NYC Working Families Party Campaign Finance Investigation

The New York City Working Families Party is about to feel the fallout of a five-year-old election on Staten Island.

A lengthy investigation into a 2009 City Council race on Staten Island has resulted in criminal charges against two individuals and two political operations, including an arm of the WFP.

The Staten Island legislator backed by the party, Councilwoman Debi Rose. was named an un-indicted co-conspirator in an 18-page criminal complaint that special prosecutor said defrauded the city’s taxpayer-funded Campaign Finance Board (CFB).

Rose supporter David Jones, and Rose treasurer Thomas were also charged with grand larceny for campaign finance violations.

The prosecutor, Roger Adler, accused Data and Field Services, a subsidiary of the left-leaving WFP, of secretly providing discounted services to Rose’s successful 2009 Council campaign.  During this investigation, WFP was forced to separate from Data and Field Services.

Such discounts aren’t allowed under the city’s campaign finance rules, where candidates are limited in what they can raise and what they can spend.  The complaint said Rose’s campaign got sweetheart deals on services that included get-out-the vote operations, voter lists and the services of campaign workers.

The complaint charged the campaign and its treasurer, David Thomas, with lying about the scheme in filings with the CFB and state Board of Elections.

“Beginning in 2009 and continuing up to the filing of this complaint, the Debi Rose Campaign provided false and misleading documentation to the CFB in an effort to both obfuscate, and conceal, `in kind’ campaign contributions, and coordinated campaign goods and services provided by various labor unions for which `fair market value’ was neither paid, or accurately reported,” the complaint said.

David Jones described as a “political consultant,” was paid $5,000 in city matching funds after both he and his wife contributed $625 to the Rose campaign.  But the complaint said Jones had no written contract, as required by the CFB, to justify the payment.  “David Jones, in turn, knowingly and criminally possessed the stolen $5,000,” the complaint said.

The complaint said NY Citizen Services, paid $7,200 by the Rose campaign, was actually a front group to mask the involvement of the left-wing activist ACORN group.  ACORN staffer Peter Nagy worked on the Rose campaign for three months under a “ sweetheart contract that was below market value,” the complaint said.

The complaint noted that the WFP pumped over $500,000 into DFS from February 2009 to January 2010.

The complaint said Thomas conspired and acted “in concert” with staffers from “DFS, WFP, various labor unions, and members of the Rose campaign to file false and inaccurate campaign filings with both the state Board of Elections, the CFB, and knowingly attempted to cover up those violations.”

Adler said he hoped the case will shake up the political establishment and deter campaign corruption.  “These shenanigans are sickening people. The effort to clean up corruption begins with the little campaign in the smallest borough in the city,” he said.

Reps for defendants blasted the criminal complaint as without merit.

“The charges are baseless. Mr. Jones did absolutely nothing wrong and looks forward to telling his side of the story,” said Jones lawyer, Justine Harris.

Said Brooklyn Councilman Brad Lander, a close WFP ally, “The U.S. Attorney’s Office looked at this four years ago and found no wrongdoing.  Adler should stop tilting at windmills.”

Said Thomas lawyer Sam Gregory, “David Thomas did not commit any crime as the treasurer of the Debi Rose campaign.  This case is an outrageous attempt to criminalize legitimate political activity.”

The defendants are scheduled to appear in Staten Island's Richmond County Criminal Court Monday.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote!

Michael H. Drucker
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NY Youth Voter Pre-Registration Bills Advance Out of Committee‏

Today, the New York State Assembly and Senate Elections Committees, respectively, approved the Youth Voter Pre-Registration Bills sponsored by New York State Assemblymember Brian Kavanagh and State Senator David Carlucci. This legislation, a top priority of the New York Democratic Lawyers Council and the Minority Voting Rights Committee, would allow 16 and 17-year olds to pre-register to vote.

The legislation (A02042A/S1992-A) was approved by the Assembly Election Law Committee, Chaired by Assembly member Michael Cusick, and the Senate Elections Committee, Chaired by Senator Tom O'Mara. It is intended to increase voter participation, especially among younger voters. It should also facilitate processing of registrations by local election boards which are often burdened with large numbers of new registrations immediately before major elections. The bill now advances to the floor of the Senate and to the Ways and Means Committee in the Assembly.

The issue of youth voter registration is of national concern, with only 59% of eligible voters between the ages of 18-24 registered, as compared with 71% of voters of all ages. In addition to allowing for pre-registration, the bill would require local boards of education to adopt policies to educate students about the value of voter participation.

