Butler supports state re-destricting reform

Legislators in Albany, including Assemblyman Marc Butler, representative for the 117th Assembly District, are calling for a special legislative session to reform the State’s re-districting process for the coming 2012 elections.

Assemblyman Butler signed on to support a drive by ReShapeNY to have the district boundary lines impartially drawn by an independent commission.

The plan calls for a fair and objective criterion through which, according to ReShapeNY, allows for vigorous public input during the process.

“The issue is very critical, as the composition of the respective legislative houses has a direct impact on the state’s policy decisions, the distribution of resources, and the composition and leadership of critical committees,” Assemblyman Butler said.

Currently, the state legislators, subject to gubernatorial approval, draw the lines for State Assembly, Senate and Congres-sional seats every ten years following the census.

ReShapeNY said that 184 of the legislature’s 212 members have pledged their support for a more independent process of drawing district lines.

The organization said that this unprecedented and overwhelming level of support for redistricting reform demands action before more time passes without the necessary reforms that are supported by the legislature and the general public.

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