Olver sees 'logic' in less representation for region

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor

Could Western Massachusetts afford to lose a seat in Congress? Apparently John Olver, who represents the First Congressional District, thinks so.

Olver told a reporter for the Berkshire Eagle in an Aug. 11 story there is a "logic" to having a new district that would be redrawn so the four western counties are represented by one member of Congress.

Olver and his Washington, D.C., office did not respond to requests for clarification from Reminder Publications.

Congressman Richard Neal, whose Second District would be eliminated under Olver's idea, said Olver's comments are "speculation."

Olver said a possible redistricting could come after the 2010 census. If Massachusetts has continued its trend of losing population, the state might lose a seat in the House.

Neal said his initial reaction to his colleague's remarks were two-fold: "It's a long way down the road and it's two elections away."

The First District is the largest district in the state and covers about one-third of the state. Olver represents communities in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden and Worcester counties. In the Reminder Publications circulation area, this includes Holyoke, Granby, Southwick, West Springfield and Westfield. The district's population in 2000 was 634,479 and is largely rural.

Neal's Second District is physically smaller and is much more urban than the First with communities such as Springfield and Chicopee as well as others in Hampden, Hampshire, Norfolk and Worcester counties. The district's population was 634,444 in 2000.

Neal said historically in the Bay State the governors and the Legislatures have always maintained there should be two members of Congress west of Worcester. He added that the men who held the seats before he and Olver Edward Boland and Silvio Conte always believed there should be two districts.

There are "intangibles," such as the retirement of other members of Congress in the state, that could affect the future redistricting if there is redistricting Neal stated.

Neal said another factor in considering Olver's remarks is the fact of the seniority he and Olver hold in Congress and what eliminating one of them could do to Western Massachusetts.