Oktibbeha”s redistricting plan is on its way to Washington.
The Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 Monday to approve the redistricting plan put forth by the Golden Triangle Planning and Development District. A final public hearing passed with minimal questions at the board”s Monday meeting. The loudest dissenting voice came from District 2 Supervisor Orlando Trainer, who believes county demographics necessitate two minority districts.
“One of two things is going to happen. If (the Department of Justice) approves (the plan), I”ll be wrong. If they send it back, I”ll be right,” said Trainer.
Several audience members asked additional questions of GTPDD representatives prior to the board”s vote, but most were answered quickly. One man asked if a letter or recording explaining dissent among citizens could be sent along with the redistricting plan to the Department of Justice, but Board President and District 3 Supervisor Marvell Howard explained citizens would have to contact the Department of Justice on their own.
The board also held its first public hearing on redistricting for Justice Court judge and constable districts. No public comments were received.
A second hearing will be held at the board”s next meeting on April 18 at 10 a.m.
In other business the board:
· Received a report from architect Roger Pryor on the Oktibbeha County School District building currently under construction on Main Street. Pryor notified the board the building is “75-80 percent complete” and on schedule to be completed by early June.
The board unanimously approved a plan to move forward with the placement of steel plaques at the building”s Unity Park depicting men such as John F. Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Bob Marley along with their famous quotes.
· Unanimously passed a resolution opposing the State House of Representatives” proposed redistricting plan.
· Received a report from Road Manager Victor Collins in which Collins stated portions of Old West Point Road will be closed through the end of the week while repairs are performed on two bridges.
· Appointed County Engineer Clyde Pritchard as the county”s State Aid Road Engineer.
· Discussed pursuing Community Development Block Grants for Hearst Road and Cannon Road in District 2 with GTPDD Project Analyst Phylis Benson.
Jason Browne was previously a reporter for The Dispatch.
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