This interview was recorded Wednesday, Aug. 18, at the Henderson County Courthouse Annex.
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This week, Judge Wade McKinney talked with Michael V. Hannigan about Census data and its impact on county redistricting. He also gives a COVID-19 update.
I. Census Data (1:00)
Data from last year's Census count is starting to trickle out, but slowly.
"We are still waiting for the complete data to come in from the U.S. Census," Judge McKinney said.
That data is important because it is used to redraw the county's precincts every 10 years, a process that is now due. However, the delay in releasing the information has the redistricting process running up against next year's election cycle.
Judge McKinney said the data was delayed in 2010 as well and at that time primary elections were moved back to allow more time for redistricting. It would take the State Legislature to move the primaries, he said.
The Judge said the improvements in software should help the County accelerate the actual drawing of the new maps. He said the time period for public input on redistricting would stay the same, however.
The County has retained the firm of Allison, Bass & Associates to help with the redistricting process. According to Judge McKinney, the law firm has worked on the County's redistricting efforts for the past 30 years.
"We're in good, capable hands," he said.
II. COVID-19 Update (11:18)
COVID-19 hospitalizations in Henderson County's region (TSA-G) were at 551 at the time of this podcast. Hospitalizations continue to go up, otherwise, there has been no substantial change in the COVID-19 situation in the county since last week.
Judge McKinney said the local hospital is as full as it was in January during the height of the pandemic.
Last week, the judge provided a more complete COVID-19 update which you can hear/read below.
The Judge did say that vaccinations are trending in a positive direction, with more than 1,000 doses being given in the county each of the past three weeks.
"From all indications, the vaccine helps prevent the serious illness and severe hospitalization," he said.
