Dear Editor,
The roller coaster of land readjustment is spinning again.
Kingston, like other local governments, must be remapped politically following the decennial census. A subcommittee of the Common Council carries out this process to account for regional demographic changes and to make the nine Wards more equitable. The subcommittee partnered with local consultants and submitted three proposed maps that can be found at https://engagekingston.com/redistricting.
Reorganization determines political power. It directly affects which ward you live in and who your representatives will be on the Common Council for the next decade. Reorganization, if done correctly, will amplify the voices of interested communities (groups of people who share common social, cultural, racial, economic, or other concerns) and address important issues. We can ensure fair selection of candidates to fight for.
Kingston’s restructuring process is open and transparent, time is ticking, but it’s never too late to join us! A public hearing will be held where members of the community can talk about which proposal they prefer. Written comments may also be emailed to redistricting@kingston-ny.gov or mailed to the City Clerk’s Office, 12401 Broadway, 420 Kingston, New York.
I need to get this right. This only happens when there is substantial community participation.
Ian Donaldson
Kingston, New York
I am chairman of the Kingston Democratic Commission.
