Response to My Letter Supporting Campaign Finance Reform

Received this from my New York State Senator, Liz Krueger (28th District).

Dear Mr. Drucker

Thank you for contacting me regarding your support for public financing of elections.  I too am a strong supporter of campaign finance reform and the recent charges against the Senate majority leader only serve to highlight the need for this fundamental reform to our political system.  I look forward to working with my colleagues in the legislature to pass legislation implementing a public financing system similar to New York City's.

I have long been an advocate of ending the use of soft money and implementing a system of public financing for campaigns.  Interest in reforming the processes of government is a large part of what brought me to Albany.  Dating back to my early years in office, I have co-sponsored bills intended to make our State government more transparent and more truly democratic, such as the Clean Money Clean Elections bill.  Public financing, more frequent reporting of contributions and stronger penalties for violating campaign finance rules are critical to ensure government that is free of undue influence by the rich and powerful, and represents all citizens equally.

Fair elections legislation would substantially reduce the influence of big money on political campaigns in New York State.  Such a system, with voluntary public matching funds, has already been tested here in New York City and has proven a useful reform.  While it does not resolve all problems with the influence of money on elections, it did help to open up the New York City electoral process to a range of new voices from communities often excluded from politics.  Such a reform should be adopted at the state level as well.

Thank you again for contacting me regarding this important issue.  Please be assured that I will continue to support and work for passage of a real public campaign financing system during the current legislative session. Do not hesitate to reach out to me again in the future about this or any other subject that concerns you.

Sincerely,

Liz Krueger

State Senator

I have worked with Liz on many issues and appreciate her including me in her events as press.











NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker Technorati Tag in Del.icio.us