| I'm not going to name you-- I don't think that's right because I don't think this is as much about you as it is about the "culture of Albany". Also, while I can only talk to you as my elected representative, I think that most of what I have to say is relevant to your 149 colleagues (or at least the 104 other Democratic members).
If you want me to carry your petition, I think I need to ask you to promise to do some things in return:
1) I don't know Speaker Silvers, but my sense is that he runs the Assembly in a closed manner that gives him too much power and keeps things running just the way they always have. Make it public that you intend not to vote for Silvers as Speaker next term.
2) If we want New York to change, we need to make it easier for that change to happen. Pledge that unless the Governor signs a bill enacting Clean Money, Clean Elections; non-partisan redistricting (either Iowa model OR a mathematical formula); and initiative, referendum, and recall; that you will not run again in two years. I say that because I want you held accountable to see that these things happen.
3) We're all pretty much agreed (and by "we", I mean the people out here in the State who vote, pay taxes, and live here) that the way Albany works, doesn't. So give me a concrete plan for how to change the Legislature so that our Government works better for us. Specific points, with, perhaps, sample legislation. More transparency, more openness to legislation not written by the Leadership, and better checks and balances should be included.
4) We're also all pretty much agreed that taxes are too high and employment is too low. Tell me specifics of how you plan to cut the budget, lower my total tax bill (especially property taxes in Upstate), and improve employment while not sacrificing the services that make the State a good place to live. I think this is a tough one-- but you want the job.
There are other legislative priorities I have. I'm not going to make carrying petitions contingent on these because I'm limiting that category (the above items) to issues focused on reforming the State, itself, but consider them the issues that will convince me to vote for you:
1) Marriage equality
2) Better transportation policy, especially with regards to bicycle accomodations
3) Fixing the State infrastructure (and, yes, I realize I'm asking you to spend less above and do more here-- but, again, you want the job)
4) Improving the schools, especially SUNY
5) If we can't get a "Medicare for all" on the national level, let's look for a NY solution equivalent
6) Implement a State policy to reduce by 80% or more our oil dependence in ten or twenty years
I've written my opinions on what can be done over the past couple of years:
http://www.thealbanyproject.co...
http://www.thealbanyproject.co...
http://www.thealbanyproject.co...
Mr. Assemblyman, what are yours? |
