Dutchess Legislators Walk Out of Session

POUGHKEEPSIE – Last November, Dutchess voters overwhelmingly approved a law to end gerrymandering and create an independent redistricting commission. For the first time, after the 2020 census, incumbents would have no say in redrawing county legislative districts.

Democratic legislators walked out of the Government Services and Administration Committee in support of the commission, which has been working since February. The County Attorney’s office has declared the commission “dissolved,” but the seven commissioners responded with a letter unanimously rejecting that claim.

“The voters of Dutchess County approved this commission,” said Legislator Craig Brendli (Poughkeepsie). “Our constituents voted, and I stand with them.”

Legislator Brendan Lawler (Hyde Park) thanked the “volunteers who are dedicating their time, energy, and thought to elevate redistricting above party politics.” “Someone,” he added, “through the County Attorney’s office, is attempting to crush the commission with an iron fist.”

Democratic legislators protested a proposed law, brought by the Republican majority, to create a new commission and ban any member of the current body from serving on it. The bill would reopen the application process, though 163 Dutchess residents already applied.

”So, 163 volunteers is not enough for seven slots? That’s absurd on its face,” said Legislator Rebecca Edwards (Poughkeepsie), who praised the applicants for their “diversity of backgrounds and impressive skills and experience.” “The obvious agenda here,” she said, “is to blow up the commission and install someone who is not in the current applicant pool. On a pretext, the democratic process is being overturned.”

“The commission must be allowed to uphold the will of Dutchess voters,” said Assistant Minority Leader Nick Page (Beacon/ Fishkill), “by continuing its work without interference.”

For many years, Democratic lawmakers advocated an independent commission so county legislators could not gerrymander their own districts. In July 2009, when Democrats held a majority in the legislature, they passed an independent redistricting law with bipartisan support. After regaining the majority, Republican legislators repealed the law in a 1:45 am vote on December 8, 2010.