After a year in state politics like 2009, which included dysfunction, slashing of programs New Yorkers need, and the death of numerous bills designed for the public good, yes, 2010 can be a year of real reform. We won’t win on every issue, but returning our democracy to its rightful owners, the public, is possible in 2010. Yesterday, Governor Paterson unveiled the mother of all reform packages, even the kitchen sink was included: public financing of elections.
For years, Citizen Action has been leading the fight to pass a public financing system that would allow candidates for all state offices in New York to run without being dependent on the wealthy corporate interests who want favors from government. In 2008, we worked with the Assembly to vastly improve and pass their old version of public financing they’d been passing since 1978. Last year, we pushed the Senate to engage in a robust public input process on the issue and there was an overwhelming public response in favor. But since Spitzer’s pledge for public financing in his 2007 State of the State Address, the Governor’s office has been silent on the issue – until now.
All three, the Governor, Assembly and Senate, worked last year to get “ethics reform” done, and there will no doubt be movement on that issue soon. To save any last ounce faith left in the hearts of average New Yorkers, the legislature must pass ethics soon. But to do so without the one other reform that all three now agree on would be a fatal mistake. Ethics is nothing without public financing of campaigns.
Yes, disclosure is important. An agency that can enforce the laws is critical. But, without public financing of elections, a simple, optional system that allows candidates to run for office using a limited amount of public dollars, instead of huge amounts of private donations that can corrupt and wheel influence, the reform passed this year will not be something elected officials will be able to tout on the 2010 campaign trail. Elected officials will need to pass something real – something that the voters can understand. Eyes glaze over when you talk about disclosure and administrative agencies.
What voters understand is that money talks and politicians walk. They understand that where the money to win elections comes from matters, especially when it comes to doing business in Albany. And that is why the concerns of those with money trump our needs for good schools, affordable health care, a clean environment, and so much more. The people want a government that works for all of us – not corporations and wealthy individuals. Public financing of elections is the reform that will make the real difference when it comes to decisions about the issues that matter in our ever day lives.
And if they won’t pass it for the voters and the public good, then elected officials in office right now should pass public financing of elections for their own self interest. No more dialing for dollars and begging for checks. No more boring fund-raisers with bad finger food. The possibility of campaigns where talking to the neighbors is more important than finding a cash cow is in their reach.
The fight for campaign finance reform, and in particular, public financing of elections in New York has had many ups and many downs. Just when a Governor comes to town ready to do it, Senate Republicans refuse. When the Assembly passes their bill, the Senate falters. Now, the Assembly, as always, is on record in strong support, the Senate Democratic Majority campaigned on it and introduced a public financing bill last year. And now, finally, Governor Paterson is proposing it!
Now what? It’s our job, as the public, to let the Governor and Legislature know that this is what we want, this is what we need to get our state government back on track. Make your voices heard. We must not stop until we have succeeded in taking back our government from the stronghold of big money. So here’s to a 2010 that passes the real deal – ethics reform and campaign finance reform that leads with public financing of elections!