9th Judicial District Redistricting Meeting of Jan 31, 2018
For the second time in as many months, NC House Representative Terry Garrison, Democrat for Vance, Granville and Warren Counties, and NC Legislative Senator Angela Bryant, Democrat for Vance and Warren Counties, teamed up to present valuable information to the people of this area.
The specific issue for Vance and Warren Counties is whether they will be moved to the 8th Judicial district.
Garrison and Bryant held a public forum Wednesday night, January 31, at the Vance County Courthouse.
In an email interview with Garrison, he expressed some optimism that Vance would be able to stay in the 9th Judicial District given current objections by local citizens. However, he said, “The proposed change is real and could pass if recommended by the Joint Judicial Redistricting Committee to full General Assembly. We’re working hard to prevent this from happening.”
When asked by WIZS News, Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington issued the following statement: “It was a very informative and well represented meeting. All of the officials that attended had a strong unanimous consensus that we should remain in the 9th district. United as we are. The re-districting would create mass confusion and complications. Not to mention the financial and inconvenience factors. Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties have a long standing collaboration and professional relationship. We are better served together for all involved.”
In an earlier news article available by clicking here, Vance County Commissioners Chairman Tommy Hester described a Vance County resolution, which has sent been sent in to the joint committee declaring the County’s desire to remain in the 9th. Hester told WIZS News at the time, “We have a lot in common with those counties. We look at economic development, Boys and Girls Clubs, hospitals, there’s a lot of things involved.” He said having to go with a district attorney in a far away county “is not going to be as good as being able to have someone close by who you can work with, who’s worked with this county and done a great job for this community.” He was speaking specifically about District Attorney Mike Waters remaining the DA for Vance County.
Rep. Garrison shared the following with WIZS News, and these are his own words about the public forum Wednesday night. He said the meeting focused on:
- Informing all sectors of the communities within Vance and Warren Counties about the proposed action by the Joint Senate and House Judicial Redistricting Committee to remove both Vance and Warren Counties from the 9th Judicial District and place them into the 8th Judicial District to include Bertie, Hereford, Halifax, Northampton, Warren and Vance.
- Dustin Chicurel-Baynard, Communications Director, Southern Coalition for Social Justice was presenter. He provided information and data on history of the NC Judicial District System, lack of justification for proposed changes and possible negative impact on communities.
- Senator Bryant and I commented on the possible negative consequences of such action with particular emphasis on various increased costs due to approximate 2 hour drive time from Vance to Bertie County. Senator Bryant provided several handouts including maps of proposed new 8th Judicial District.
- A number local citizens voiced their opposition to the proposed judicial district changes which would likely prolong court cases, increase travel time and cost for judges, and increase costs for law enforcement relative to travel, personnel, and additional jail space needed that local government would have to pay.
- Senator Bryant and I appealed to attendees to contact members on the Joint Judicial redistricting Committee to voice opposition to the proposed changes. A list of Joint Judicial Committee Members with contact information was handed out.