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  Nothing less than a Full Clean Elections process

  Over the past 8 yrs we came close to losing the entire democratic ball of wax. Corporate money and Wall St have been buying elections and candidates for all too long. The use of fear as a tactic to control the public has practically destroyed our Constitution all in the name of corporate greed and power. Clean Elections is a major step towards reclaiming the democratic process for the people of this state and country. ...more »

  Over the past 8 yrs we came close to losing the entire democratic ball of wax. Corporate money and Wall St have been buying elections and candidates for all too long. The use of fear as a tactic to control the public has practically destroyed our Constitution all in the name of corporate greed and power. Clean Elections is a major step towards reclaiming the democratic process for the people of this state and country. It is the only way that we can open the electoral process to a broader base of candidates who are not owned by corporate money. Clean Elections is a long overdue and necessary election process. Support Clean Elections.

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  Submitted by tamarque 3 years ago

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  3 votes

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  clean elections

  I feel strongly that public funds should be used and corporate money should stay out. Give all candidates, no matter how small of a party, an equal share of funds to use, and not allow corporations to donate any money at all to a political campaign. Radical change needs to happen because this political system we're currently working in... doesn't work for the people, it works now for the corporations and politicians, ...more »

  I feel strongly that public funds should be used and corporate money should stay out. Give all candidates, no matter how small of a party, an equal share of funds to use, and not allow corporations to donate any money at all to a political campaign. Radical change needs to happen because this political system we're currently working in... doesn't work for the people, it works now for the corporations and politicians, and that my friend, is not democracy, it's a f*cking sham and everyone knows it. Calling you guys out as slaves to the corporation until you make some fundamental changes.

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  Submitted by tobias devor 3 years ago

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  2 votes

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  Public financing PLUS short campaing period

  This thought is probably not new but the most important thing we can do for democracy in this country is public fincancing of all elections and I'd like to mention that the second is a SHORT primary and general election period followed by a several day election period so everyone has an oportunity to vote in a focused process. That would be a good start on government by the people.

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  Submitted by aljudynyc 3 years ago

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  6 votes

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  Clean elections

  NYS is famous for its "pay to play" politics. Citizens are aware of this and therefore have a cynical view of "our" legislature and a negative view of our legislators. When I talk to people about clean elections for NY I get a "yeah, right!" response. This needs to change! Clean Elections would free you as legislators from the hold of wealthy donors and the constant quest for money. It would revitalize politics and give ...more »

  NYS is famous for its "pay to play" politics. Citizens are aware of this and therefore have a cynical view of "our" legislature and a negative view of our legislators. When I talk to people about clean elections for NY I get a "yeah, right!" response. This needs to change! Clean Elections would free you as legislators from the hold of wealthy donors and the constant quest for money. It would revitalize politics and give your constituents a new belief that they actually have a representative government. The time for clean elections is looooooooong overdue!

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  Submitted by Judith Simon 3 years ago

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  6 votes

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  Clean elections

  We need full public financing of elections to bring true democracy back to the system. Big money interests have too much control over elected officials. Removing the need for candidates to raise money from big donors will free them to address issues that matter to us - the people who elected them. People will become much more involved in the democratic process if they know that politicians are free to decide issues ...more »

  We need full public financing of elections to bring true democracy back to the system. Big money interests have too much control over elected officials. Removing the need for candidates to raise money from big donors will free them to address issues that matter to us - the people who elected them. People will become much more involved in the democratic process if they know that politicians are free to decide issues on their merits and not on the basis of answering to campaign contributors. A Clean Elections system will also enable citizens without millions of dollars to run for office.

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  Submitted by yazzerd 3 years ago

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  6 votes

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  Imagine that it starts here

  Full public funding of campaigns (Clean Elections) has already come to a number of states in the union. Candidates in those states that used to raise $ the old fashioned way, rave about not having to dial for dollars, and love that lobbyists avoid them at gatherings. The system has also brought fresh, new voices and ideas to their legislatures. Unfortunately, this reform has not yet made it to any of the larger states ...more »

  Full public funding of campaigns (Clean Elections) has already come to a number of states in the union. Candidates in those states that used to raise $ the old fashioned way, rave about not having to dial for dollars, and love that lobbyists avoid them at gatherings. The system has also brought fresh, new voices and ideas to their legislatures.

