Redistricting: What Would It Mean For Westbury?

Written by Cory Twibell, ctwibell@antonnews.com Friday, 11 January 2013 00:00

Troiano says Republican’s proposed map would

result in 'very different racial and economic classifications’

Nassau County Legislator Robert Troiano (D., 2nd LD) told The Westbury Times that that the Republican’s redistricting plan, which was presented on Friday, Dec. 27, “sliced and diced” the Westbury Village and would result in an additional two legislative representatives for the area.

“It would be unusual for a village,” said Troiano, “four is a big shift.”

The legislator noted that redistricting takes place once every 10 years to accommodate shifts in population throughout the 19 legislative districts in the county.

Troiano said, if approved, the new redistricting plan would result in “very different racial and economic classifications,” as certain Westbury neighborhoods would be represented along with areas like Old Westbury, Sands Point, Garden City, Carle Place, Hicksville and Bethpage.

“It’s hard to see similarities in those areas. The county legislature formed with the idea that minorities would be kept intact as voting blocs to ensure they could choose a representative with their best interests in mind,” said Troiano.

Troiano explained that the redistricting commission is made up of 10 members (five Democrats and five Republicans) and one chairperson, which Troiano called “a formula for no progress.”

The Republicans control the county legislature, which has until March 5 to accept either of the redistricting commission’s maps, revise them or adopt a completely new one.

“As mayor, I am not involved in overtly political issues such as this, but I am confident that the village will be able to work with any legislators that we get through this redistricting process.

“However, I do support Legislator Troiano’s efforts to have his district remain intact to the extent possible. This is his hometown, and he has represented these areas for an extended period, first on the town board, and now as a county legislator. To the extent that the continuity can be maintained, it should be,” commented Westbury Village Mayor Peter Cavallaro.