The Common Council is seeking applicants to join a five-member redistricting committee that will create a proposed plan for new ward boundaries. The committee will be made up of volunteers and will be provided with a budget to engage the necessary consultants and resources for making an informed, equitable, and appropriate recommendation for newly-drawn ward maps in the City of Poughkeepsie. Interested applicants do not need to live within the City of Poughkeepsie, but should have a strong knowledge of the City of Poughkeepsie system of government and the political process. No employees, elected, or appointed officials of the City of Poughkeepsie can serve on the Redistricting Committee, and no more than two members of the committee shall be enrolled with the same political party.
The Common Council will appoint by resolution four members of the redistricting commission and those selected commissioners will then select a fifth member to serve as the commission’s chairperson.
If you are interested in serving on the Redistricting Commission, please send your resume and a letter of interest tossalem@cityofpoughkeepsie.com by Friday, March 25, 2022. You will be advised via email if an interview is required. Thank you for your interest.
Section 2.09: Redistricting Commission; Appointment; Terms; Vacancies; Termination
Not later than the first day of March of each calendar year ending with the digit "1", the common council, by resolution, shall appoint a redistricting commission to consist of five members, four of whom shall be appointed by the common council, who, upon the affirmative vote of not less than three such commission members, shall select a fifth member to serve as its chairperson. No member of the commission shall be employed by or hold any elected or appointed office of the city, and no more than two members shall be enrolled with the same political party. The common council shall provide a budget for the commission sufficient to support its reasonable and necessary activities, including the retention of staff and technical assistance which the city shall provide from its departments, offices and other units upon request, or which the commission may require from other sources. Members of the commission shall serve without compensation, however, other than for actual and necessary expenses within such appropriations as may be provided by the common council. No member of the commission shall be removed from office except for cause upon prior written notice and the right to public hearing. Vacancies on the commission other than in the office of chairperson shall be filled by the common council, and each such appointee shall be enrolled in the same political party as was his or her predecessor or, if his or her predecessor was not so enrolled, shall be similarly unenrolled. A vacancy in the office of chairperson shall be filled by the remaining four members of the commission in the manner hereinabove provided. The commission shall expire upon the common councils adoption of a plan of redistricting.