A proposal by Commissioner Larry McPherson to redistrict commissioner districts prior to the 2010 census is dead by unanimous vote.

Following a presentation by County Clerk/Treasurer Nikki Bryan outlining the redistricting process and time involved, McPherson apologized to the board for bringing the issue forward.  He said he placed it on the October 15 agenda at the request of “a number of people” who wanted the commissioner districts re-aligned prior to the 2010 election.

“I wasn’t too good on my presentation to the interested parties or it would not have gone this far,” McPherson told the board, adding that if he had known beforehand the information Bryan presented to the board he would never have place the item on the agenda.

McPherson said that because the majority of the county’s population is north of the river, redistricting could allow for four commissioners instead of the current three from that area.

Commissioner Phyllis Hunewill pointed out that every community in the county except for Smith Valley, Mound House and Silver City has the opportunity to have two commissioners from their area under the current districting...including having four commissioners north of the Carson River.....if the voters chose to elect them.

Bryan, the elections officer for the county, said a redistricting would serve no purpose as this point.  It would take months to organize; only estimated population numbers could be used, leading to possible court challenges; and, another redistricting would still have to be considered after the 2010 census anyway.

Under the current commissioner zoning, Weed Heights resident Don Tibbals (District 3) represents a small portion of Mason Valley, portions of Silver Springs, Stagecoach and Dayton...with approximately 70-percent of the population north of the river.

Commissioner Larry McPherson (District 2) represents portions of Stagecoach, Silver Springs and Fernley.

Commissioner Chuck Roberts (District 1) represents most of Dayton and all of Mound House and Silver City.

Commissioner Joe Mortensen (District 4) represents a major portion of Fernley and Commissioner Phyllis Hunewill (District 5) represents all of Smith Valley and a major portion of the Mason Valley.