To the Editor:
Attached below is a copy of a letter addressing state elected officials who represent Cortland, Croton, Ossining, and Peekskill. The subject is the campaign financing reform now under consideration by the New York Public Campaign Financing and Election Commission. As you know, in 2019 the Legislature created this commission to make decisions about the public financing of New York elections. The letter below sets forth principles that the authors believe should guide our state representatives as the recommendations of the Commission are implemented. It further challenges these same elected officials to participate in the system that results.
The Commission is holding a public hearing at 10:00 AM on November 12 at the Gateway Center of Westchester Community College, 75 Grasslands Road, Valhalia 10595.
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November 5, 2019
The Honorable Carl E. Heastie
Speaker, New York State Assembly
The Honorable Andrea Stewart-Cousins
President, New York State Senate
The Honorable Peter Harckham, New York State Senate
The Honorable David Carlucci, New York State Senate
The Honorable Sandy Galef, New York State Assembly
Dear Esteemed Representatives:
New Yorkers deserve a responsive, accountable government. For the first time in New York State, you, our elected legislators, have passed historic voting reforms that make it easier for us to vote. We delighted voters heartily thank you.
Now it’s time for you, our legislators, to reform our campaign finance system. Now, individual voters and a broad coalition of 200+ groups are urging you, our legislators, to be ready to act on the Campaign Finance Commission report on December 1, 2019. Now you, our legislators, have the chance to adopt and participate in a model system that shows voters that their donations count. So, on December 1, 2019, we are counting on you to:
- Increase the power of small donations. If you, our legislators, opt-in for public funding of your campaigns, we the voters will applaud you for representing our interests over the interests of big money.
- Limit the influence of big money. We all know that large donors shouldn’t be allowed to buy elections. Let’s face it: legislative seats purchased by a few are beholden to that few.
- Increase voter interest. If we voters know that our donations have affected your campaigns, we’re far more likely to get out and vote – for you!
- Increase candidates’ involvement with their constituencies. If you don’t have to campaign for big money, you can invest your time and energy interacting with us, your constituents.
So, show us that we voted for candidates who represent the interests of the voters, not big money and fix our broken campaign finance system.
Respectfully,
/s/ Gail Sasso, Croton, CCoHOPE Organizer
/s/ Sara Campbell, Cortlandt, CCoHOPE Public Campaign Finance Chair
/s/ Kate Ray, Ossining, CCoHOPE Voting Reform Chair
/s/ Jay Forbes, Peekskill, CCoHOPE member
CCoHOPE Indivisible is a grassroots organization whose members, as citizens, hold themselves responsible for ensuring that our political system is organized around equality, diversity, and social progress.
SOURCE: Rob Abbot | CCoHOPE Indivisible |Communication Committee Chair
Comments 3
Agreed. And while the Supreme Court has the final say in a particular litigation, it’s not the last word. Resist.
The Supreme Court has ruled in Citizen’s United. Let not waste tax dollars by creating law contrary to what’s already been adjudicated.
Ron Matten
The Citizen’s United decision allows corporations (and other organizations) to spend money on electioneering and to directly advocate for the election or defeat of candidates.
It did not prohibit public matching funds for candidates.
Your simplistic comments are so wrong and so often that it boggles the mind.