ALBANY, NY. – For the first time in New York State history Albany County may be split from one district into two.
Every ten years lawmakers are tasked with re-districting voters in accordance with population growth. This year, a member of the GOP leaked plans of a 63rd district and grooming someone for the seat.
Albany County Senator Neil Breslin (D-Delmar) is not happy about this possible 63rd district.
"I'm feeling disappointed," Breslin said. The plan would not only cut Albany County in half; it would include Amsterdam, Montgomery County, and Kingston. This additional district will increase the number of NY Senators from 62 to 63.
Breslinsays this decision is completely political and had nothing to do with growing population. "It will be a disservice to the government and the only reason to create this is to add another republican seat," he said.
The Legislative taskforce made up of four legislators and two non-legislators is assigned to re-draw the district lines in in accordance with population growth from research gathered from the 2010 census.
The taskforce is lead by Republic Senator Michael Nozzolio. News10 stopped by to ask him about the "leak," but he was unavailable for comment.
The plan would not only cut Albany County in half; it would include Amsterdam, Montgomery County and Kingston.
Spokesman for the Senate Republican majority Scot Reif did not deny the possibility of a 63rd district, but wouldn't comment about redistricting plans a the taskforce has not formally released any information.
"There's nothing unusual about this process, every ten years we're required by the constitution to redraw districts based on population shifts, we're simply complying with our responsibility under the constitution," Reif said.
NY State Assemblyman Republican George Amedore is the one some say is being groomed for that seat. "I'm flattered and I would be honored, but lets see what it consists of and we still haven't seen that yet," Amedore said.
"If they add a 63rd senate seat, I'm glad it's targeted for the Capital Region area, I think that throughout the state of NY. We have experienced some population growth and it's important to have proper representation," Amedore said.
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