The 2010 census is not only important for federal funding dollars in our district, it also serves as the basis for redistricting, a commonly-used term to describe the way in which legislative districts are shaped, including the state Assembly. This is a term that may seem obscure, but it actually serves as an important mechanism for residents to voice their opinion and shape policy in Albany.
In theory, district lines are drawn based on a formula and should be, among other things, compact, contiguous and equal in representation to adhere to the principle of “one person, one vote.” However, in practice, the redistricting process in this state has become anything but fair.
In New York state, the Majority party in both houses has the control over how district lines are drawn. As you might expect, many people believe that political expediency is the guiding principal in setting up the new lines. In truth, this process perpetuates the strength of the Majority at the expense of the Minority and leads to the high rate of successful incumbency among the Majority members.
For those reasons, I am whole-heartedly supporting Assembly bill A.5279, calling for an independent and non-partisan redistricting of congressional and state legislative districts. This bill would enact an independent committee, appointed by multiple branches of state government, with background checks that would ensure no political patronage and a fair process. The district lines for all plans would be drawn according to a set of principles and guidelines that align districts as best as possible with local boundaries and community character to ensure the even-handed and non-partisan drawing of lines, and then be sent to the legislative bodies for approval.
Independent legislative redistricting is a critical first step to reform. New Yorkers are too often exposed to the unfair and rigid processes that hamper true reform and make it difficult to move our state forward. These circumstances create uncompetitive elections, which remove vital principles from the electoral process - accountability and responsiveness.
Allowing Albany insiders to draw their own districts blocks challengers from running and prevent democratic elections from deciding our leaders and our public policy. It places a barrier in the way of any potential reform at a time when New York needs to fast track solutions to our dysfunction. This independent redistricting bill is an important building block.
I urge my constituents to join me in the fight for reform and increased transparency in the way our state government operates. It’s time we tell Albany “don’t take our right to fair and unbiased elections hostage.” As always, if you have any questions or comments about government reform or any state issues, please don’t hesitate to contact me at either my Johnstown office at (518) 762-6486, or my Herkimer office at (315) 866-1632.