Commission will lead redistricting

FINGER LAKES--State and local officials are publicly urging the residents of the Finger Lakes to participate in the state redistricting process to ensure the region doesn't lose representation. Scheduled to take place every ten years, this round of redistricting will be the first since an Independent Redistricting Commission was established in 2014.
State Senator Tom O'Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats), who represents Schuyler and Yates among other counties, has been adamant that local voter participation is the only way to ensure that the interests of the Finger Lakes are considered when new lines are drawn.
"This Commission, overwhelmingly approved by the voters, holds out hope for a redistricting process that is more open and transparent," O'Mara said in a prepared statement. "It will only be effective if local citizens across this state participate to make their voices heard. We can all play our part to learn more, and join with community leaders, neighborhood groups and others to speak up for the issues that matter most to our communities."
The IRC has already announced a new website with hearings scheduled to collect input from citizens while considering redistricting options.
As part of its charge to revise district lines for the State Senate, Assembly and Congress, the IRC is required to consider impacts to existing neighborhoods and communities based on information gathered from citizens during its virtual hearings and from pre-submitted written testimony.
"The 2014 constitutional amendment creating the Commission seeks to ensure that no region of the state, special interest or political party gains an unfair advantage in the process," said O'Mara. "We'll see how that plays out in the weeks and months ahead but here at the start, there is clearly an opportunity for the public to provide input for a balanced government."
The new IRC website allows New Yorkers to participate in the virtual hearings or to submit written testimony for its consideration. According to the IRC website, you must sign up through the web portal for the regional hearing encompassing a specific community. The hearing for the Southern Tier/Central NY region has been scheduled for Monday, Aug. 9, beginning at 2:00 p.m. while the Finger Lakes/Western NY hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 12 at 2:00 p.m.
For more information, including how to participate and/or submit testimony, visit www.nyirc.gov/meetings.