Governor Cuomo covered a wide range of topics during his visit on Friday, including the window in which he would not veto revised maps drawn by the state Legislature, though he predicted that the matter would be decided by the courts.
Rochester officials have been critical of the proposed lines, saying city and county interests will be diluted in the state Senate. The proposed maps divide the county into six districts, many of which are based elsewhere. The city’s largest employer, the University of Rochester, will be represented by a senator from a Buffalo suburb, under the current proposal.
Cuomo said he would veto the lines as they are, but said there are three conditions under which he would approve them.
He said the lines must be more fair, “less hyper political” than they are now. Also, the state Legislature must commit to passing a constitutional amendment. Lastly, a law must be passed to reform the system, in case a constitutional amendment, which requires passage over two years, is never passed.
“I think that is the optimum you could have,” he said.
Cuomo’s spokesman, Josh Vlasto, said later that the law would not call for an independent redistricting panel. It is unclear what reforms to the system the law would implement.
Update
Gov. Cuomo still stands ready to veto the legislative district boundaries drawn by the Legislature. Lawyers for the legislative leaders filed papers asking a federal three-judge panel to hold off on appointing a special master to draw the state and congressional district lines instead of the Legislature.
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote!
Michael H. Drucker
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