Activists seek redistrict reform - Candidates for governor asked to pledge veto of gerrymandering

Times Union, The (Albany, NY)
May 6, 2006

ALBANY - Advocates of reforming state government who plan to rally at the Capitol on Tuesday think they have hit on the key to changing the status quo: end the gerrymandering of legislative districts that all but guarantees most incumbents easy re-election.

They also think they have hit on a long-range strategy to make this happen: get all four candidates for governor to pledge to veto any redistricting bill that is created by lawmakers, who traditionally draw the lines. Instead, they say, it should be drawn by an independent commission.

So far one candidate, Democrat Thomas Suozzi, has embraced the idea and will address the reformers on Tuesday. A bill to carry out the change has also been introduced in both houses of the Legislature.

Admittedly, this is a long-term goal. The districts won't be redrawn again until after the 2010 census. Nevertheless, reformers see a need to start with this year's elections.

"This is our opportunity to lock them in," said Blair Horner of the New York Public Interest Research Group. "The only way lawmakers become serious about the bill is if they believe the governor is serious about reform." He said whoever is elected this year will likely be re-elected in 2010, and thus be in power when districts are redrawn to reflect population shifts identified by the 2010 census.

The current practice is for the Democrats who control the Assembly and the Senate Republican majority to each come up with new lines that maximize the chances of their parties to hold or gain seats.

"Right now lawmakers choose their voters rather than voters choosing their lawmakers," said Rachel Leon of New York Common Cause.

Author: JAY GALLAGHER Gannett News Service
Section: Main
Page: A3