The May 19-25 editorial “A New Day in NY Politics” also applies to the City Council.
The Council Redistricting Commission is composed of 15 members. Mayor Michael Bloomberg appoints seven, Council Speaker Christine Quinn (D-Manhattan) five and Council minority leader James Oddo (R-Staten Island) three.
In theory, Bloomberg and the Republicans control 10 of 15 votes, which affords them the opportunity to develop new district lines. This could have the potential to open up a number of seats for fair contests resulting in the election of more GOP or independents, as opposed to Democratic clubhouse-sponsored members.
In the previous reapportionment, Bloomberg and Oddo failed to convince their appointees, who had the majority control of the process, to end the Democratic clubhouse monopoly of the Council. This may be the last opportunity for an independent and honest reapportionment.
Larry Penner
Great Neck, L.I.
