New state legislative districts that reflect population shifts shown in the 2010 census were released today and Rockland County Democratic Chair Kristen Stavisky described the redrawn districts as putting politics before people. The potential impact of the proposed redistricting is evident in the boundary changes to the current District 38, which includes all Rockland County and adjacent parts of southern Orange County. Under the new lines, District 38 would encompass the Rockland towns of Ramapo, Clarkstown and Orangetown and stretch across the Hudson River to include sections of southern Westchester County.
The district now represented by first-term Senator David Carlucci would lose the Rockland towns of Haverstraw and Stony Point along with the areas in southern Orange County including Tuxedo and Warwick townships. Carlucci, a Democrat, could not be immediately reached for comment on the redistricting proposal.
Stavisky criticized the for ignoring Gov. Andrew Cuomo's call for an independent, non-partisan redistricting process that focused on communities.
"It's clear to anyone, not just followers of politics, that these districts weren't drawn with the best interests of the people in mind," said Stavisky. "Albany Insiders, like Republican Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, have made clear redistricting is about protecting incumbents more than reflecting communities. Why else would Rockland County, after more than 20 years as a single district, be split in two? "
The Task Force is holding a second round of public hearings next week on its redistricting proposal. The closest sessions are in the Bronx and Manhattan. None are scheduled for the Lower Hudson Valley. Written testimony can be submitted to:
NYS Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment
250 Broadway - Suite 2100
New York, NY 10007
"I call on Governor Cuomo to make good on his veto threat and give New Yorkers the non-partisan map they deserve," said Stavisky.
The maps can be viewed online. Using 2012 census data, and other factors, the bipartisan task force developed a new state political map for November’s elections. The Assembly and State Senate must vote on the maps. Then the governor has the choice of signing them or vetoing them.
