Senate action on redistricting upsets Koch

ALBANY -- The Senate Monday passed a constitutional amendment paving the way for a new commission to redraw political districts, but it wouldn't have any practical effect until 2022 and drew fire from reform advocates.

The 35 to 24 vote -- with four Democrats joining 31 Republicans -- sets up a likely showdown between Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, a Democrat, who has vowed to veto political maps for 2012 not drawn by an independent commission.

And the Senate's action prompted a fiery reaction from former New York City Mayor Ed Koch, who got 60 senators to sign pledges promising to make independent redistricting happen in time for 2012.

"It's ridiculous," Koch told Newsday. "It's an outrage and it's dishonorable on the part of Skelos, who signed a pledge."

Skelos wasn't available for comment, but his spokesman, Scott Reif, said Monday's vote was a significant achievement. "Under Senator Skelos' leadership, this chamber has voted to reform the redistricting process, and that shouldn't be taken lightly," Reif said.

Also Monday, the Senate passed a measure banning protests, under certain circumstances, within 2,500 feet of military funeral services. The measure was sponsored by Sen. Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley), an Iraq War veteran.

Republicans who sponsored the redistricting measure said it would help end awkwardly shaped districts that have ensured that most incumbents don't face strong challengers. But Democrats and good government groups accused Republicans of using a constitutional amendment to delay reform. Now, the Assembly also must pass an identical amendment and then both houses must pass it again in 2013 or 2014 before it can go to a referendum.

Cuomo has introduced an independent redistricting bill that would take effect in the 2012 election process. It has strong support in the Assembly, where Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan) is the sponsor.

Currently, a commission made up of legislators redraws the lines every 10 years after the federal Census. The Legislature votes on it, and the governor can sign or veto it.

The amendment passed Monday would empower a five-member commission appointed by legislative leaders to draw the lines. They could only use Census population data, drawing criticism from Democrats that it would eliminate majority-minority districts.

A potential target of Koch, Sen. Jack Martins (R-Mineola), a freshman who won election by a small margin, said the amendment "fills a need" and said he had problems with Cuomo's approach. "It's not something we should be rushing into," he said.