It is time for a change and getting the Fair Elections bill passed in New York this legislative season is a big part of that change. We need the opportunity to elect people to statewide office who represent citizens not just the wealthy people and corporations who fund campaigns.
The Fair Election bill provides for public financing of elections and gives ordinary citizens an opportunity to run for office. This is how it works – if you want to run for a statewide office, you raise small donations from the people in your district (the limit is $250 a person) and if you get enough donations to show you are a viable candidate you qualify for matching funds from the state on a 6 to 1 basis. You also have to agree to some rules, you have to get 50% of your money in district, you have to restrict the amount that comes from corporations to a smaller percentage, and any money not spent goes back to the state, you do not get to keep it as candidates do now – and all it costs is about 2 dollars a year per household. Only 2 dollars to save millions. Yes, millions of our tax dollars a year go to projects that benefit only the rich. It is time to start turning this around.
Please contact your elected officials and let them know you support this cause. Tell them you are tired of the corruption in Albany and that we need a change; tell them to pass the Fair Elections bill this year. You might feel this bill is not enough and I would agree but let’s start, let’s get this done so we can move on to the next challenge in promoting good government. You can reach the Governor’s office at 518-474-8390.