Assembly member Kavanagh said, "We’re taking a major step forward in our effort to increase youth civic engagement and improve administration of elections. This bill is an important, effective way to promote youth voter registration at no cost to taxpayers. I look forward to working with the Governor, Senator Carlucci, Assembly member Cusick and all of my colleagues in the Assembly to enact this bill this session. Together, we can take a meaningful step to make our democracy a little more representative."

Senator Carlucci said, “Our democratic process hinges upon a strong voter participation rate at the ballot box, yet all too frequently our youngest generation escapes Election Day without having their voices heard. Pre-registration is a common sense approach that will ultimately not only place more individuals on our voter rolls, but ensure that New York reverses a lackluster rate among this key demographic. Every vote counts, and the more people that heed that calling will have the opportunity to make their opinions on issues matter."

Assembly member Cusick said, “Pre-registration for teenagers is a common sense step we can take to increase voter turnout and engage young New Yorkers with the democratic process. I’ve long been committed to civic engagement of young people and the Election Law Committee is always looking for ways to make elections more accessible to New Yorkers. I’m proud that we were able to move this bill forward.”

“The Campaign Finance Board fully supports this common-sense legislation to encourage young people to start a voting habit that will last a lifetime. New York City’s election this fall will shape the future of our city for years to come. We need to do all we can to ensure young voters participate fully in deciding what that future will look like,” said Art Chang, chair of the New York City Voter Assistance Advisory Committee.

“New York State voters, like the rest of the nation, suffer from low turn-out and a growing disillusionment with the political process. That’s why it’s particularly important that we facilitate voter registration and encourage young people to participate in our democracy. If good habits, like voting, form early, they can last a lifetime and effect real change. Common Cause/NY urges the Legislature to pass this important legislation immediately,” said Susan Lerner, Executive Director of Common Cause/NY.

“Our state’s youth sadly register and vote at lower rates than adults and senior citizens,” said Dick Dadey, Executive Director at Citizens Union. “Enabling schools and departments of motor vehicles to pre-register 16 and 17 year-olds at the time when they are most connected with young people will hopefully raise their electoral participation. We commend both the Assembly and Senate for acting on legislation championed by Assembly member Kavanagh and Senator Carlucci aimed at encouraging young people to participate in our democracy and vote.”

"Enacting a pre-registration program would make New York State a beacon for democracy and remove voter registration red tape for thousands of young voters," said Steven Carbó, Demos State Advocacy Director. "Ensuring every citizen has the freedom to vote and voice an opinion on the pressing matters facing our state and nation from the day they turn 18 throughout the rest of their lives is essential to our shared prosperity and security."

"Voter pre-registration is a common sense reform that has proven to be effective, with little to no new costs. A uniform registration age avoids confusion about when it's legal to register and makes it easier to efficiently add young people to their rolls at schools and the DMV before they reach voting age. None of the states implementing it have encountered difficulties, yet now can increase young people's registration,” said Rob Richie, Executive Director of FairVote.

“There is nothing more important than getting our young citizens actively involved in politics. They are our future Democratic and Republican leaders. I applaud Brian Kavanagh and David Carlucci for their energy on this important and exciting bill,” said Bill Samuels, Founder of The New Roosevelt Institute.

"I thank both Assemblyman Kavanagh and Senator Carlucci for their leadership and hard work on this legislation that will increase civic participation of our youth, especially those who are marginalized,” said Mark A. Favors, Executive Director of the Youth Civic Leadership Academy.

"Anything we can do to improve youth registration and voting, regardless of party, is essential to improving New York State's turn out that has recently ranked last in the nation," said New York Democratic Lawyers Council Statewide Coordination Chair Ben Kallos. "New York Democratic Lawyers Council has been advocating for pre-registration of 16- and 17-year olds for 7 years. We are impressed with its likelihood to finally pass under the strong leadership of sponsors Assembly Member Brian Kavanagh and Senator David Carlucci."

“The Harlem4 Center for Change supports Pre-Registration. This legislation solves a frustrating problem with civic leaders struggling to get young people involved in the election process. I call the problem the Citizenship Gap. The most hopeful and idealistic people we talk to about voting are the 16 & 17 year olds in school discussions and social study classes. The problem is if they don’t turn 18 that year, their enthusiasm cannot turn immediately into registration, they graduate, they disperse and it’s harder to connect with them again to get them registered. We lose a lot of naturally unspoiled voters who would be principally motivated by their idealism and not another agenda in that Citizenship Gap,” said Chet Whye, Executive Director of the HARLEM4 Center for CHANGE.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote!

