Officials begin to redistrict state

The reapportionment of Alabama’s seven U.S. congressional districts based on 2010 population figures is under way in the State Legislature.
Leading the effort is a 22-member reapportionment committee, which initiated its work on March 30. Serving as at-large members are Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, and Rep. Micky Hammon, R-Decatur.
While redistricting has been a subject of interest for elected officials of Morgan County’s small cities, not much has been heard from the county’s legislative delegation on the position they will take when the matter is voted on later in the current legislative session.
Morgan County is currently split with Decatur and Hartselle  being in District 5 under Congressman Mo Brooks, R-Huntsville, and the remainder of the county falling in District 4 under Congressman Robert Aderholt, R-Haleyville.
Prior to 2001 the entire county was a part of District 5.
A shift in districts affecting Morgan County is likely since District 5 gained 35,905 people while District 4 lost 22,657 people.
Resolutions were adopted earlier this year by town councils in Falkville, Priceville, Somerville and Eva requesting that they remain in Congressman Aderholt’s district.
They listed four reasons for their position: Aderholt has always kept small towns in the forefront of all considerations in representing his constituency’s best interests; he has been instrumental in obtaining funding and other support for many important municipal projects in his district; He serves on key committees, which enable him to obtain great benefits for the small towns within his district; and he has always been accessible to town officials and sensitive to the needs of the small towns within his district and the issues they face.
After Falkville passed the resolution, Mayor Jimmie Walker stated, “This