Metro Briefing New York: Albany: Hearings Slated On Redistricting

New York Times, The (NY)
June 6, 2006

A bill that would change the way legislative districts are redrawn each decade is moving forward in the Legislature. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver announced yesterday that the Democratic-controlled Assembly would hold a series of statewide hearings on the issue this summer. The Legislature has come under fire from several civic watchdog groups, which are pressuring lawmakers to abolish the practice of drawing district lines to suit political needs, a process known as gerrymandering. The groups say the process allows incumbents to be re-elected with little competition. Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, the Democratic nominee for governor, has said he will veto any plan to draw legislative districts along political lines, but Mr. Silver had largely stayed silent on whether he would support Mr. Spitzer's efforts. Three legislators introduced bills that would establish a nonpartisan apportionment committee, but so far none have passed. The hearings would allow the Assembly to solicit input from experts like professors and civic groups as well as voters statewide. JENNIFER MEDINA (NYT)

Author: JENNIFER MEDINA (NYT)Compiled by John Sullivan
Section: Metropolitan Desk
Page: 4