New state legislative districts unveiled

There are only minor changes to the core state legislative districts in the Mahoning Valley under a plan developed by the Republican-controlled state apportionment board that drew the new maps.

But the redistricting plan, expected to be approved next week, leaves state Sen. Jason Wilson of Columbiana, D-30th, without a district or forces him to move out of the county and run in the new 30th that no longer includes Columbiana County.

The new 30th, which doesn’t have an incumbent, takes in nine counties, including three he currently represents.

Wilson would have to move to the new 30th by Nov. 6 because state law requires legislative candidates to live in their district for at least one year before Election Day.

State Sen. Joe Schiavoni of Canfield, D-33rd, was elected last year to his district, which will include all of Mahoning and Columbiana counties beginning in January 2013. Schiavoni said he is the senator for the new district under state law because he was the last person elected to the district.

Wilson’s term expires at the end of next year. Regardless of his decision, Wilson would remain the current 30th District senator for that time.

The new district lines take effect after the 2012 general election.

For the complete story, read Saturday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com