Election 2012

Understanding redistricting in Valley Stream

New maps may have changed your voice at the state, federal levels

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Valley Stream will have some new representatives in Albany and Washington, D.C. next year, a result of redistricting that took place following the 2010 census.

For the first time, at least in recent memory, all areas of Valley Stream have been united into a single state Assembly district. The village along with North Valley Stream, South Valley Stream and North Woodmere (which falls under the Valley Stream post office), will be together in the newly created 22nd District.

Michaelle Solages, 27, a Democrat from Elmont, was elected to be the first representative of the district which spans from Bellerose to North Woodmere.

Valley Stream’s days of having three separate assemblymen will end on Jan. 1 when the new maps officially take effect and Solages is sworn into office. Presently, the community is split between Brian Curran, Edward Ra and Harvey Weisenberg, all of whom were re-elected to represent modified districts on Election Day.

Curran, a Republican from Lynbrook, has represented the village for the past two years after taking over the 14th Assembly District from Bob Barra. Although his days representing the community will soon be over, his redrawn district will actually include two Valley Stream schools — North High School and Willow Road Elementary School, which fall at the western edge of his new territory.

Like Curran, Ra has served in the Assembly for two years. He was elected in 2010 after long-time Assemblyman Thomas Alfano stepped down. Ra, a Republican from Franklin Square, has represented North Valley Stream during his brief time in Albany, however his district now shifts northeast.

Ra has visited several District 13 schools during his tenure to talk about the role of state government, and has sponsored summer reading programs. He and Curran have also taken part in the Valley Stream Council of PTA’s annual legislative breakfast.

Weisenberg, a Democrat from Long Beach, has represented South Valley Stream and North Woodmere as the assemblyman for the 20th District.

Two members in the House

While Valley Stream was broken up in the Assembly, it wasn’t in Congress — until now. U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy will continue to represent the community in the House of Representatives, but not all of it.

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