Homer Alaska - News

The Alaska Bush Caucus has proposed a redistricting plan that would keep Seward and the eastern Kenai Peninsula in House District 35, Rep. Paul Seaton, R-Homer, said in an e-mail this week. Seaton said constituents had asked if options were available that would keep the ports of Homer and Seward in one district. The Bush Caucus proposal is one of several made by organizations. The Alaska Redistricting Board has proposed two redistricting options. Both separate Homer and Seward and put Seward in a house district with Kodiak.

"Elected officials have no influence on the boundaries that will be selected by the redistricting board," Seaton said. "However, residents are encouraged by the board to tell them what socioeconomic alignments and therefore boundaries they prefer."

The redistricting board holds a public hearing 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Cowles Council Chambers, Homer City Hall. Hearings are held 2-4 p.m. Monday at Seward City Hall. A statewide meeting held via teleconference is 2-6 p.m. May 6. Citizens can participate at the Legislative Information Office. Comments also can be made by calling (855) 463-5009, but people testifying will be asked to hang up after commenting and listen through an audio stream at alaskalegislature.tv.

Plans are available at www.akredistricting.org. The Alaska Bush Caucus also has a Facebook page, with its maps there.