Nassau Republicans pushed forward Tuesday with their plan to redistrict the county, passing an amended map that Democrats say is clear gerrymandering into law, 10-8.
Republican Denise Ford, R-Long Beach, broke with party lines to join seven Democrats in voting against the measure. Robert Troiano, D-Westbury, was not present for the vote.
Democrats, during the special Tuesday session, took issue with the amendments added to the redistricting measure on May 16, and argued that another public hearing should take place.
“When you move 500,000 voters, you better tell them,” Minority Leader Diane Yatauro, D-Glen Cove, said. “It is not an amendment at all, but a substantial change.” She added, “There has been tremendous public opposition to your proposed redistricting."
Republicans had tabled the proposed redistricting last week after a New York State Supreme Court judge issued a temporary restraining order on the process, but an appeals court judge stayed the order, allowing the legislature to move forward.
The issue lands back in court on May 26, where a judge will decide on the legality of the redistricting issue.
- Republicans had tabled the proposed redistricting last week after a New York State Supreme Court judge issued a temporary restraining order on the process, but an appeals court judge stayed the order, allowing the legislature to move forward. The issue lands back in court on May 26, where a judge will decide on the legality of the redistricting issue. -
The appeals court ruled otherwise "immoral because: "1. ...reputation for disenfranchising voters" Reputations are subjective opinions. "awards $1 million contracts" If it's not illegal, why is it immoral? "2. county attorney not responsible for drawing the maps." Says you "5 Dems and 5 Reps are supposed to draw the maps in time for the 2013 elections." They will after November 2011. Constitutional issues require fast action or the dems will just contest the 2011 election results. "3. A county attorney represents both the Democrats and Republican legislators." He does "hired a consultant for $75,000 to handle litigation from the Dem legislators. Who else should he expect will sue? " 4. Schmitt asked the county attorney to redistrict on April 15, yet he spent $18,000 on redistricting software over a month before" What do you have against preparation. "It’s racial since ... yet it is only 1% different; it dilutes the minority vote." Too much shifting or not enough? Make up your mind. Every loudmouth who stepped up to the podium yelled that the changes violated their rights. According to them, it was fine the way it was. And even so, how is that racial? "Schmitt wouldn’t allow the Hempstead mayor, a town councilwoman or the NAACP to speak at the hearing." Bullshit!
http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/website/GenericServices/docs/NassauCountyCharter_Dec2010.pdf 112-114
112-114