Reform NY Resolution - Passed by Council

[Ralph]

I was asked to post this by a member of the forum. This is legislation passed by the Utica Common Council on Tuesday January 5, 2010

9 Ayes - 0 Nays
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RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION TO REFORM NEW YORK STATE GOVERNMENT

1/5/10 Sponsored by Councilman Zecca


Whereas, tough economic times and New York State’s tremendously high tax burden are causing families and businesses to struggle, while state government has been paralyzed by questions of gubernatorial succession, leadership fighting and political dysfunction; and

Whereas, our State Constitution was originally meant to be a vibrant, living and breathing document, reflective of the times in which we live that holds up to the political dynamic of the day; and

Whereas, our current state Constitution was adopted 115 years ago in 1894 and modified at a constitutional convention in 1938 and at various other times by legislative action; and

Whereas, our state, our nation and the world have changed dramatically in the past forty-two years as the information age has transformed communications, business and government in ways that could not even have been imagined when our state constitution was adopted; and

Whereas, recent events in state government involving gubernatorial succession, legislative stalemates and appointments to statewide elected offices have exposed flaws and weaknesses in our current constitution on these issues; and

Whereas, families and businesses have been forced to cut back, while New York State government continues to force unfunded mandates on already overburdened local governments and taxpayers; and

Whereas, in the face of the most challenging economic environment since the Great Depression, the people of New York have little confidence that the state government, as currently structured, is responsive to their wants, needs, or principal concerns; and

Whereas, the people of New York have expressed their desire to hold a Constitutional Convention to reform State government, as evidenced by recent polls, showing more than 60 percent of voters supporting a Constitutional Convention to Reform New York; and

Whereas, the people must act now to thwart the dysfunction in Albany, and convene a People’s Convention to take New York State government back; and

Whereas, Members of the state Legislature have introduced reform legislation which grants the people the opportunity to hold a constitutional convention, establishes a procedure for the non-partisan election of delegates, restricts political parties, campaign committees and special interests’ influence over delegates, and requires state or local elected officials or officers or party officials to vacate their post upon being elected delegate; and

Now, therefore, be it resolved, That this the Utica Common Council pause in its deliberations to acknowledge the need for true state government reform and urge the immediate passage and chaptering of the “People’s Convention to Reform New York Act”, which will allow for the creation of a more accountable and responsive state government by the people to serve the people; and

Be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution, be transmitted to the Governor of the State of New York, the President of the New York State Senate, the Speaker of the New York State Assembly, and to the Minority Leaders of the Assembly and Senate.

-end-

The Reform New York Website.....
www.reformny.org/

[Swimmy]

Interesting...

[gearofzanzibar]

Deep in my heart of hearts I'd like to believe that a new constitutional convention would be a noble effort to finally reign in the dysfunctional and corrupt system that's driving the state towards a cliff.

Then reality intrudes and I realize that the same people responsible for turning the state into a basket case would likely hijack this effort as well. Anything endorsed by Mario Cuomo, a statist of legendary proportions, should immediately raise a red flag.

[dgriffin]

Gear, you are absolutely correct. Trusting that bunch of gangsters in Albany is like asking your local bank robber to carry your deposit to the bank. And anything endorsed by Cuomo should scare one silly.

I don't know how we will get equitable representation in this state. But I suspect the feds are planning to clean up as much as they can. They cannot allow such an economic engine as New York City to be at risk.

[bobbbiez]

Jan 6, 2010 7:16:47 GMT -5 gearofzanzibar said:

Deep in my heart of hearts I'd like to believe that a new constitutional convention would be a noble effort to finally reign in the dysfunctional and corrupt system that's driving the state towards a cliff.

Then reality intrudes and I realize that the same people responsible for turning the state into a basket case would likely hijack this effort as well. Anything endorsed by Mario Cuomo, a statist of legendary proportions, should immediately raise a red flag.

