Legis. Reacts to Redistricting Plan That Would Add Seaford to Her District

Tuesday's to approve redistricting in Nassau County gives Legis. Denise Ford, R-Long Beach, two new areas to represent: Seaford and Jones Beach in Wantagh.

Ford voted against the plan to redistrict that her fellow Nassau Republicans pushed forward by passing an amended map that Democrats argue is gerrymandering. The legislation was approved 10-8 earlier Tuesday.

“I feel that this merited more time and more public hearings,” Ford said about the plan. “I believe we should have gotten more input from the residents and the legislators.”

The amended redistricting puts most of Seaford and the Jones Beach area of Wantagh into District 4, which Ford oversees. She currently represents the entire Long Beach barrier island, from Atlantic Beach to Point Lookout, and parts of Oceanside and Island Park. Under the new plan, she would only retain a small section of Oceanside.

Asked about  having to represent Seaford and Jones Beach, Ford, who lives in Long Beach’s West End, said: “I would welcome those communities and work for them as hard as I can. But even now, looking at Seaford, it’s going to be a hike for me. I’ll be using a lot of gas.”

Most of Wantagh and North Wantagh would fall into District 15, which is represented by Legis. Dennis Dunne, R-Levittown.

Legis. Dave Denenberg, D-Merrick, currently covers part of Wantagh. Denenberg and other Democratic leaders have expressed frustration with the redistricting vote and argue that the legislation is going to end up costing taxpayers.

Republicans had tabled the proposed redistricting plan last week after a New York State Supreme Court judge issued a temporary restraining order on the process, but an appeals court judge stayed the order, allowing the legislature to move forward.