The more candidates the better for District 27

With the recent announcement that the Congressional districts have redrawn their lines, those who live in The Sun’s coverage area, one way or another, will see a change in representation at that level in 2013.

District 27 was previously represented by Rep. Brian Higgins, but under the new map, he will move into District 26, which is more along the waterfront.

The newly formed District 27 includes portions of Southern Erie County, Wyoming, Genesee, Orleans, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara and Ontario Counties. This district ranges to the southern most portion of Erie County and ends near Rochester.

As a result, some names have been mentioned or declared as possible candidates. Among them is Democrat Kathy Hochul, who was elected to Congress a year ago following the resignation of former Rep. Chris Lee.

The former Hamburg Town Councilwoman – who moved into her current district – would have to move out and somewhere within the district lines to once again be able to have a chance to represent Hamburg, among the many towns, cities and villages.

Other names that have surfaced include David Bellavia from Batavia, and former County Executive Chris Collins’ as candidates seeking the Republican nod.

Something in question is how one person can effectively represent such a large district?

How can one person bring a balance to Washington while representing communities in parts of seven counties?

There are several changes in store this year in the race for Congress. Besides the new districts, there will be a new day for the primary, as it will be held Tuesday, June 26. This gives prospective candidates a much shorter window to decide whether they intend to declare themselves a candidate.

When that date comes, we hope there are a number of candidates from different counties to declare.

This certainly is not a knock on the names already mentioned, but it seems only right that a voter in Genesee County should have more options than someone from Erie County, and vice-versa.

These races should be about finding the people who best represent what they feel is in the best interests of all the people they are elected to represent.

We hope to see both a Democratic and Republican primary on June 26 for District 27. It is too important a race not to have multiple options of candidates to choose from.

It is also important because multiple candidates from these different regions represented can bring issues to the table and provide increased awareness of issues being faced.

With the primary less than three months away in a redistricted area, it does not give a lot of time for candidates to allow their constituents a chance to get to know their platforms well, and for the candidates to offer their ideas and perspectives on how they can help the many communities in this district.

Simply what voters need, especially come the primary election, is choices. The chance to take a good, long hard look at what candidate they feel best represents them.

It is better if the options are not all from say, Erie County.

Those who live in all counties represented should feel as if they have a number of options to choose from. Not to say Collins or Hochul can not represent them well, but the more the merrier.

We will keep you informed as to who is running as they announce them. Among those who opted not to run is Erie County Legislator John Mills, who serves a large portion of The Sun’s coverage area. After considering the post, he chose Monday not to join an already crowded field of candidates.

This is an important race and we encourage our readers to read The Sun to stay informed on what is happening in the 27th District Congressional Race.