Lynn should be respected and secured.

As such, we want to make sure that our serious concerns are on the record and before you. We also want to make you aware that we are requesting a meeting with Sen. Rosenberg, chairman of the Senate Committee on Redistricting to discuss alternatives to the House plan. As always, we thank you for your time and appreciate your attention to this matter.

Steven C. Panagiotakos
1st Middlesex District
Frederick E. Berry
2nd Essex District
Edward J. Clancy Jr.
1 st Essex District
Robert A. Havern III
4th Middlesex District
James P. Jajuga
3rd Essex District
Susan C. Fargo
5th Middlesex District
Pamela P. Resor
Worcester & Middlesex District
Susan C. Tucker
2nd Essex and Middlesex District