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U.S. REP. John Olver

The decision by Congressman John W. Olver of Amherst to retire at the end of his current term, combined with the adoption of a new congressional map for Massachusetts, will mean significant changes in the political landscape for the Pioneer Valley in 2012.

The new year will be the final one in a remarkable political career for Olver, 75, who over four decades has represented parts of the Valley first in the state Legislature and, for the past 20 years, in Congress. Along the way, Olver, who began his career as a chemistry professor, has accumulated seniority and mastered the art of politics - understanding complicated issues and building political coalitions to take care of the interests of his constituents in western Massachusetts.

Moreover, 2012 will be the first year in more than half a century when voters in the 1st Congressional District will not see the name of either Olver, a Democrat, or the late Silvio O. Conte, a Republican, on the ballot in November. Despite their different political parties and dissimilar personalities, both were widely respected in the sprawling district and easily won election after election - Conte beginning in 1958 until his death in 1991, when he was succeeded by Olver.

Conte and Olver shared many interests in serving their district, whether it was improving programs for the rural poor, steering federal money to the University of Massachusetts or conserving land for wildlife and recreation.

Not only is the 1st District losing a powerful politician, there will also be substantial changes in the geography of the Valley's two congressional districts, beginning with the election of November 2012. Most Hampshire County towns, along with all of Berkshire and Hampden counties, will be part of the 1st District, where Congressman Richard E. Neal of Springfield will run for re-election.

However, the population centers of Northampton and Amherst, along with Belchertown, Hadley and Hatfield, now will be in the 2nd District, where Rep. James McGovern of Worcester plans to seek re-election.

Among the benefits of the latest map is the reunion of Northampton, Amherst and Hadley - which share similar interests - in the same congressional district for the first time in 20 years. Redistricting in 1992 broke Northampton, Hadley and South Hadley away from the rest of Hampshire County and shifted them to Neal's 2nd District.

This year's redistricting also puts the two major UMass campuses - the flagship in Amherst and the medical school in Worcester - in the same district for the first time, placing them under the jurisdiction of one congressman responsible for making sure they get their share of federal funds.

Significantly, wherever you live in Hampshire County you will be a minority in your congressional district, whether it is dominated by Springfield or Worcester. Hampshire County residents will make up just 8 percent of the new 1st District, and 14 percent of the 2nd District.

This will be a challenging year for many to get used to both shifting political addresses and the end of an era for one of the Valley's most successful politicians in recent years.

Stanley Moulton is the Gazette's politics editor and managing editor for GazetteNET.