  Unfortunately, this reform has not yet made it to any of the larger states that could have an impact on the momentum needed to get it to the Federal level. This is the opportunity, if our elected leaders in this great state have the foresight and courage to make it a reality in NY. Imagine if it sweeps the nation, and it started here.

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  Submitted by ellensmarshall 3 years ago

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  6 votes

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  Full Public Funding only way to go

  Wow! Is this REALLY a portal to the halls of political power? Lots to say. There are very rich companies and people who will lose power, pork, and profits if politicians pass progressive legislation, so they pour pounds of political contributions to predetermine passage of propositions that will perpetuate poverty and prevent real reform. Game’s been around a long time. Teddy R. knew : "There can be no effective control ...more »

  Wow! Is this REALLY a portal to the halls of political power? Lots to say.

  There are very rich companies and people who will lose power, pork, and profits if politicians pass progressive legislation, so they pour pounds of political contributions to predetermine passage of propositions that will perpetuate poverty and prevent real reform. Game’s been around a long time. Teddy R. knew : "There can be no effective control of corporations while their political activity remains. To put an end to it will be neither a short nor an easy task, but it can be done."

  Lincoln knew, too “ "I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country...Corporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places will follow. And the money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until all wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed."

  Republic destroyed? Every state in the union is either dealing with a major deficit, or on the brink of bankruptcy. Is there a connection between the above 3 paragraphs? Hmmm…

  The answer? The late Paul Wellstone knew, “…we ought to put clean money, clean election reform, at the top of the agenda. Get the big money out, and let the people back in. We ought to seize the clean money, clean elections initiative that passed in Massachusetts and Arizona and take it all around the country and push as long and as hard as we can to restore democracy in America. Make reform a huge issue!”

  Shift Happens. We all do better when we ALL do better.

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  Submitted by hsedr 3 years ago

• I agree

  2 votes

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  How about no money at all?

  I believe that the public owns the airwaves and they are supposed to provide public service in exchange for this. How about all airtime should be free and equal as long as a candidate gets a certain amount of public support shown by receiving a specific number of signatures on a petition. As for campaign staff and real expense needs there should be a general fund that allows the same amount of money to each candidate. ...more »

  I believe that the public owns the airwaves and they are supposed to provide public service in exchange for this. How about all airtime should be free and equal as long as a candidate gets a certain amount of public support shown by receiving a specific number of signatures on a petition. As for campaign staff and real expense needs there should be a general fund that allows the same amount of money to each candidate.

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  Submitted by dolphinim2 3 years ago

• I agree

  9 votes

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  Full public funding the only way to go

  In my humble opinion, Any type of public funding (PF) option, if it is to both work and restore public confidence in NYS government, should be a full PF option (it’s unconstitutional for it to not be an option). It must allow a candidate to opt out of the need to dial for dollars (except when earning the support to become a public funding candidate). A matching funds system is throwing good money after bad. I understand ...more »

  In my humble opinion, Any type of public funding (PF) option, if it is to both work and restore public confidence in NYS government, should be a full PF option (it’s unconstitutional for it to not be an option). It must allow a candidate to opt out of the need to dial for dollars (except when earning the support to become a public funding candidate). A matching funds system is throwing good money after bad. I understand that the matching fund system in NYC doesn’t eliminate private money. In fact, 2/3 is still private, and 6% of the donors give 40% of the money raised by candidates.

  As long as candidates are calling big donors for donations, regardless of how low the threshold is adjusted (IE:$1000 a person), it can have the illusion (if not a reality) of not only the status quo, but welfare for those already entrenched, making it more likely that incumbents will win. The view of educated New Yorkers, of which there are many, will be cynical (see ”bundling”). I certainly don’t want my hard-earned money paying for this.

  Also, to truly level the playing field and overcome the “wealth primary” factor, the amount of public funding must be sufficient so that PF candidates who may be the most qualified, have the best ideas, or have ALL of the people’s interests at heart, have an equal chance against those who are the richest or most well connected.

