Will Reginald Murdock Succeed Clark Hall as State Representative In Helena?

Here's the text of a message being sent to people around the State of Arkansas:

Every ten years, our state is tasked with the important job of legislative redistricting. This impacts every area of our state, and now you have the opportunity to be involved in the process.

I wanted to let you know about some important meetings coming up concerning legislative redistricting. The State Board of Apportionment is hosting public meetings throughout the state. The full schedule includes:

• Jonesboro Public Meeting, ASU-Student Union Auditorium, May 24, 6-8 p.m.

• Hope Public Meeting, Klipsch Auditorium, May 31, 6-8 p.m.

• Monticello Public Meeting, University of Arkansas-Monticello, Fine Arts Center, June 7, 6-8 p.m

• Fayetteville Public Meeting, TBD, June 14, 6-8 p.m

• Little Rock Public Meeting, TBD, June 21, 6-8 p.m.

• Helena Public Meeting, TBD, June 28, 6-8 p.m.

• Fort Smith Public Meeting, TBD July 6, 6-8 p.m.

Even if you cannot attend these meetings, the State Board of Apportionment has a portion of their website set up to take public comment. Make your voice heard and comment about redistricting changes in your area.

You can learn more about legislative redistricting here. We encourage everyone to be involved in this process and participate in these meetings.

Will Bond, Chairman of the Democratic Party of Arkansas submitted this information.

Interestingly for Helena-West Helena, is the fact that on one of the maps being considered, Helena will be in House District 13 along with Marianna where Reginald Murdock is the currently elected and serving State Representative. Being the incumbent is a powerful position and many political analysts have suggested that once elected to the state house in Arkansas, the incumbent should be allowed to serve the full set of term-limited terms. In the house a person can serve three (3) two year terms. In the senate, a person can serve two (2) four year terms.  Murdock is a freshman state representative and could serve two additional terms if re-elected.

Here's an inset of the May 19, 2011 House map developed by the Board of Apportionment Staff:

Draft House District 13 -- Moro, Marianna, Helena, Lakeview, Marvell, Lexa, Rondo and Elaine

The meeting schedule above is the listening tour for the Board of Apportionment or its staff. You should participate in the process. Ask questions and gain an understanding of what these maps mean for each of the affected communities.