Three plans, Democratic, Republican and a Court Magistrate are waiting for a three judges panel decision for New York State’s Congressional lines. The Judges’ order is expected momentarily in Brooklyn federal court.
Because of the redistricting confusion, New Rochelle and other Westchester residents have no idea which United States Congressional district they are in or who their representatives will be in 2013.
In one district Congresswoman Nita Lowey represents New Rochelle but another could have Charles Rangel in that locale. The primary date is set for June, necessitating that the petition process start on March 20 and continue until April 10. This is a significantly shorter than usual time period to gather petitions. It is also possible all offices, including one for the United States Senate will have a June Primary.
Doug Colety, Chairman of the New Rochelle Republican Party (and County Chairman) gives an historical perspective to the redistricting proposal. In the past,time designated for distributing military ballots was usually mid-September. Certain pro soldier advocates found the time to be unsatisfactory because it did not allow the military enough time to receive the ballots and return in the mail. Republicans asked to have the primaries in August The Democrats, he said, are arguing for a June primary. Since the only a federal courts had jurisdiction over federal elections, Colety, as Election Commissioner, wrote these judges to request an August primary which would give sufficient time to mail the military ballots and have them returned in a timely fashion. It would also give the Board of Elections time to put everything in place. After this a normal petition process could start in May for an August primary. “It’s already March and no lines were settled for the federal positions,” Colety lamented. Even the Democrats in the Senate have not agreed and are holding up the process because they are trying to get Congressman Charles Rangel to represent Mount Vernon and parts of New Rochelle because his current district has changed from a Afro-American one to Hispanic. The Senate Republicans are doing their best to negotiate for a fair settlement. The Magistrate has said if the legislature can come up with a reasonable plan, she will use it. Otherwise, the Court will decide this week. We’re out of time.” As of March 15 no deal has been reached.
When Arnold Klugman, New Rochelle Democratic City Leader, was asked how the party would get the signatures out in time, when new lines have not been decided and no extension has been given to obtain the needed number of petition signatures. He felt the lines would be decided by Wednesday and “the magistrate’s plan will probably include New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, the Northwest Bronx, Pelham, Eastchester, Scarsdale, and one-third of Greenburgh, Rye City and Mamaroneck. Congresswoman Nita Lowey would represent Rockland, Harrison, Rye, Port Chester, northern Westchester, all of :Peekskill and Courtland if this plan is selected. The Magistrate’s plan or one close to it will have a plan by Wednesday.
New Rochelle Conservative Party Chairman, Joe Rossini, stated, “No one has been interviewed because of this turmoil.” He suggested anyone interested in Conservative Party endorsement should contact their Conservative Party City Leader.
To further confuse things, no decision was made by the three judge panel on Wednesday.
P.S. The Magistrate’s plan was accepted Monday.
In the March 22 issue of the Westchester Guardian