Letter to the Editor: About Redistricting

I am writing to address the concerns of many of my friends and neighbors in the Nanuet community regarding the current redistricting of the Rockland County legislature.  Redistricting is done every decade after the census to reflect population growth and in order to comply with the “one man – one vote” principle mandated by the federal government.

The neighborhood we call the hamlet of Nanuet already straddles three different legislative districts:  District 9, which is currently represented by Legislator Gerry Bierker; District 15, currently represented by Legislator Patrick Moroney; and District 14, which I currently have the honor to represent.  Although the lines separating these districts will change after the current redistricting is complete, Nanuet will still straddle these same three districts. 

It is important to note that the County legislature does not have any jurisdiction or control over the boundaries of the various school districts in Rockland, nor does it have control over the boundaries of the five towns in our county.  If you live in the Nanuet School District, that will not change.  If you don’t live in the Nanuet School District, that will not change.  The boundaries of the school districts cannot be changed by the county legislature.  Whether you live in Clarkstown, Orangetown, or any other town, that will not change either.

The Rockland County legislators elected to represent the various districts vote on the County budget, and on laws that affect the whole county.  They do not have the power to change school district lines or town borders.

While I would prefer to have all of Nanuet in one district, in fact it is not currently all in one district. I am continuing to work closely with my fellow legislators on the redistricting map in an effort to protect the interests of my constituents and will do so until the final vote is taken.

 No matter what the final redistricting lines look like, the things that make Nanuet a cohesive community will not change.  I refer to the residents of Nanuet who are so involved in their school district, their PTA, their Little League, their volunteer fire company, their ambulance corps, their civic association, and many other local organizations working to improve and maintain the quality of life we enjoy in our community.  None of these things can be harmed by the redistricting.

In closing, I encourage you to vote in every election and to contact your elected representative often to communicate your views on issues before the legislature.  In that way, no matter who your representative is or which district you are in, your voice will be heard.  As I have learned from almost thirty years of public service, elected officials listen to the voters who show up and speak up.

Best regards,
Bob Jackson