Schmitt unaware of redistricting meeting

Nassau's Democratic legislative leader, Kevan Abrahams of Freeport, continues to meet with GOP County Executive Edward Mangano seeking "independent nonpartisan redistricting."

Last Monday, Abrahams brought along redistricting expert Jeff Wice, who has represented federal, state and local Democrats for more than 30 years. But Presiding Officer Peter Schmitt (R-Massapequa) and the Republican legislative majority have the authority under the county charter to revise and approve a map.

Schmitt wasn't aware of the meeting, said aide Ed Ward. Redistricting "doesn't even go through Mangano," he said. "The only [potential] role he plays is a veto. We intend to go through the process listed in the charter . . . ." -- Celeste Hadrick