State's redistricting map to change Barrow's representation

England said McKillip and Walker would make a good team for Barrow County.

“We’ve gained more proponents for the county,” he said.

Barrow County’s growth since 2000 led to the changes. In order to ensure that all Georgians have equal representation, each new House district had to be drawn to encompass a population of about 53,280. Barrow County’s population is close to 70,000.

Benton’s district also had to shrink geographically due to Jackson County’s growth.

“He was in Jackson, Barrow and Hall, and he came out of Barrow and out of Hall and got a little bigger piece of Jackson than what he had but not much,” England said.

England said he believes Benton would continue to respond to the needs of his former Barrow County constituents.

“Even though Tommy is not in Barrow, he’ll still help us anytime we need help,” he said.

England will continue to represent at least portions of all of the cities in Barrow County.

If the proposed map is approved largely intact, the district numbers for Barrow County's representatives also will change in 2013.

England’s new district will be 116; Walker’s 113, and McKillip’s 117.

To read more, pick up the Aug. 17 edition of the Barrow Journal.