Historical February–March 2002 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
The U.S. Constitution requires that our nation take a census every ten years. Supreme Court cases from the 1960s mandate that our various legislative districts be as nearly equal in population as possible, guaranteeing the principle of one person, one vote. Before then, congressional, state legislative, and aldermanic districts varied greatly in population. For awhile, the 24th ward had at least 5 times the number of residents as one of the river wards (then 7,8, 9, 10).
The issue of the ability of minority groups to elect people of their choice also became part of the landscape in the 1960s. Courts have ruled on whether districts diluted minority population to prevent minorities being elected.
The aldermanic redistricting of 2001 has already garnered considerable publicity.
The map finally approved by a majority at the Board of Aldermen will be tested in a court challenge that may not be decided for some time. Using the approved map, we find some changes in representation in Skinker DeBaliviere. For the last 20 years, our neighborhood has been part of two wards, the 26th and the 28th, with the 28th . encompassing a majority of our area.
In this redistricting, several additional blocks have joined the 26th, represented by Ald. Irving Clay Jr. Ald. Lyda Krewson represents the 28th ward.
The area in our neighborhood east of DesPeres and, including the north side of Waterman, north to Delmar is now in the 26th ward.
This includes the odd side of 5700, 5800, and 5900 Waterman, Nina Place (entire), 5900 McPherson, 5800 and 5900 DeGiverville, and 5800 Westminster.
In the old map, 5700 McPherson was divided with the north side in the 26th and south side in the 28th. Under the new map, this block is entirely in the 26th. 5800 Washington and Kingsbury Square remain in the 26th. Regarding the state senate and state house, the neighborhood finds itself in the same districts, represented by State Sen. Patrick Dougherty and State Rep. Bob Hilgemann. Interestingly, there will be two different members of Congress representing the greater Skinker DeBaliviere area.
To the east of Skinker, our Congressman continues to be our neighbor, Lacy Clay. Those in Parkview will now be represented by the House Minority Leader, Richard Gephardt. For some of us, it will take a little getting used to.
If you know the correct alderman to call, you can contact him or her about potholes, trees and any number of city housekeeping issues. Aldermen also are very influential in approving new development for their wards.
The new map is now in effect.
In 10 years, the whole process will begin again.
Original photograph caption
Skinker/DeBaliviere Neighborhood 46, showing new ward division between 26 and 28. Original City of St. Louis Planning and Urban Design Agency map.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February–March 2002.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2002_02.pdf, printed page(s) 1; PDF page(s) 1.
