The touchy subject of redistricting the Monroe County Legislature drew a press conference attacking one plan as in violation of the federal Voting Rights Act, and also a demonstration outside the County Office Building defending it.
At issue is which of two plans better defends the voting rights of Black Rochester residents. The “Crescent Plan” would allow for five majority black voting districts. That plan is supported by Democratic Legislature President Sabrina Lamar, Democratic Legislator Rachel Barnhart, and most of the legislature’s Republicans. The other plan divides the districts differently, taking into account more Hispanic and White residents. It’s backed by the majority of the Democrats on the legislature.
The Democratic Caucus says the first plan will pack Black and Hispanic residents into fewer districts and create a solid white majority district in the city.
County Executive Adam Bello said he’s bringing in experts to take the issue back to the drawing board and come up with a compromise plan. He says the Five Majority Districts plan is “guided by self-interest.”
Supporters of the Five Districts plan rallied outside the County Office Building in support of enacting it. Some say the legislature has the sole authority over redistricting, not the County Executive.
The legislature is to vote on the issue at its Tuesday night meeting.