Katz Presents Testimony for Independent Redistricting
Assemblyman Steve Katz (R-99) presented testimony Wednesday at a public hearing of the New York State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment, calling for independent legislative redistricting in the state.
“Ensuring truly fair and democratically-elected representation is the cornerstone of our government – and, unfortunately, this process is in dire need of reform,” Katz said at the hearing held at the Westchester County Board of Legislator’s committee room in White Plains, according to a press release from the assemblyman. “However, Albany’s notorious inability to reform themselves has proven a giant obstacle in bringing about true change, particularly when it comes to redistricting.”
Advocates of independent redistricting have called for a bi-partisan panel to redraw the state’s Senate and Assembly districts, which in the past have been drawn by state lawmakers. Former New York City mayor Ed Koch has been the most outspoken supporter of independent redistricting, forming the group “NY Uprising” to push legislatures to commit to a bi-partisan process.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.