McDowell in state House district shift

Due to redistricting changes, Mitch Gillespie could be the state representative for Mitchell and Avery counties in addition to his native McDowell.

For years, Gillespie, a Republican, has represented District 85 in the state House. The district has consisted of McDowell County and a section of Burke County. Rep. Phillip Frye, also a Republican, has represented the 84^th District, which has consisted of Avery, Mitchell, Yancey and Caldwell.

Last week, both state lawmakers announced how redistricting would affect them and their districts. Both representatives are drawn, or “double-bunked” into the same district that will include all of McDowell, Mitchell and Avery counties. Statewide there are 14 other districts in which representatives are “double-bunked,” both Democrat and Republican.

Redistricting occurs nationwide every 10 years based on the U.S. Census. Districts are realigned based on the population shifts cross the country and states. In North Carolina, the population shifted from the west and east to the piedmont. Districts in the rural areas of the state lost members but grew in geographic size. By law, all House districts represent approximately 80,000 voters.  The overall impact of redistricting for the 2012 election will shift more influence to the metropolitan areas of the state, according to a news release.

In addition, Frye announced he would not seek re-election to the state House. This would make Gillespie the sole representative for the newly drawn district, which becomes effective in 2012.

“It has been my distinct honor and privilege to represent District 84 in the General Assembly for the last five terms, a total of 10 years,” said Frye. “As we went into the 10-year redistricting process, I stated my desire to keep a strong district for my counties. As the process began to develop, it was clear that the three counties of Avery, Mitchell and McDowell Counties would make up an ideal district.

“I knew I would lose my part of Caldwell County because Caldwell would become a whole one county district.  I hated to lose Yancey County but the numbers to have 80,000 constituents in each district while keeping counties whole just would not allow that to happen. The new District 85 combines two counties from the old 84^th District with one county from the old 85^th District.  It is a good district which will serve the citizens well for the next ten years.”

Frye said he originally planned to run for three terms in the N.C. House.

“I have ended up serving for five terms,” he said.  I have now been in continuous elected office for the last 39 years and have enjoyed every year of my service in local and state government.

“I will not be filing to run for another term in the North Carolina General Assembly. Again, it has been an honor to serve you these past five terms and I thank each of you for your tremendous support throughout my time of service and look forward to completing my term until the end of 2012.”

In the news release, Gillespie said he will file to run for the newly created district.

“It has been an honor to serve with Rep. Frye,” said Gillespie. “He sat in front of me for years and we talked about what was best for our districts since they were so much alike. Since Rep. Frye has announced his retirement, I announce my intentions to file for re-election in the newly formed 85^th House District. The good people of Mitchell and Avery counties will soon learn of my commitment to constituent services and my dedication to representing the values and concerns of the district.”

Since this district leans toward the Republicans, the real election next year could take place during the primary, he added.

Gillespie is serving in his seventh term and is currently an Appropriations chairman. A small business owner, he lives in Marion with his wife of 23 years, Barbara.