Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C-Black River), keeping his pledge to Mayor Ed Koch that earned him the title of “Hero of Reform” from New York Uprising and the voters of his district, is sponsoring legislation with Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C,I-Canandaigua) that will truly bring fair, independent and partisan-free redistricting to the state. According to the assemblyman, the governor’s current program bill, the Redistricting Reform Act of 2011, is a starting point, but more can be done.

“I have an unwavering belief that real reform in state government can be achieved through fair and independent redistricting, and the bill I am sponsoring will give voters the politics-free change they’ve been asking for,” said Blankenbush. “I commend the governor’s effort in bringing redistricting reform to New York, but I know that we can do better to prevent partisan politics and special interests from infiltrating this fundamental and necessary reform. The changes I am asking for are essential in making sure that the voice of the North Country is heard loud and clear in the redistricting process.”

Blankenbush cites several items that are addressed in the legislation that he is sponsoring. The new legislation makes appointments to the Independent Redistricting Nomination Committee more equitable by giving state leaders across the board two appointments each. The governor’s bill would give the Executive Branch the power to appoint four members while legislative leaders would receive only two, therefore, creating a disproportionate influence by the Executive Branch in the process.

The assemblyman also noted the troubling exclusion of public hearings in the North Country in the redistricting process and addresses this deficiency by requiring that the Independent Redistricting Commission conduct hearings in the region. Additionally, Blankenbush is fighting to ensure that redistricting is based on State Constitutionally-sanctioned terms that identify inmates as residents of the community in which a correctional facility is located. The region could have much to lose if inmates aren’t counted properly. Without these changes, the governor’s call for reform is hollow.

“All too often the North Country is ignored by Albany politicians, and it’s outrageous that they would not be given the opportunity to discuss inmate populations and redistricting. Inmates use our resources and infrastructure and to not count them as residents of this region would be devastating, unconstitutional and unfair to my constituents. If the governor has his way, thousands of inmates will be counted as downstate residents skewing the numbers, therefore, diverting more resources to New York City. I call on the governor and my legislative colleagues to do the right thing and adopt our measure for meaningful redistricting reform,” concluded Blankenbush.

The assemblyman encourages constituents to get involved. He urges those in support of his measure to contact his office by calling (315) 493-3909, or e-mail him at blankenbushk@assembly.state.ny.us.