  It’s time to give megaphones to ALL the people of New York, not just the ones who can pay for the loudest ones. I’d gladly give my donation to support such a system.

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  Submitted by nycceguy 3 years ago

• I agree

  7 votes

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  campaign finance reform

  Whether your interest is education, environment, healthcare, animal rights,voting rights, banking, or anything else,your expert knowledge and your sincerity will be of no avail until money is removed from the political agenda. Corporate lobbyists and individuals who have contributed hugely to political campaigns and political organizations are influencing policy, often writing legislation themselves. Until you, our legislators, ...more »

  Whether your interest is education, environment, healthcare, animal rights,voting rights, banking, or anything else,your expert knowledge and your sincerity will be of no avail until money is removed from the political agenda.

  Corporate lobbyists and individuals who have contributed hugely to political campaigns and political organizations are influencing policy, often writing legislation themselves.

  Until you, our legislators, are free to work for your constituents, it is blasphemy to call our state a democracy. Please act for New Yorkers and pass election law that makes true publicly funded elections a reality in New York State.

  This will not outlaw lobbying, but will allow you to hear all sides of an issue without obligation to any group.It will also give you time to pursue the reason you chose to be a public servant.

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  Submitted by eth27 3 years ago

• I agree

  2 votes

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  Campaign Contributions!

  If Congress is not inclined to accept public financing because of less than honorable intentions, then let them pay an exorbitant income tax on these payoffs!

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  Submitted by pachef 3 years ago

• I agree

  7 votes

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  Public funding of elections

  I strongly support public funding of elections campaigns. Our legislators know deep down that money buys influence in Albany, and they must hate having to raise all that money.

  Please support public funding. It will set you free.

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  Submitted by mcompain 3 years ago

• I agree

  10 votes

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  clean elections ... now

  The election of Barack Obama has opened a door to reform that can transform our politics. The one area that hasn't received enough attention is the obscene cost of getting elected in the first place. We need public funding of elections to attract a new generation of candidates as well as to empower more people to vote. The time to get this done is yesterday - or in real terms - during this legislative session.

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  Submitted by rkagan1 3 years ago

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  6 votes

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  We need public funding of campaigns.

  Now is the time to pass clean elections in New York State. We need to have public funding of campaigns. Public funding will help NYS because elected officials will not feel they need to write legislation that will benefit the corporations that contributed to their campaigns. Often the businesses that make the largest contributions to campaigns are given very large tax breaks. Those tax breaks take so much money from ...more »

  Now is the time to pass clean elections in New York State. We need to have public funding of campaigns. Public funding will help NYS because elected officials will not feel they need to write legislation that will benefit the corporations that contributed to their campaigns. Often the businesses that make the largest contributions to campaigns are given very large tax breaks. Those tax breaks take so much money from New York State which is about to lay off many state workers because of the deficit. If NYS did not give tax breaks to corporations who contribute to campaigns, there would be much more money available to pay state workers and to pay for programs in the budget.

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  Submitted by earthypeace 3 years ago

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  3 votes

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  campaign finance reform

  Public funding for political campaigns would go a long way to reducing the influence of the big money corporations on members of Congressl. The special interests such as insurance firms and oil companies are able to prevent passage of meaningful health care reform, and measures to address global warming, both supported by a majority of the people. Fair elections would allow the people not dollars to have their true ...more »

  Public funding for political campaigns would go a long way to reducing the influence of the big money corporations on members of Congressl. The special interests such as insurance firms and oil companies are able to prevent passage of meaningful health care reform, and measures to address global warming, both supported by a majority of the people. Fair elections would allow the people not dollars to have their true voice. And it would allow politicians time to work on the issues rather than dialing for dollars.

  A hybrid system including 4:1 matching of small donations or full public financing- either would be a huge improvement in our democracy.

