Former Beltrami Co. Commissioner Lucachick Reacts to Ruling on Redistricting Plan

A former Beltrami County commissioner says he’s happy with a Minnesota judge’s ruling that ordered a new redistricting plan for the county.

Former county commissioner Jim Lucachick and 30 other plaintiffs sued the county about the way the Board of Commissioners selected its redistricting plan in 2022. Ninth Judicial District Judge Christopher J. Strandlie issued a summary judgment Thursday in favor of the plaintiffs and ordered a commission of five people to formulate and certify a redistricting plan for Beltrami County.

In April 2022, the Beltrami County Board of Commissioners approved a redistricting plan that included a population shift of 12,400 people. Commissioners Reed Olson, Richard Anderson, and Tim Sumner voted in favor of the plan, while Commissioners Craig Gassvig and Jim Lucachick voted against it.

In his judgment, Strandlie ruled the board did not follow state statues regarding minimizing the population shift.

Beltrami County Administrator Tom Berry tells Lakeland News that the county will likely release a statement on the judge’s directive, but it has not had a chance to be briefed by its attorney or meet and discuss the verdict. A special board meeting is scheduled for Oct. 30 to do just that.