MORRISVILLE - Morrisville wants feedback from residents about whether they want one or two representatives on the national level.

The discussion stems from new congressional redistricting maps released July 1.

The proposed U.S. House of Representatives map adds a seat to Morrisville, which historically had one.

The town council has been split on whether to support or speak out against the proposed districts. Officials said they felt uncomfortable taking a stance without hearing first from voters.

While the new seat could add clout to the 18,576-resident town, council members raised concerns that it might split Morrisville's influence and make it difficult to maintain relationships with lawmakers.

The town posted a link on its website soliciting input from residents and plans to meet on July 26 to make a decision on whether to support the map. The maps are still being debated by state lawmakers.

Under the proposed congressional map, Morrisville would be divided between its current congressman, U.S. Rep. David Price and U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers.

Price, a Democrat, represents District 4, which includes Morrisville, Cary, Apex and Fuquay-Varina.

Ellmers, a Republican, represents District 2, which includes Angier, Lillington and Smithfield.

Upside, downside

Adding Ellmers could be a good thing, Councilwoman Liz Johnson said. "Now we have two representatives to go to," she said.

Councilman Pete Martin pointed out the potential downside: Strength in numbers.

Martin said a population of about 18,000 was harder to ignore than two districts with an uneven number of people.

Councilman Steve Diehl concurred.

"In District 2, we would be such a small part of it, I don't think it would carry the same weight," Diehl said. "Price is available to us, he understands our issues. This has traditionally been one district."

Under the proposed map, the majority of Morrisville would stay in Price's district. A small section along I-40 near the Cary border will go to District 2.

Mixed feelings

The representatives thoughts are mixed as well.

Price calls for more scrutiny of the maps before the North Carolina General Assembly votes, while Ellmers laments some of the changes but pledges to work hard for all residents regardless of the results.

"While I am sad to see different areas lost as a consequence of the new map, I am also excited to bring my service and dedication to the new constituents that may be added to it," Ellmers said in a prepared statement.

Price is concerned about the proposed map because it divides districts, according to Price spokesman Andrew High.

The map takes what is now a compact District 4, and scatters it over seven counties with Wake County divided four ways and two others divided three ways, High said.

"I will look forward to representing the Fourth District in whatever form it emerges, but in the meantime this draft map will and should receive intense scrutiny. Districts should be drawn in a compact fashion that reflects distinct communities of interest," Price said in a prepared statement.