Tonight in Bay Ridge: A Forum on Non-Partisan Redistricting Reform in NYS

Wayne Barrett, Jerry Goldfeder and a Panel of Political Experts and Journalists Discuss the Meaning and Status of This Once-in-a-Decade Opportunity for Non-Partisan Redistricting Reform:


EVENT DATE: Thursday, March 10, 2011

LOCATION: Good Shepherd Church, 7420 Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn NY

Every decade, New York State has the opportunity to redraw district lines following the release of the U.S. Census in order to equalize the population of districts and comply with Federal requirements. Traditionally, however, the redistricting is controlled by the party in power in Albany, resulting in gerrymandering, or drawing district lines to achieve partisan political gain for legislators. In 2011, there appears to be an opportunity-- and the political will-- to reform the redistricting process in New York State to ensure that it is non-partisan, equitable, and reflecting of the best interests of the citizenry. Governor Cuomo has proposed legislation that fits in with his campaign promise to reform NYS government. The NYS GOP supports a constitutional change. Where do you – and other voters – stand on this timely issue ?

In order to shed more light on this important, once-in-a-decade issue, the Bay Ridge Democrats will host a panel discussion on “Non-Partisan Redistricting Reform and Gerrymandering” on Thursday,
March 10, 2011, at 7:30 PM, at the Good Shepherd Church, 7420 Fourth Avenue in Brooklyn. This event is free and open to the public.

Panelists will include Alex Camarda, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy at Citizens Union; Prof. Jerry Goldfeder, an expert on election law, who teaches at Fordham Law School and serves as Chairman of the Election Law and Government Affairs Committee of the General Practice Section of the New York State Bar Association; Wayne Barrett, journalist with the Nation Institute and until recently investigative reporter and senior editor with the Village Voice for more than 20 years; and Henry Stern, Executive Director of NY Civic, former City Councilmember and Commissioner, who has served in Republican and Democratic administrations in NYC since the early 1960s.

The evening will be moderated by Gersh Kuntzman, Editor of The Brooklyn Paper.

Justin Brannan, President of the Bay Ridge Democrats, said “we are a progressive, Democratic political organization that supports the movement toward redistricting reform. We believe that, in the long run, redistricting reform will benefit all political parties and most importantly, will be in the best interests of all of the citizens of New York State.”

Refreshments will be served. Transportation: Take the R train to 77th Street (and 4th avenue) stop. Walk three blocks to 74th street.  Note: Street parking can be limited.

For more information please contact: Bay Ridge Democrats