Public Hearing on Orange County Map

Orange County residents will have the opportunity to provide in-person feedback on a draft legislative district map at the county government center in Goshen on August 27, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Majority Leader Tom Faggione expressed satisfaction with the growing consensus among legislators regarding the redistricting process, noting that the draft map received a 15-2 vote in the legislature. However, dissenting voices, such as Cornwall legislator Kevin Hines, criticized the map's design, which he described as resembling a horseshoe, and advocated for the presentation of three maps for public review, as previously agreed. Minority Leader Mike Paduch echoed Hines' concerns, particularly regarding changes to district lines in the Wallkill area, and also supported the idea of multiple maps for public consideration. Highland legislator Laurie Tautel suggested enhancing transparency by allowing public access to all redistricting meetings, including those held between legislators and consultants outside of formal sessions. Paul Ruszkiewicz, chairperson of the rules committee, acknowledged that the redistricting process has evolved based on feedback and indicated potential for future improvements, including an earlier start to the process. The redistricting efforts come in light of significant population growth in Kiryas Joel, which saw an increase of over 12,800 residents between 2010 and 2020. New state legislation has tightened the allowable population difference between districts from 10 percent to 5 percent, limiting the variation to approximately 955 people. Additionally, a new 2023 law aims to amplify the representation of minority voters, particularly in cities like Middletown and Newburgh, which have the highest minority populations in the county.