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Friday, July 21, 2023
Vol. 98, No. 29
KIDS TOWN OKS $3.25M FOR LAND D’ESPOSITO LEADS IN CD4 FUNDRAISING GUIDE NEXT TO STEPPINGSTONE PAGES 21-28
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Redraw NY’s congressional maps: Court GOP to appeal order that would give state Legislature final say, aid Dems BY B R A N D ON D U FF Y New York’s bipartisan redistricting commission will need to redraw congressional maps after an Appellate Division ruling Thursday rendered the new House maps approved last year as only a temporary fix. The midlevel court in a 3-2 ruling reversed a decision made last year by the state’s Supreme Court–which rejected maps from Democratic officials in the Legislature that Judge Patrick McAllister said “were unconstitutionally drawn with political bias.” The Appellate Division’s ruling is seen as a boost for Democrats, who currently have majorities in the state Legislature. Republicans said in a statement they will appeal the decision to the state’s highest court, the Court of Appeals, in what could have major implications for who controls the House after the 2024 elections. “The Appellate Division majority’s conclusion guts the New York Constitution’s explicit prohibition against middecade redistricting. When Democrats can’t compete, they cheat,” U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-Schuylerville), who chairs the U.S. House Republican conference said in a joint statement with
Ed Cox, the state party chair. “Their illegal gerrymander violated the State Constitution and bucked the will of the voters. The Court of Appeals must overturn this ruling, or Democrats will gerrymander the map to target political opponents and protect political allies — all to the People’s detriment.” U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Espositio (R-Island Park), who represents New York’s 4th District, said in a tweet “New York Democrats know they can’t win on the issues, so now they’re trying to use the courts to gerrymander their way to victory.” D’Esposito is one of 18 House Republicans–alongside 3rd District Rep. George Santos–that represent districts President Joe Biden won in 2020. Biden won NY-4 by 17 points, according to multiple reports. In New York, Democrats lost six congressional races last year that Biden carried in 2020. The lawsuit was first introduced on behalf of 10 New York voters that wanted the state’s Independent Redistricting Commission to submit a proposal for new congressional maps. The commission’s first proposal was rejected and a lawsuit led to a court-appointed expert to redraw the maps for 2022. Those 2022 maps were only a temContinued on Page 41
PHOTO BY KARINA KOVAC
Vigilant Engine & Hook & Ladder Co. held Firematic services for deceased member Thomas J. Mansfield Sr. on July 14, making him an honorary chief posthumously.
Mansfield named fire chief posthumously BY K A R I N A KO VA C
The solemn halls of Vigilant Engine & Hook & Ladder Co., where MansGreat Neck Plaza mourns the field was sworn in, now bear witness loss of a hero and dedicated commu- to a somber sight: a coffin adorned nity member, Thomas Mansfield II, with an honorary firefighter hat. Mansfield had been posthuwho died July 11 at the age of 87.
mously bestowed with the honor of honorary chief, a tribute befitting his 57 years of unwavering devotion to the company. As the Firematic memorial service unfolded July 14 at Continued on Page 42
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