*CORRECTED 1:30 p.m. - Forgive my election gaffe, I'm sure I speak for pols and us hacks alike when I say we're just glad it's over.

Assemblyman Jim Tedisco (R-Schenectady/Saratoga), who beat Dem. challenger *BK Keramati last week to retain his seat representing the 110th, released a statement this morning calling for an Extraordinary Session to be held before the end of the year to discuss redistricting reform.

Tedisco is prime sponsor of A.06721, which aims to. "establish clear rules for redistricting that will allow fair and equal representation, reduce political gerrymandering and provide public accountability in the process of reapportionment," by creating a 19 member redistricting commission appointed by the Governor (3), Senate Pro Temp (1), Senate Minority Leader (1), Assembly Speaker (1) and Assembly Minority Leader (1), with the twelve remaining elected from each of the state's judicial districts in the election following the census.

Here is Tedisco's letter to Paterson:

The Honorable David A. Paterson
Executive Chamber
State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224

Dear Governor Paterson:

I am writing in support of your call for an Extraordinary Session to be held before the end of the year. In addition to the important fiscal issues that must be dealt with, I respectfully recommend that redistricting reform be added to the agenda.

For several years, I’ve carried legislation in the Assembly for redistricting reform (A.6721) to create legislative districts based on common communities and not political power blocks. Assemblyman Michael Gianaris also sponsors a redistricting reform bill on his side of the aisle (A.05279). These are just two redistricting reform measures that could be considered during an Extraordinary Session called by you.

There's no better time for the legislature to finally enact true non-partisan, independent redistricting reform than this year when it’s after an election and several members of the legislature are in their final term. There's already a majority of legislators who have signed New York Uprising’s redistricting reform pledge – so the votes are there if this is allowed to come up for a vote. If redistricting reform is passed this year, this change to the constitution would then be able to come before the legislature again next year and be on the ballot in 2012. Given the support for redistricting reform now – there’s no reason to delay.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 518-370-2812. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

James N. Tedisco
110th Assembly District

Reports following last week's election indicated that the legislature would likely not return for a session before 2011. Paterson and Gov-elect Andrew Cuomo will hold a press conference at 2:15 p.m. today (webcast here) following a closed meeting in NYC.

Also this morning, NY-20 Congressman-elect Chris Gibson (R-Kinderhook) announced the appointment of Saratoga Springs native Steve Stallmer as his chief-of-staff.

“I look forward to helping Congressman-elect Chris Gibson represent our friends and family and implement his vision to rebuild our economy so small and family businesses can once again prosper,” Stallmer said in a release.

Stallmer has a degree in political science from Marymount University in Arlington, VA and he is married to Kathleen Stallmer with two children, Kaylee, 6, and Andrew, 4.