Ulster County News

FROM: ULSTER COUNTY PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

DATE: December 20, 2002  

At the December 19^th 2002 of the Ulster County Legislature a public hearing was held on Introductory Local Law No. 4 of 2002. The local law was to amend the County’s Reapportionment Plan. The Republican multi- member district plan was adopted by lawmakers immediately following the public hearing.

The Ulster County lawmakers choose the plan based on several key points that were discussed at the public hearing. The Republican multi-member district plan maintains the integrity of most town lines and also answers Judge Bradley’s concerns. The population deviation is constitutionally correct at less than 10% and the large Saugerties-Ulster-Woodstock district was divided as suggested by Judge Bradley.

"Voters are familiar with the districts and are generally pleased with the current system", stated Reapportionment Committee member Legislator Brian Hathaway. "In a multi-member district, if one legislator is ill or on vacation, constituents know that they have other legislators they can call for concerns, questions or comments," stated Legislator Hathaway.

Ulster County legislators serve in a dual capacity: the legislative branch and the executive branch. As such, legislators need to have a regional or countywide perspective on issues. Legislators elected in a single-member district need to appeal only to a small constituency in order to be elected. The multi-member plan adopted was seen as the best plan for the citizens of Ulster County.