"Mr. Kirschenbaum was confirmed unanimously by the Metropolis Council for his excellent credentials." Keith Energy stated.
Democrats on the Metropolis Council appointed the marketing campaign treasurer of one in every of its strongest members to assist oversee the delicate process of redrawing the Large Apple’s 51 council districts — scary considerations a few potential battle and favoritism, sources advised The Submit.
The Council’s Democratic Convention chosen lawyer Gregory Kirschenbaum, who continues to be listed in election data as Councilman Keith Powers’ marketing campaign treasurer, as one in every of its 5 members to the redistricting fee.
Powers, who represents Manhattan’s East Facet, is chairman of the Council Guidelines Committee that oversees election issues.
“A Councilmember’s marketing campaign treasurer shouldn't be a really perfect selection for a Fee that's supposed to attract district strains to mirror the general public curiosity first, with out respect to the preferences of incumbency,” stated Susan Lerner, government director of Widespread Trigger NY.
Election lawyer Arthur Schwarz chimed in, “Such an appointment shouldn't be unlawful — but it surely ought to be. The appointments for redistricting ought to be freed from political affect. They need to be achieved by non-partisan folks.”
Kirschenbaum’s connection to Powers didn't come up publicly when the Democratic Convention voted on the appointees, a videotape of the Feb. 7 assembly confirmed.
The Council appointments are being scrutinized after Gov. Kathy Hochul and Democratic lawmakers in Albany have been sued over newly redrawn congressional strains that they authorized earlier this month that Republicans declare screw GOP and conservative voters.
Powers defended the Kirschenbaum appointment.
“Mr. Kirschenbaum was confirmed unanimously by the Metropolis Council for his excellent credentials. His expertise as an lawyer, group chief, and public servant make him a wonderful selection,” Energy stated.
The councilman additionally stated Kirschenbaum is now not serving as his marketing campaign treasurer, regardless of nonetheless being listed in metropolis marketing campaign finance data as being within the position.
A redistricting skilled, New York legislation professor Jeff Wice, stated the Kirschenbaum appointment was authorized and acceptable.
The Metropolis Council’s legislative strains are required to be redrawn each 10 years to account for inhabitants adjustments primarily based on the decennial US Census.
New York Metropolis has added 629,000 residents — a virtually 8 % improve in its inhabitants, which is now 8.8 million — because the final census rely a decade in the past.
Due to the rise in lots of elements of town, some council districts could should bear vital alterations — a prospect that worries incumbents who must acquaint themselves with voters from new neighborhoods as they search re-election.
Fifteen members in whole will serve on the redistricting panel. Mayor Eric Adams will appoint seven members and The Submit reported Sunday that Queens library chief and former metropolis Colleges Chancellor Dennis Walcott will likely be one in every of them. Republicans on the Council have appointed three members.
The work will likely be concluded by the tip of 2022 in preparation of the June 2023 primaries.
In the meantime, Council insiders stated there have been different panel appointees with social gathering or political ties apart from Kirschenbaum’s to Powers.
Michael Schnall, the Democratic appointee from Staten Island, ran for a Council seat final 12 months.
Yovan Samuel Collado, the Bronx appointee, is the husband of Bronx Democratic Celebration government director Ariana Collage.
Maf Misbah Uddin, the Queens appointee, is treasurer of the politically influential metropolis employees union, District Council 37.
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