Nassau redistricting plan date moved up

As county Republicans and Democrats accused each other of trying to disenfranchise voters, Nassau's presiding officer, Peter Schmitt (R-Massapequa), Thursday moved up the date for approval for a new redistricting plan to May 16 -- even though a plan has yet to be released.

A new map of boundaries for the 19 legislative districts will be submitted before the end of this month, a Schmitt aide said.

Schmitt surprised Democrats a week ago by saying his counsel had interpreted the county charter as requiring redistricting to take place this year as a way to incorporate new U.S. census results -- a year earlier than expected. After County Attorney John Ciampoli agreed, Schmitt on Monday said he was having new lines drawn and scheduled a vote May 23.

Minority Leader Diane Yatauro objected, saying in a letter to Schmitt Wednesday that the charter requires "a lengthy, well-thought-out public process." To do that in three weeks "disenfranchises and cheats the Nassau County residents," she wrote.

"To preserve the status quo will result in the disenfranchisement of minority voters," Schmitt responded in a letter. Republicans have said the census shows the 2nd District, which includes minority communities in Westbury, Hempstead and New Cassel, is too large compared with other districts. They say that results in residents being underrepresented.

Lawmakers have a "statutory duty" to redistrict before candidates begin circulating nominating petitions on June 7, Schmitt wrote.

But former Suffolk Chief Deputy County Executive Paul Sabatino, now a private lawyer, said Schmitt is reading only one of three sections of the charter. "It's very clear when you read all three sections, there is no way you can adopt the reapportionment plan in the same year you get the census data and have it be effective for that election cycle."

Schmitt aide Ed Ward countered that Westchester and Erie counties are also redistricting for the November elections. A Westchester spokesman confirmed that a new tentative map for its legislators was released Thursday. Erie County officials could not be reached.