Skelos: State Redistricting Reform A Dead Issue
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State Senate Majority Leader dean Skelos tells NY1 the fight over redistricting reform in the state is a dead issue.
Good-government advocates, including former Mayor Ed Koch, want an independent commission to redraw legislative boundaries in the state. But on Tuesday, the Republican-led state senate rejected that and passed a bill that would require a constitutional amendment to create such a panel.
Some Democrats had hoped the issue could be revisited.
While appearing on Tuesday's edition of "Inside City Hall" Skelos said the issue would not be taken up.
“We believe and our attorneys believe that you can’t delegate away that authority. And as far as the senate is concerned that issue is over," Skelos said.
Later in the show, Koch shot back at Skelos who signed the former mayor’s pledge for an independent commission.
"He’s a dishonorable man because he doesn’t keep his commitment and we are going to let his constituents know that," Koch said.
Governor Andrew Cuomo says he supports Koch’s redistricting plan and has proposed legislation advancing it.