Remap may leave four seats at stake

Four of the five Crow Wing County commissioners may have to run for re-election this fall.

This is the scenario in one option the Crow Wing County Board is considering for redrawing its district lines.

The county board discussed options Tuesday, but did not make any decision. The county has until the end of May to redraw its district lines.

After each census, political boundaries are reviewed so that all districts have comparable population. The congressional and legislative redistricting was completed in March.

Brainerd had to redraw boundary lines for two wards because of population changes. The city's changes will affect the commissioner districts.

One of the county's plans discussed involves moving Brainerd's Ward 2 Precinct 2 into District 3, which is currently served by Commissioner Terry Sluss. Mission and Pelican townships could then become part of District 4, which is served by Commissioner Gil Dewes.

If this plan is selected, three commissioners -- Sluss, Dewes and Commissioner Ed Larsen -- would have to seek re-election. Seats for Larsen and Dewes will be up for election this year regardless of redistricting because their terms expire.

Another plan considered involved removing Mission Township from District 2 and moving it into District 5. If the county approves this plan, all the commissioners, except Tautges, would have to run for re-election.

If a commissioner's district boundary lines change, the commissioner's seat will be up for re-election if the total shift in constituency is greater than 5 percent.

Commissioners Dewes, Larsen and Sluss expressed criticism of Brainerd's redistricting plan.

"I don't like these boundaries. ... I guess we're going to have to live with it," said Dewes.

"Something is very wrong here," said Larsen on the city's boundary lines.

Sluss said Brainerd's action does not serve the public's interest.

The commissioners plan to hold a special meeting 1 p.m. Thursday to establish Unorganized Territory precincts. The deadline for this action is Monday.