Rep. Paul Adams Makes a Move to Stay in the 17th

A proposed redistricting plan is shifting the lines of legislative districts in the state and would place freshman state Rep. Paul Adams, R-Andover, in the 18^th Essex District, which is currently being occupied by the other freshman Rep. Jim Lyons.

However, Adams said that he was willing to move his residence to stay in the 17^th Essex District.

“I’m moving three miles away,” said Adams. “This isn’t a unique situation. There are two Democrats and two Republicans that are in a similar situation.”

Adams was set to move into a new home on High Street last week, specifically Nov. 4, in order to maintain a residence in the 17^th Essex District for a full year before elections.

He said that the state redistricting plan calls for making the 17^th Essex District one of the many “Minority Districts” that are being created throughout the state. The district will consist of 8 precincts in Lawrence and only three precincts in Andover. Adams said that he can speak Spanish and Portuguese fluently and has already met many people and organizations in Lawrence.

“It presents a new challenge and opportunity for me and I’m looking forward to it,” said Adams.