NY Uprising

New York Uprising is a non-partisan, independent coalition formed by former Mayor Edward I. Koch that advocates for meaningful government reform across New York State. Their mission is to put an end to corruption in Albany and reinstate the public’s faith in government by offering real, honest and sensible solutions that legislators and candidates can implement, adhere to and be held accountable for executing once elected or re-elected to office. New York Uprising will actively seek support for commitments to reform from all candidates seeking office during the 2010 election cycle. Joining Mayor Koch in his effort to stop what has become the downward spiral of New York politics, are Citizens Union Director Dick Dadey, former New York City Parks Commissioner and New York Civic Director Henry Stern and a group of prominent New Yorkers serving as Trustees.

New York Uprising advocates for meaningful government reform in three areas, and has invited NY candidates to pledge support for specific reforms in each.

Non-Partisan, Independent Redistricting: Elections are supposed to allow voters to choose their representatives, but New Yorkers have been denied true choice because elected officials have historically been able to draw district lines to choose their voters. New York legislative races are typically non-competitive because of these gerrymandered districts. Consequently, it is not surprising that New York State’s legislature has one of the highest rates of incumbency in the nation. It is our common desire to improve New York State Government and the democratic process in the State by ensuring that redistricting pursuant to the 2010 Census be constitutional and fair.

Among the specific reforms we call for:

•Meaningful independence and transparency
•Drawing of districts that are contiguous and do not favor or oppose any party, or candidate
•Guarantee not to abridge or deny minority voting rights

Responsible Budgeting: It is widely acknowledged that New York State’s budget process and practices are detrimental to the long-term future of the state. They produce budgets that are routinely late and include spending that outpaces inflation and revenue growth. To accommodate spending more money than they have, the leadership in Albany has often balanced budgets with gimmicks that push obligations into the future, resulting in structural imbalances and the accumulation of a crushing debt burden, an unhealthy share of which has been incurred to fund operating expenses. Simply put, we are living beyond our means.

Among the specific reforms we call for:

•Creation of an Independent Budget Office to report on the state’s financial health and comment on budgetary matters
•Adoption of General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to prepare and manage the state budget
•Use of a rolling five year financial plan to better monitor the consequences of current decisions on long-term finances

Ethics Reform: The public demands that their elected officials and candidates for public office maintain the highest degree of ethics while running for office and serving in government. They have not, to put it mildly. To reform New York State’s government, the enactment of comprehensive ethics legislation by the Governor, Assembly and the Senate is mandatory.

Among the specific reforms we call for:

•A "Blue Ribbon" Commission to consider and make recommendations to limit "Pay to Play" campaign contributions
•A comprehensive annual financial disclosure form that includes disclosure of outside income
•A State Ethics Commission, having the power to subpoena, investigate and sanction for ethics violations including conflict of interest and campaign finace

Use the above link to find out more about this new organization.

Michael H. Drucker
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