Because New York State represented a lower percentage, as of the most recent census, than it did a decade ago, our state will be eligible for two fewer congressional representatives than before. While nothing has been finalized, it appears that one of those seats will be taken from Long Island, and the other from either Queens or Westchester. According to most recommendations that have been made available, it appears that the congressional district that Port Washington is in will be redesigned, and that change would put two Democrats currently in office both in this district. Our Congressman, Gary Ackerman, has stated that if that occurs, he would run in a district in Queens, and, therefore, he would no longer be our representative.
Without getting into a political or personality discussion, because Representative Ackerman has always had both ardent supporters and opponents, the true impact on Port Washington will be the loss of a very influencial Congressman with over two decades of seniority. Because of that seniority and clout, Mr. Ackerman has been able to obtain some very valuable grants, even in these austere times, especially as it relates to the coastal areas, environment, etc. It is doubtful that another individual might have been able to obtain the same results.
The process of how congressional districts are drawn up would make for an interesting historic and political thesis. Ackerman's district has been redrawn before, and at times, the design of his district looked like a narrow sliver that extended from Queens to the end of Suffolk, along the North Shore. Those that do not like Mr. Ackerman may applaud it if this occurs, but those who look at this from a standpoint of what a congressman might do for his district will realize that this could certainly have a negative impact on our peninsula.
