On September 15th my computer was set to the live feed of New York State’s Independent Redistricting Commission as it prepared to unveil its first draft of new Congressional, State Senate and State Assembly District maps. I was eager to see this independent body take an historic step towards putting the people’s district needs ahead of party districting interests. As one commissioner after another spoke, however, it became clear that there had been neither progress nor compromise. Instead, the Commission Democrats and Commission Republicans each offered up their own set of maps.

A recent Capital Tonight broadcast featured Albany County League member Richard Rifkin, who has been an important voice in the One Person One Vote Coalition, of which both the Albany and Saratoga Leagues are members. Richard offered his thoughts on the redistricting process now underway in New York. Here is an excerpt from Susan Arbetter’s summary of the broadcast.

According to Rivkin, the commission was a compromise when it was adopted in 2014, which left the Legislature in charge of the final maps.

“[The IRC] was given the authority to draft the initial maps, but the end maps, the end result, the maps had to be approved by the Legislature much as they always have. So, the question is, how different is this?” Rivkin asked.

To Rifkin’s mind, it could be significantly different, but that will depend on whether the IRC’s maps are embraced by the public.

“My view, is if the commission succeeds, and they’re not off to a good start, but if it succeeds in drawing a map that is fair to the voters instead of the political parties and the legal office holders, then there will be public support for what the commission has done, and with public support, the Legislature would then be faced with that support…at the time it draws its maps.”

In other words, Rifkin believes that if the maps drawn by the IRC are embraced by the public, the Legislature would have to incorporate them into the final maps.

“That was the intent. We will see if it works,” Rifkin said.

The IRC is currently holding hearings around the state. The hearing for the Capital Region, which includes Saratoga County, is scheduled at 4 p.m. on November 1 at Page Hall on the SUNY downtown campus in Albany. More than ever, the commissioners must know that we are watching.

Click here for information about watching, attending or submitting testimony: https://nyirc.gov/meetings

Link to the full broadcast summary: https://nystateofpolitics.com/state-of-politics/new-york/politics/2021/10/07/former-spitzer-counsel-richard-rifkin-discusses-ny-redistricting

By Elizabeth Rossi
October 21, 2021