Committee sets public hearing on charter change to require odd-numbered legislature after redistricting

The Tompkins County Government Operations Committee voted unanimously Sept. 4 to set a public hearing on a proposed local law that would amend the county charter to require an odd number of county legislators whenever the legislature is reapportioned. The measure would not affect the chamber's size until reapportionment after the 2030 decennial census.

"My suggestion...is the idea that we really should have, in the future, an odd number of legislators, to prevent deadlocks," Michael Lane said, explaining the proposal. Maury Josephson prepared the draft local law, Lane said.

The draft change also clarifies how the legislature's size is defined at reapportionment; committee members amended the title language on the floor to include a reference to redefining size and then approved sending the local law to public hearing. Rich said he favors the change in principle but noted he thinks a 16-member chamber next year is "too many." Committee members discussed the mechanics: a majority of the committee is required to move a local law to the full legislature and the committee confirmed they had the votes to send the matter to a public hearing.

The committee recorded the vote as unanimous to set the public hearing and to forward the proposed local law for further consideration; no final change to the charter was adopted at the meeting.