Proposed redistricting maps have recently been released that would change the district boundaries for some state legislative representatives.

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Each district’s lines are being redrawn for the 2012 election, an action that takes place every 10 years, by law, in response to 2010 census data. The new districts are supposed to represent shifts in populations and demographics while also aiming to make sure that lawmakers have an equal portion of the population.

However, the re-creation of boundaries for the Senate’s 62 districts would not only alter the coverage area for Sen. Timothy M. Kennedy, D-West Seneca, but would have him representing an entirely new, 63rd District.

This means Kennedy, who is currently in the Senate’s 58th District, would lose his constituency in the Town of West Seneca.

The town would instead be a part of the 59th District, which is currently represented by Sen. Patrick M. Gallivan, R-Elma.

While Kennedy said he’s “thrilled to be hanging on to Cheektowaga” — he would also continue to represent the City of Buffalo on a larger scale, in addition to a more narrowed portion of the City of Lackawanna in the 63rd District — he expressed disappointment for his losses. This includes Eden and West Seneca, which would move to the 59th District; and Hamburg, which would become part of the 60th District.

“I thought this was an absolute slap in the face to democracy ... this is gerrymandering at its worst,” Kennedy told The Bee.

According to the senator, who has been representing the 58th District since January 2011, the redistricting system is flawed and should be reconfigured by an independent board — not incumbents.

Kennedy also called the creation of a new district a “scheme” by the Republicans to protect their own political interests. They want to grow the size of government at a time when families and seniors have been forced to tighten their belts, he said.

The new seat would give an added edge to the current 32 Republican senators over the 29 Democratic legislators.

“This district is a violation of the constitution. They can’t do it. And it will increase costs. We should be looking to reduce costs,” Kennedy added.

The senator is hopeful that Gov. Andrew Cuomo will veto the proposed redistricting plans; he reportedly said sometime last week that he would. Should the plan go to court, Kennedy said “it will be for good reason.”

Gallivan, however, expects the 59th Senate District to remain largely intact. The senator said he looks forward to serving “no matter what the final adopted boundaries ultimately entail.”

As for the state Assembly: West Seneca, Orchard Park and portions of the cities of Buffalo and Lackawanna will continue to comprise one district; however, this will switch from the 145th to the 142nd District.

The seat for the current 145th District has been open since Mark J.F. Schroeder resigned at the end of the year. He is now the Buffalo city comptroller.

Gov. Cuomo has called for a special election, set for March 20, to fill the vacancy.

Residents can offer their input on the redistricting process during a public hearing scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, in the Common Council Chambers at Buffalo City Hall, 65 Niagara St., Buffalo.

The proposed redistricting maps for the state Assembly and Senate can be viewed online at www.latfor.state.ny.us/maps/.

email: kmcdowell@beenews.com