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Neal’s new congressional district to include Berkshire County, Holyoke

Date: 11/8/2011

Nov. 9, 2011

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor

BOSTON —The congressional redistricting plan announced by the Massachusetts Legislature will expand the district currently represented by Congressman Richard E. Neal.

Political analyst Anthony Cignoli said, “Congressional redistricting for Massachusetts was just announced. Analysis shows that Holyoke will be included in a new district that will include Springfield and Pittsfield — essentially from the Connecticut to Vermont border, running along the Massachusetts and New York border.

“This would be an expansion of Congressman Richard Neal’s current Second Congressional District, reaching far north of its current boundaries.

“Congressman John Olver represents Holyoke now in the First Congressional District. He is a ranking member of appropriations committee. He will serve in Congress until January 2013. He is not running for re-election,” he continued.

Neal released the following statement on the new congressional redistricting map: “While I was an advocate of keeping two congressional districts based in Western Massachusetts, I am pleased with the configuration of the new map. “The people of Berkshire and Franklin counties are already very familiar with my record in Congress, from bringing high speed Internet access to the region, to investing millions in our local transportation infrastructure, and I look forward to getting to know them better. We share common geography, values and beliefs.

“I am not a stranger to the historic and scenic communities in that part of the state, and I know jobs and economic development are top priorities. I expect to be a frequent visitor to their classrooms, small businesses and coffee shops very soon. And they should know that my door in Washington is always open. Western Massachusetts is my home and I now will have the privilege of representing the entire region,” he continued.