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  Submitted by bachva 3 years ago

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  3 votes

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  Campaign Finance

  It is well past time for NY to allow its residents to control the election process..we must put an end to the big money looking to exert power and influence, we must allow voters to choose to vote in any political party primary as blanks or independents...this is the way to open up the election process to the voters and not the political hacks and bosses making the selection and then dictating it to a 'screening committee', ...more »

  It is well past time for NY to allow its residents to control the election process..we must put an end to the big money looking to exert power and influence, we must allow voters to choose to vote in any political party primary as blanks or independents...this is the way to open up the election process to the voters and not the political hacks and bosses making the selection and then dictating it to a 'screening committee', we have hadenough of that failed system. Time for real campaign and election reforms.

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  Submitted by mryjhnstn 3 years ago

• I agree

  3 votes

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  Campaign Finance Laws

  WE need to shut down ALL lobbyist. Just say NO to any of them. Why do we even have them. If it is for information we should get if from someone, anyone who does NOT have a steak it the matter. I know many knowledgable professional would be more than willing to speak to memebers of OUR government about the REAL FACTS without working for some large greedy cooperation.

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  Submitted by nissan42 3 years ago

• I agree

  4 votes

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  Public financing for election campaigns

  Public funding of political campaigns would greatly reduce the influence of large donations, and would help elect people who actually represent the general public interest. Passage of true health care reform, measures to address global warming, etc, would at last be possible. Under such a system candidates are responsible to the voters not to the donors. AND politicians will have more time to address the issues rather ...more »

  Public funding of political campaigns would greatly reduce the influence of large donations, and would help elect people who actually represent the general public interest. Passage of true health care reform, measures to address global warming, etc, would at last be possible. Under such a system candidates are responsible to the voters not to the donors. AND politicians will have more time to address the issues rather than phoning for dollars. Access to a reasonable allotment of public funds plus a 4:1 matching system for small donations ($100-300) or a full public financing system would both be effective.

  Rosemary Faulkner

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  Submitted by bachva 3 years ago

• I agree

  26 votes

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  Public financing of elections

  I am strongly in favor of public financing for clean elections so that all legislators are more responsive to the needs of the constituents they represent, and not big money corporate lobbyists.

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  Submitted by jhcummings 3 years ago

• I agree

  30 votes

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  Clean Elections must happen this legisltive session

  Clean Elections is the legislation that the NYS Senate needs to pass before the session ends in June. Clean Elections will mean that the public at large will be the primary concern of elected officials instead of the big money interests that finance elections now and then get rewarded by stopping important legislation like real health care reform get or get sweetheart deals in new laws.

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  Submitted by ejgouldrn 3 years ago

• I agree

  8 votes

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  Safety for the Voters

  We should repeal the law sealing the criminal records for people

  who want to become teachers or nannies or bus drivers

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  Submitted by Marty connor 3 years ago

• I agree

  34 votes

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  PUBLIC FINANCING OF ELECTIONS

  Remove the ability of the rich and the powerful to exert more influence than individual voters who have no wealth or favors to provide (beyond one vote).

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  Submitted by Frederick Smith 3 years ago

• I agree

  34 votes

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  Election Finance Reform

  We need public financing of elections passed this legislative session.

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  Submitted by res4000 3 years ago

• I agree

  24 votes

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  Clean Money/ Clean Elections/Clean district lines

  Public financing of elections is essential to get pay to play out of New York. Legislators may well care about service to the community of voters but it doesn't look that way from a distance. Make clean money mandatory and while there is a mood for change, change voter registration. Why is public money spent on registering people for a political party? Let people register to vote. Period. No public records of a ...more »

  Public financing of elections is essential to get pay to play out of New York. Legislators may well care about service to the community of voters but it doesn't look that way from a distance.

  Make clean money mandatory and while there is a mood for change, change voter registration.

  Why is public money spent on registering people for a political party? Let people register to vote. Period. No public records of a person's political affiliation and no public money spent of redistricting to draw crazy lines through communities to keep legislative seats safe for incumbents. That's just crazy.

  What happens then in primary elections? They can be open as they are in other states or if parties want them to be closed elections then the parties pay the bill. Our tax dollars shouldn't be used to support either political party.

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  Submitted by elaine.hardman 3 years ago

• I agree

  36 votes

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  Clean elections

  End the lobbyist system of influence

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  Submitted by daveschachne 3 years ago

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