Hill To Sit on Redistricting Committee

State Rep. Bradford Hill of Ipswich is part of a committee of legislators that will soon begin holding hearings before the decennial redrawing of the state's political districts, including 160 House districts and nine Congressional districts.

Hill, second assistant minority leader, represents Hamilton and Wenham, along with Ipswich and parts of Boxford and Middleton. Hill, a Republican, said he will be traveling around the state for testimony from town officials and residents.

"We want this to be as open and transparent a process as can possibly be," Hill said.

Each of the state's 160 house districts represent a roughly equal number of citizens, meaning state population results from the 2010 census require a redrawing of the map.

Hill said Essex County should retain its seats at the State House.

"We have seen a bit of an increase in population," Hill said. "Initially, I haven't seen the numbers; I don't see us losing any seats."

Massachusetts will be losing a Congressional seat, and that could impact the seats of Congressmen John Tierney, a Democrat from Salem, who represents Hamilton and Wenham, and Nikki Tsongas, a Democrat from Lowell whose district is to the northwest of Tierney's district.

Hill said he voted for a proposal to create an independent redistricting commission to avoid a conflict of interest, but the proposal was voted down.

To avoid a repeat of accusations of political gerrymandering by former House Speaker Tom Finneran, Hill said the process needs to be open and fair.

"Hopefully, we can right some of the past wrongs," Hill said.

He noted that one district in particular -- the Congressional seat for Rep. Barney Frank, extends from Newton down to New Bedford.

"In my opinion, it looks like it was set up for one particular individual," Hill said. "It raises eyebrows."