Karen S. Kim
BURBANK -- If legislation proposed Friday to alter voting districts is
passed, congressional representation in Burbank would be split nearly in
half and shared by U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) and U.S. Rep. Howard
Berman (D-Mission Hills).
"I'm disappointed that I won't retain all of Burbank," said Schiff,
who lives in Burbank. "But if I had to share a city with anyone, I'd pick
Howard. We work extremely well together, and I can't imagine ever being
at odds with him over something important to Burbank."
Berman, who represented a western portion of Burbank from 1981-91
agreed, "I'm pleased to see a substantial portion of Burbank is in this
line, and I look forward to working with Adam in a whole variety of
issues affecting Burbank."
But one Burbank official is more than disappointed with the new plan,
proposed by Senate Democrats.
"I think it's terrible for the city," Burbank Mayor Bob Kramer said.
"It's never good to split a city on any issue, and I think it's a real
stupid idea. I'm certainly going to work to oppose it."
Under the proposed plan, Schiff would no longer represent about 45% of
western Burbank, La Crescenta, Montrose or La Canada Flintridge. He would
still retain all of Glendale and gain Temple City, San Gabriel, Alhambra
and about half of Monterey Park.
"I'll really miss representing those communities, though I still have
a year and a half to represent them and intend to use that time as
effectively and aggressively as possible," Schiff said.
Voting districts are redrawn every 10 years, based on population
shifts revealed in the nationwide census.
U.S. Rep. David Dreier (R-Covina) would step up to represent La
Crescenta, Montrose and La Canada Flintridge under the new plan.
Dreier said constituents shouldn't be concerned about a rough
transition from switching from a Democratic representative to a
Republican representative.
"They will see a very, very strong continuity," he said. "Adam Schiff
and I worked closely together and have a very close, strong working
relationship."
Public hearings will be held on the restructured districts at Los
Angeles Valley College, 5800 Fulton Ave., Van Nuys, on Wednesday.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Public hearing on proposed redistricting plans for Congressional
and California's Assembly and Senate districts.
WHEN: 9 a.m. session and 1 p.m. session, Wednesday.
WHERE: Los Angeles Valley College, south wing of the library, 5800
Fulton Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91401.
WHAT ELSE: For more information 947-2600.
