Ceretto passes redistricting

Assemblyman John Ceretto, R-C-I-Lewiston, has helped pass comprehensive redistricting reform legislation (A.2086) as part of his continuing efforts to make state government more transparent and accountable.

"Redistricting reform can improve the way our state government is run and will strengthen our democracy," Ceretto said. "Even though Albany has long been known as one of the most dysfunctional places in the nation, re-election rates have remained above 95 percent. By making this highly political process more independent, I am confident that we will give individuals and communities a greater say in their state government."

Under the redistricting reform legislation that Ceretto helped pass Monday, an independent commission will be created and charged with redrawing both state legislative and congressional districts following the next census. The redistricting commission will be composed of 10 members: four legislative leaders will appoint two members each, and these eight members will then appoint two additional members. No member may have served as a legislator, statewide elected official, lobbyist, government staffer or county political chair for the past three years. Two members shall serve as co-executives, with one each drawn from the two parties with the most registrants in the state.

The proposed amendment to the state's constitution will now go before the State Senate for second passage. If passed, it will be voted on through a statewide public referendum in 2014.