by Jonann Brady
Redistricting is done every 10 years with the intention of reflecting the changing demographics of the state and ensuring fair minority representation. However, Senate Democrats and Assembly Republicans charge that redistricting is simply an excuse for members of the majority parties in each house to hold on to seats.
Under the proposal, Baldwin would keep the same number of state representatives -- two in the Senate and three in the Assembly -- but would end up trading one Assemblyman for another.
The changes come in the14th and 21st Assembly districts, which have been drastically redrawn. The 21st district, represented by Robert Barra (R-Lynbrook), used to encompass a large chunk of central Baldwin. Under the new proposal, the 14th district, which will be represented by Thomas Alfano (R-Valley Stream), has shifted to include that part of Baldwin. Alfano would also pick up six election districts in Baldwin Harbor from the 19th district, represented by Dave McDonough, who was the winner in the Feb. 12 special election for that seat.
Under the plan, McDonough would represent only three election districts in Baldwin Harbor, and the 18th district at the northern tip of Baldwin, represented by Earlene Hooper Hill, would remain unchanged.
Doris Duffy, who has spearheaded the Baldwin Civic Association's lobbying efforts to contain the entire Baldwin community in one district with one representative at each level of government, said the new maps keep Baldwin diced up and still lacking in political muscle. With so many representatives, Duffy says Baldwin voters don't hold as much sway with legislators and the community's needs are not adequately addressed.
"I don't think it's much of a change at all," said Duffy. "We're in the same position... We're still not going to have as much clout with addressing our community's problems."
In the Senate, Baldwin will continue to be represented by Sen. Charles Fuscillo (R-Merrick) and Sen. Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre), though Sen. Skelos would pick up three of Sen. Fuschillo's Baldwin election districts. Sen. Skelos would represent about two-thirds of the Baldwin community under the plan.
As a chair of the redistricting commitee, Sen. Skelos was the focus of BCA's lobbying efforts. A spokesperson from his office said that the senator was well aware of BCA's concerns, but considering the parameters by which the maps had to be drawn, it is not always feasible to contain a community in one district.
"Some said it has benefitted Baldwin to have dual representation. But we tried to do what we could," said Tom Dunham, a spokesperson for Sen Skelos.
He added that the redistricting process is far from over. "This is just a proposal. It has to come for a full vote and there are always court challenges," he said.
A series of public hearings on the proposal will start in March, and Duffy said her group will continue to fight for a united voice for the Baldwin community.
"We need to keep pushing because it's not over," she said. "We still have to be vocal constiuents."