Ya know gear, I do have faith and I do find it as noble effort on behalf of our common council members, especially since my councilman Jim Zecca sponsored this legislation. In all my years in W.Utica this man has done more for us then all past councilmen put together. He truly represents the little people who now have a loud voice through Jim. He is a fighter and is constantly working to improve the problems our city faces. Really don't know how he does it. He is one councilman that takes his position very seriously and is constantly working to solve all the problems we bring to him.

I'm sure with Jim behind this nothing will be allowed to wander from it's direct course.

[Clipper]

I think you are putting a overinflated importance on Jim Zecca. He may be a great Utican, but in Albany, against the powers that reside in your state govenment, he is but a little fish with a big idea.

Also, I agree one hundred percent with Dave. If the name Cuomo appears anywhere in the support of it, I would be VERY suspicious of any real or honest benefit to be gained from the effort.

[dgriffin]

And, of course, a revamped state constitution is not a new idea. We've been down this road before, was it ten years ago?

I vaguely remember the same opinions were voiced. Summed up, they were, "we need reform, but who can be trusted to do it."

And do we really need reform, or just a new set of players? I'll bet if I were to sit down and read the original NYS constitution (I haven't), I'd find it a fair handed and democratic document. It's the politicians who have warped its purposes. Why wouldn't they do it again?

[bobbbiez]

Well Clipper, we have to start some place and on a lower level with people like Jim Zecca who are more then willing to fight for us small fish. Not an easy task.

Remember, it's at the bottom that has to have it's beginning and work it's way to the top and this is a very good beginning.

Believe me, I'm not putting an overinflated importance on Jim Zecca. Jim has well "earned" the praise and importance on his own through his endless, tireless and hard work for the people in Utica.

[Clipper]

From what I have read and heard, Jim Zecca is a breath of fresh air in Utica area politics, but in the sewer of Albany politics, Utica area carries little to no weight or influence. Sadly upstate and central NY are largely ignored and don't have the power or the votes to accomplish the goals of the upstate people.

[gearofzanzibar]

There are a lot of very well meaning people that think a constitutional convention would solve the state's problems.

Unfortunately, I think the truth is that the process, much like state politics itself, would be overwhelmingly dominated by public employee unions. They're organized, they have deep pockets, and through the WFP there's a cadre of election law specialists just itching for the chance to tinker with the fundamental structure of the state's government. Given the rampant corruption and runaway spending they've encouraged for the last three decades I shudder to think what kind of laws they could put in place.

[bobbbiez]

Jan 6, 2010 20:31:01 GMT -5 gearofzanzibar said:

There are a lot of very well meaning people that think a constitutional convention would solve the state's problems.

Unfortunately, I think the truth is that the process, much like state politics itself, would be overwhelmingly dominated by public employee unions. They're organized, they have deep pockets, and through the WFP there's a cadre of election law specialists just itching for the chance to tinker with the fundamental structure of the state's government. Given the rampant corruption and runaway spending they've encouraged for the last three decades I shudder to think what kind of laws they could put in place.

At this point in time, I'm willing to let this have it's shot, cause it will never get any better without trying something.

[Ralph]

I like to be optimistic, and at the same time I do try to be realistic.

Unfortunately I am extremely cynical.

This sounds like, in my mind anyway, the biggest crap shoot in our states history. It could be a good thing.....or it could be a very bad thing.....or we could wind up right where we are already in the end.

I'm gonna close my eyes..............someone roll the damn dice!

[dgriffin]

Here's one camp, gathering for the battle. I like their reference to the legislature as 'street gangs in suits.'

cbgny.org/

[Ralph]

Their last updated post in July of '09?

Sounds more like they are "lounging" for the battle. ;D

[Deleted]

We don't need a C.C. All the voters of this state need to do is to smarten up & throw out of office every incumbent. Gov. Paterson is asking for ethics reform. Well, he can hold his hand on his ass, because the legistlature won't pass the legistlation. Paterson is asking for term limits, disclosure of legistlators outside income, an end to "pay to play", etc. etc. In other words he wants the state legistlature to end their thieving ways. But it won't happen until the voters demand it by sending a message to Albany. The best way to send that message is to throw 'em all out of office.