Cuomo Strikes Back at Opponents of Independent Redistricting
July 6th, 2011
Gov. Andrew Cuomo isn’t taking kindly to comments made by Assemblyman Jack McEneny earlier today that it would be “petty” and “stupid” for Cuomo to veto district lines drawn by LATFOR without looking at them first. McEneny is the Democratic co-chair on LATFOR.
I will veto a plan that is not independent or a plan that is partisan,” Cuomo said at an event outside of Syracuse. “Ive said that all along. Thats what the people of the state of New York overwhelmingly support. I understand the assemblymans point that he wants to draw his own lines. And everyone, you know, wants to draw their own lines defining their districts. I want to have lines drawn that represent the people of the state of New York, Cuomo said.
McEneny has been ultra critical of an independent redistricting system proposed by Cuomo and good government groups. McEneny made his presence felt during an interactive redistricting reform forum held by Assembly Democrats and Senate Republicans earlier this year. Senate Democrats were blocked from having formal hearings on the matter by the Republican majority so like minded Assembly Democrats helped their Senate colleagues out with a hearing room. At one point McEneny strode into the hall and stood at the top of the stairs. Sen. Martin Dilan interrupted the ongoing testimony to acknowledge McEneny and thank him for helping them secure the room. McEneny didn’t seem particularly pleased about the hearing.
Earlier today good government groups, including Citizens Union (the sister organization of the Citizen Union foundation which publishes Gotham Gazette), called for the legislature to return to session to pass an independent redistricting plan that is supported by Cuomo.
By David King on July 6, 2011, 4:31 pmIn category: Albany, Eye on Albany | No Comments »
