We debated the redistricting map for the state legislature on the floor of the House of Delegates today.

One of the issues we debated was whether people are better served by a district with three delegates or one delegate.

This is what I said:

You’ve heard me talk about Pimlico Race Track once or twice on this floor. 

Well, last night I went to a meeting of the community compact for the neighborhoods surrounding the race track that will be very greatly affected by the future use of that site, and there’s a big difference in the demographics — in the race, in the religion — of the people on one side of the track and the people on the other side of the track.

Our City Council districts are single member.  The line between the two districts is the backstretch of the track.  

To represent a bigger area means you have a more diverse community that you answer to, that we answer to, as legislators, and that is a very good thing.  I will proudly vote for this resolution.