Reform Day Sweeps Albany

Yesterday dozens of us from across the state converged on our state capitol to demand reform from our lawmakers. We went in wanting an independent body to determine redistricting, new ethics reforms (so needed), rules reform (so that the leadership no longer holds all the power) and campaign finance reform. Everyone was excited, even our own leader Susan Lerner who was beset with the flu. Those of us who joined in from Democracy for New York City and Citizen Action were particularly engaged with the campaign finance portion and we sported our union-bug buttons and posters accordingly.

Heading up there we were well aware of Governor Paterson saying that campaign finance was probably not going any this session. Granted he is still finding his way up there as the new chief executive in Albany, so we thought he just needed some help in doing so. After a carbilicious breakfast of muffins and scones, we heard reform-laden appeals from Minority Leader Malcolm Smith, Comptroller DiNapoli and my favorite, Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. He spoke with the most passion and has shown his commitment with such works as Project Sunlight.

After the speakers and a boxed lunch, we all headed to the long security lines to go lobby the legislators that agreed to meet with us. Time was exceedingly short since every single visitor had to go through the checkpoint with only one line operating and the guards were especially vigilant with all the little old ladies milling about.

Our first legislator was Senator Eric Schneiderman (D-Bronx). Eric has been an incredible fighter for progressive causes. Unfortunately his outspoken attitude has gotten him into trouble with the leadership. Thankfully for all of us, that is why we were there, to fight on the behalf of elected officials that stand up for things that are right instead of what the powers that be consider the right thing to do.

Next our group met up and went over to Assemblyman Dinowitz's (D-Bronx) office. He wasn't around, so we spoke with his legislative aide, who didn't seem to know much. Maybe he was new at his job, who knows? The one thing he did know was the fight over congestion pricing. You could tell by his tone and language that it was nice for his office not to have voted, despite being vocally opposed (being in the north Bronx and all). For some reason though, he couldn't argue that elected officials are held accountable in the best way by showing their support for their beliefs by voting one way or another. That is the way it should be, despite the way the majority caucus may feel at times. That is why we need rules reform.

Last but not least, we sat down with my very own Assemblyman, Brian Kavanagh (D-Manhattan). There was no need to lobby him, he already passionately believes in what we are doing and ran on those ideals when he came to Albany two years ago. He told us that because of the strict leadership, junior members get a paltry $70,000 for their entire staff. How is it that these members can do constituent work when the senior members are getting $500,000 to $700,000 a piece? It doesn't work, and it shows Albany is broken. Change is desperately needed in our capitol. By keeping up the fight, talking to your neighbors and most certainly your legislators, that determination will eventually win the day.

And before you write this off, on our way back to NYC, we heard that the Governor himself spoke in favor of a campaign finance bill in the Assembly. He knows it is doomed in the Republican-controlled Senate this year, and that is why it would make an excellent stand for us to show New York it is time to take back the Senate to pave the way for true reform in the Empire State.