December 21st, 2009

Q: What is the “People’s Convention to Reform New York?”

A: The People’s Convention to Reform New York is a nonpartisan, grass roots effort to bring positive change and chart a new direction for New York state. The question of whether New York should convene a People’s Convention will automatically go before voters in 2017. The “People’s Convention to Reform New York Act,” (Assembly Bill A.9157) would move the opportunity for reform up by seven years by placing it on the ballot for the 2010 elections.

Q: Why do we need a People’s Convention to Reform New York?

A: State government is broken and has stopped working for taxpayers. New Yorkers of all political parties, across all regions, are fed up and frustrated with Albany’s dysfunctional status quo and are demanding real change and a positive new direction. This is exactly what a People’s Convention could deliver!

Q: Why would this be a “People’s Convention?”

A: Taxpayers (like you!) could run for and serve as delegates to the People’s Convention and have a strong voice in reforming New York State government.

Q: When are people selected as delegates?

A: Delegates are elected one year after the People’s Convention is approved by the voters.

Q: How many delegates are selected?

A: The voters would choose (in nonpartisan general elections) three delegates from each of the 62 senatorial districts and 15 delegates statewide, for a total of 201 citizen delegates to the People’s Convention.

Q: How do you become a delegate?

A: Any citizen who obtains 1,000 signatures from registered voters of the State Senate district would qualify for the nonpartisan primary election. Candidates for statewide delegate would be required to obtain 10,000 signatures to qualify for the primary.

Q: Can elected officials, political party officials or lobbyists run as delegates?

A: To ensure the People’s Convention is truly of, by and for the people, elected officials, lobbyists, special interest representatives or party officials would be forced to resign from their office if elected as delegates. Also, any person lobbying the People’s Convention would be prohibited from serving as a delegate. This would prevent the special interests, lobbyists and political insiders from hijacking the reform process.

Q: When and where would the convention convene?

A: The People’s Convention would convene in a facility at the State Capitol (located in Albany) on the first Tuesday of April, immediately following the election of citizen delegates.

Q: How long do conventions last?

A: The convention would continue until the people’s business was completed. The 1967 People’s Convention lasted 22 weeks.

Q: What issues can be addressed at the People’s Convention?

A: The people elected as delegates will have the authority to set the People’s Convention agenda. Some of the issues that could be considered include fiscal reforms like a property tax and state spending cap, debt reform, a ban on backdoor borrowing and unfunded mandates. Governmental reform such as initiative and referendum, an independent Legislative Redistricting Commission, term limits for Legislative leaders, ethics reform and a succession plan for state offices could also be part of the People’s Convention.

Q: What happens to a proposed State Constitution or Constitutional Amendment adopted by the People’s Convention?

A: Any proposed State Constitution or Constitutional Amendment must be approved by the people in a statewide election.

Q: What can I do to support the People’s Convention to Reform New York?

A: In a word: plenty!

By speaking out for a People’s Convention and the need for real reform and a positive new direction for New York, you can begin the process of taking back your state government.

Source: State Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb