After every United States Census, which happens every 10 years, the Congressional Maps (and state representative maps) are redrawn to reflect the changing population. This process is called redistricting and its purpose is to create Congressional Districts that are relatively equal in population so that representative democracy can continue. The problem with the current proposed Congressional maps is that the proposed maps split both the Town of Mamaroneck and the Village of Mamaroneck into two Congressional Districts. Larchmont and parts of the Town and Village of Mamaroneck would be in a district with the Northeast Bronx and part of Queens, being split from the other Sound Shore Communities. This will dilute our voices and make it harder to get attention for the issues that matter specifically to our community, like flooding, and make it more difficult for local officials to interface with the federal government to meet the needs of our constituents. It could also create confusion among the residents of our community when seeking constituent services. The proposed maps also split the entire Sound Shore into two districts, making it difficult to advocate for important regional issues like flooding and Long Island Sound. To view the proposed maps go to https://www.nyirc.gov/plans
I know our State representatives, Shelley Mayer and Steve Otis, have been strenuously advocating for us, as they always have. Please contact both of them to let them know your concerns. The more they hear from us, the more leverage they will have. Their email addresses are Otiss@nyassembly.gov and smayer@nysenate.gov . Most important, please write to the Independent Redistricting Committee at https://www.nyirc.gov/participate and to the Legislative Task Force at info@latfor.state.ny.gov
This is a vitally important issue for our Town. This is about all of us getting the funding, attention and representation that we deserve to face the challenges we share as a community.
To view the letter written by Supervisor Jaine Elkind Eney of the Town of Mamaroneck, Mayor Tom Murphy of the Village of Mamaroneck and Mayor Lorraine Walsh of the Village of Larchmont, please click here.