KINGSTON – Ulster County Executive Michael Hein announced on Friday he has convened a new Charter Revision Commission, tasking them with providing a fair method of redistricting that will be used to draw legislative election lines when the result of the 2020 census are published.
The commission consists of 11 members, five appointed by the county executive, three appointed by Legislature Chairman Kenneth Ronk and three appointed by Legislature Minority Leader Hector Rodriguez.
The first meeting of the commission was held on November 9.
“It is vital to ensure that the method and process for redistricting
will be fair and independent when the 2020 census is published,”
said Hein. “It is essential to help ensure that when the time comes
for redistricting, every Ulster County voter has a voice that counts and
gerrymandering does not occur.”
“It is paramount in our system of representative democracy that the power to elect rests with the voters,” said Ronk.
“It is imperative that Ulster County create an equitable redistricting,” said Rodriguez. “I appreciate the commitment of the members of the commission to make sure this is accomplished prior to the 2020 census.”
The members of the commission include attorney Rod Futerfas, Dare Thompson, Thomas Kadgen, Albert Cook, Fred Mayo, Butch Dener, John Quigley, Laurel Sweeney, Gary Bischoff, Dr. Gerald Benjamin and Donald Gregorius.
