Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C, Black River) says he defended St. Lawrence County residents when he opposed the new lines that were drawn for state Assembly and Senate districts.

Blankenbush’s current 122nd District includes all of St. Lawrence County but the St. Lawrence River townships and Canton, Potsdam and Macomb.

The assemblyman said that residents and local officials have raised serious concerns over how Albany leaders unfairly divided the county among four different Assembly seats and three Senate districts, a situation St. Lawrence leaders feel weakens their voice.

“While redistricting is all said and done, I fought to make sure that fair and independent redistricting can truly happen in the future, and that regional identity and cohesiveness is protected not for incumbency, but for the people who are represented,” said Blankenbush.

“I voted against the lines as requested by my constituents, but made sure I said yes to independent redistricting reform, so that 10 years from now, constituents don’t have to feel worried about the uncertainty redistricting may cause in their services from legislators.”

Blankenbush said the new district lines and uncertainty they can cause is troublesome for St. Lawrence residents who are concerned about continuity in service as the transition is made next year.

He says he will work closely with incoming representatives to ensure that St. Lawrence County is well served.