Census: Residents leaving in droves
BY MARY PERHAM THE LEADER

ALBANY - A shift in New York's population could have a dramatic effect locally on state and national representation.

According to new U.S. Census data, New York state lost 225,000 residents in moves to and from other states from July 2005 to July 2006. The loss amounts to more than the population of Rochester, the state's third largest city.

New York ranks 47th in population growth ahead of only Michigan, Rhode Island and Louisiana. Arizona and Nevada saw the largest percentage jump in population.

New York State Association of Counties officials said the most recent figures reflect 20 years of stagnant growth.

"Government leaders at all levels should work with business and academic leaders to address this apparent shift in our population," said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario, in a press release. "There is a tremendous amount at stake and we face long-term consequences if these estimates hold up."

Among those consequences is a loss in federal funding, and changes in state and federal representation, according to a NYSAC policy paper.

The declining population led former U.S. Rep. Amory Houghton Jr., R-Corning, to remain in Congress during a pivotal period after the 2000 Census. Houghton's seniority in the House was a key factor when federal districts were redrawn after 2002, according to Houghton's aid Bob VanWicklin.

At that time plans for the district included annexing portions of the Southern Tier to the nearest major city, said VanWicklin, now spokesman for U.S. Rep. John R. "Randy" Kuhl Jr., R-Hammondsport.

Instead, the district was expanded north to include a portion of Monroe County.

"Randy, of course, definitely feels there needs to be a Southern Tier-based seat," Van Wicklin said.

According to the NYSAC study, Southern Tier growth ranged from a 4 percent jump in Tompkins County to a 2.7 percent decline in Chemung County. To the west, only Allegany County showed any growth, with a 0.7 percent increase, according to the study.

But even if the lines are redrawn to include all of Monroe County, it is possible a Southern Tier politician would remain in Congress, VanWicklin said.

"It all has to do with voter turnout," VanWicklin said. "In the Southern Tier, voters turned out. In Monroe, they didn't."