Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C,I-Horicon) is urging residents of the North Country to get involved in the redistricting process this year. New district lines are to be drawn by the New York state Independent Redistricting Commission based on 2020 census results. The commission has a deadline of September 15 to show the public their first proposal. The commission will be holding a public hearing on August 5 at 2 p.m. for the North Country and Mohawk Valley (https://www.nyirc.gov/meetings.).

“I encourage those in the 114^th Assembly District to attend the virtual hearing on August 5. Make your voice heard and ensure the redistricting process is conducted in a fair, non-partisan manner. Maintaining the rural integrity of our district is imperative as new lines are drawn.

“The only way we can make sure this process is done in a fair and transparent manner is by exercising our civic duties and showing up for the commission’s hearings. New Yorkers overwhelmingly want a truly independent commission. That is all we are asking for.

“Any interference by the governor or majorities in the Assembly and Senate should not be tolerated. They have already tried to undercut the commission and draw lines based on advancing their own far-left political interests. This would not be independent, rather, it would be a total sham and a disservice to our constituents,” said Simpson.

Residents who are not able to attend the public hearing are still able to submit testimony. For more information on the Independent Redistricting Commission and the hearing for the North Country/Mohawk Valley, please visit; https://www.nyirc.gov/meetings.