To maintain ward population thresholds, the Ellicott Town Board has proposed a slight modification to the town's current wards.
As the Town of Ellicott wards currently exist, the section of land bordered by Girts Road to the north and west, Route 60 to the east and Moon Road to the south is located in Ward 4. If the new wards are accepted, this plot would be moved to Ward 2, which is represented by Robert Heintzelman. Ward 4 is represented by George Beckerink.
As is currently allowed, a ward size may range from 5 percent above or below the average of all wards. As determined by the 2010 census, any Town of Ellicott ward may range from 2,071 to 2,287 constituents.
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A map showing proposed ward changes in the town of Ellicott is pictured above.
However, because Ward 2 contains 2,067 residents and Ward 4 contains 2,321, a modification must be made. Annexing the aforementioned land into Ward 2 would rectify this situation, as 2,131 residents would be in the new Ward 2 and 2,257 residents would be in the new Ward 4.
"Very few changes are (proposed) on the new redistricting maps," said Cecil Miller, town supervisor. "Two of the wards, including the vacant ward left by Lucian Lodestro, did not change."
With regard to the vacant Ward 3 seat, the board had planned on waiting until redistricting took place to seek a new candidate. However, since the finalized plan for redistricting is close to being set, the Town of Ellicott is now considering candidates for the position.
Residents who would like to be considered for vacancy left by Lucian Lodestro's resignation must live within Ward 3. Candidates may express their interest in the position by contacting the Town of Ellicott Municipal Building at 665-5317.