SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) – The Onondaga County Legislature will hear public comments Tuesday night on potential revisions to the current legislative district maps.
It’s the latest stage of an ongoing conflict between Republicans and Democrats, the latter of whom sued the county two years ago over alleged gerrymandering. While that lawsuit was settled in September, the map and the disputes remain.
Republicans hold an 11-6 majority in the legislature and have proposals with minor changes, while Democrats are seeking a larger overhaul.
Maurice Brown, the Democratic representative of the 15th district, claims the maps “break up communities unnecessarily.”
“It’s a complicated process, and it kind of has to be by design,” Brown said. “I’m just glad we’re going through it.”
The meeting is set for 5:30 p.m., and will give residents a chance to voice their minds. After that, the official vote could come as early as December 3, and Republicans would have the inside track on their smaller-scale proposal thanks to the aforementioned majority the party possesses.