The Redistricting Saga Goes On

 The redistricting political power grab by the Republicans, who hold a majority on the Nassau County Legislature, defies decency, good government and logic. Sadly, in this day and age this is what the electorate has come to expect from those in power. Honestly, there are many of us, in both parties, who are elected and still possess decency, compassion and a deep respect for the intelligence of the electorate we represent.

 I am not going to reiterate all that has been told in the newspapers as to how this all happened, except to say that in a secret room in the basement of the Legislative building, new maps were being drawn without any bi-partisan input (as the charter dictates) and then a partisan map was put before the Legislature which, of course, passed due to the Republicans holding their 11 to 8 majority.    The issue has been in the lower courts, the Appeals Court and, finally, on August 24th is going to the Court of Appeals in Albany.

 The easiest way for you to grasp what is happening is that my district, District 16, which had little or no census change (the census is supposed to be the only indicator of drawing new lines), has been totally splintered under the Republican’s proposed map. 70 % of my District will be taken out and I then take on 70% which is totally new and geographically not in the same area. For example, I lose all of north Syosset, Oyster Bay, Oyster Bay Cove, East Norwich, Laurel Hollow, most of Plainview and, believe it or not, most of Woodbury even though I live in Woodbury. 

The shape of the new District on their map looks like a lounge chair with Woodbury at the head and Glen Cove at the foot, and areas such as Locust Valley, Sea Cliff, the Brookville’s, Glen Head in the middle. There is no logic as to why this was done. I would not want to think that the Republicans were upset that I represented such a large area of Oyster Bay which included areas of strong Republican registration and, fortunately, for 16 years, entrusted me as their Legislator.

 So, now it is in the hands of the highest Court in New York State and Newsday is urging that Court to resolve this uncertainty which exists, pointing out that…..”The public must have the confidence that its local government is legitimate.”

 I, of course, will always continue to uphold my work ethic and personal belief in fairness, calmness and clarity. My integrity and honesty has never been compromised and never will be. No matter which lines are the final lines, the voters I represent can be certain of that. 

 However, you deserve more respect than you have been shown. You deserve maps drawn for the right reasons. You deserve and should expect nothing less.