We all have watched with trepidation the process of redistricting here in New York, and I think we all can agree that the process leaves much to be desired. As is so often the case, drawing new district lines for seats in the State Senate, State Assembly and Congress has become highly politicized and partisan.
Added to the problem is the fact that it has taken so long to arrive at any decision that many are left confused about where the districts lie. And all of this comes in a year when we were led to believe that the redistricting process would be independent, non-partisan, and, most of all, fair.
Redistricting involves redesigning the shape and area of Assembly and Senate districts in accordance with population changes. Sounds simple enough, right? That is, until career politicians distort the process. And I’m proud to say that many of you have looked past what Albany’s insiders have been trying to sell you and realized what they’re selling isn’t worth buying.
We are now seeing districts carved up in ways that don’t make much sense. Some have likened these crooked districts to a Rorschach ink-blot test or the vague images formed by clouds. Some districts look like a scorpion, while others resemble fido or even Pepe Le Pew. It would be funny, except that redistricting is supposed to lay the foundation for a fairer, more representative government.
As usual, Upstate is getting the raw end of the deal, packing roughly 10,000 more residents in each district compared to districts in New York City, stretching resources thin for these constituents. What’s more, many Upstate counties are being divided among several districts. Some communities have been lumped within regions where there is little commonality in culture and interests.
In the case of the proposed 118th district, a trip from tip to tip, Herkimer to Norfolk, takes over three hours and 158 miles on the most direct route, which at times requires one to leave the district. While I am pleased and privileged to serve any and all New Yorkers, I question how this design is beneficial to the residents on either end of the district.
Upstate New York’s voice is weakened and the importance of our Mohawk Valley and Central New York regions is further eroded by these newly designed districts. The regions most affected by the proposed changes also were given limited access to public hearings by placing them in Albany and Syracuse, which for some is difficult or too far to attend. Redistricting must be done in a fair manner to ensure that truly representative government can exist in our state.
If you have any comments on redistricting or any other New York State matter, please share them with me at butlerm@assembly.state.ny.us or call me at either my Herkimer office at (315) 866-1632 or my Johnstown office at (518) 762-6486.