NAACP offers new map for county districts

The Aiken branch of the NAACP has requested that the proposed map it drew of Aiken County's eight election districts be adopted because, according to branch president Phillip Howell, it more effectively distributes the black population.

Howell distributed a sheet of data during a public hearing last week on redistricting showing how the NAACP's plan differs from the changes proposed by Bobby Bowers, executive director of the Office of Research and Statistics with the State Budget and Control Board.

The Aiken branch's proposed changes to the map would increase the black population in District 3 (represented by Councilwoman LaWana McKenzie) from roughly 21 percent to 34 percent, and it would increase the black population in District 5 (represented by Councilman Sandy Haskell) from roughly 22 percent to 31 percent.

"It means blacks could be more influential in those districts," Howell said.

District 8, represented by Councilman Willar Hightower, would remain the minority-majority district with 62 percent of the district composed of blacks.

"The plan would make at least two other districts have black representation to make it significant. Blacks would have a reasonable opportunity to elect someone to represent them," Hightower said.

McKenzie said she was concerned that the proposed plan divides the Midland Valley area in half thus appearing not to preserve "communities of interest."

Hightower urged Council to adopt a map that it and the NAACP agree on.

The final reading for the redistricting ordinance was scheduled for the regular County Council meeting on Jan. 17.

Maps showing proposed changes are on display in libraries and town halls across the area. Maps by district are also available at www.aikencountysc.gov.

The Council-approved plan will be sent to the United States Justice Department for final approval.