The state's Legislative Reapportionment Commission took another scolding recently from key members of the state Legislature and was told to get back to work and get their redistricting plan right.
We can understand the criticism of the panel, made up of two House members, two Senate members and a judge appointed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
Moving seats from the Pittsburgh area to the Poconos is probably not what the commission's charge is.
Dwelling on retirements rather than population shifts is probably not the most logical approach.
The commission has done both, so the criticisms of them are probably merited.
They have been charged with drawing boundaries for Pennsylvania House and Senate seats.
It is a process that has a long history of weird, disjointed configurations that seem to be created more with incumbency and party power in mind than logical representation.
State and House members are supposed to represent constituencies that make sense in terms of geography, counties and cities.
Slicing up populations that have common issues and needs among multiple lawmakers is not a good idea. Boundaries that look more like a piece of half-eaten pizza also are not a good idea.
The suggestion of state Sen. Daylin Leach, Wayne County Democrat, is what everyone should desire:
"I am asking you not to be partisans, but to be statesmen."
Wouldn't that be a refreshing turn?