Michael H. Drucker
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NYC Voter Assistance Advisory Committee

The New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB) includes a division called the Voter Assistance Advisory Committee (VAAC). It is comprised of nine mem­bers whose role is to advise the CFB on voter engagement. The membership of VAAC includes:

•two members appointed by the mayor (who cannot be enrolled in the same political party)
•two members appointed by the speaker of the City Council (who cannot be enrolled in the same political party)
•one member appointed by the comptroller
•one member appointed by the borough presidents acting together
•the public advocate
•the executive director of the board of elections (or, in his or her absence, the deputy execu­tive director)
•one member appointed by the mayor in consultation with the speaker to serve as chair.

In making appointments to the committee, the New York City Charter advises that “the mayor, speaker, comptrol­ler and borough presidents shall consider experience with groups or categories of residents that are underrepresented among those who vote or among those who are registered to vote and community, voter registration, civil rights, and disabled groups.”

VAAC holds public hearings to solicit and hear testimony from members of the public, good government groups, and public officials regarding how to improve voter assistance in New York City, and makes recommendations to the CFB to help the agency develop and implement a com­prehensive voter engagement plan.

I have been attending these hearings and here are some of the suggestions:

- Pre-register to vote at 16, with automatic move to registered at 18. Would receive school civic credit.
- Allow to be poll worker at 18.
- Automatic registration when getting hunting/fishing license.
- Allow immigrants to vote in municipal elections.
- More languages on ballot.
- No excuse absentee voting.
- 15 days of early voting.
- Register to vote 10 days before election.
- Reduce the percent required for a hand recount This was to redress part of the issue of the upcoming primary/recount problem. The state legislature has voted to increase the time between the primary and the runoff to 3 weeks. They are in two different bills, so we do not know what the final bill will look like.

The VAAC produces a Paper/Digital/Video Voter Guide. The Voter Guide candidate profile is due June 12, 2013 and the Video Voter Guide script is due June 26, 2013. There also is a new app called "NYC Votes". It will include:

- Research candidate information.
- Find your poll location.
- View CFB information about candidates.
- View Social Media about candidates.
- Donate to a candidate with matching funds information.
- Allow candidates to automatically file their CFB data.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote!

Michael H. Drucker
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Fair Elections for New York

New York’s campaign finance system is broken. While most of New York’s elected officials go to Albany for the right reasons, too often big money interests drown out the voices of everyday New Yorkers. It’s time to change the way politics works in Albany.

The Fair Elections for New York campaign is calling on state legislators to pass a comprehensive reform package, including public financing of elections. These reforms will put the process back in the hands of voters, and are proven to increase small donor participation in campaigns. We have an historic opportunity to give New Yorkers the campaign finance system they deserve and want.


I support an aggressive form of campaign finance, I support a public finance system... import the New York City public finance system to New York State.

Governor Andrew Cuomo
March 8, 2013

The campaign for Fair Elections for New York is focused on four key goals, enumerated by Governor Cuomo in his State of the State Address:

1.Public Financing of Elections – establishing a voluntary system to empower small donors by matching their contributions with public money, similar to NYC’s successful system.

2.Lower Contribution Limits – bringing New York State’s sky-high contribution limits down to reasonable levels.

3.Ending Pay-to-Play – saving public dollars by preventing contributions and bundling by contractors and lobbyists from influencing decisions about state business.

4.Stronger Enforcement and Transparency – ensuring that our laws are enforced in a fair, effective and timely manner, and that public matching funds are appropriately disbursed.

It’s time Albany finally returns to government of, by, and for the people – not government bought and paid for by the special interests. As long as politicians are accountable to the corporations and lobbyists who finance their campaigns, they’re never going to be accountable to the people who elected them.

Ordinary New Yorkers should have their voices heard. We should replace corporate-funded elections with Fair Elections. We need to put elections back in the hands of ordinary New Yorkers. Politicians should work for us, not their special interest sponsors.

New York City Limits

Contribution Limits
Mayor, Public Advocate and Comptroller - $4,950
Borough President - $3,850
City Council - $2,750

These limits are for the primary and general elections combined. Both monetary and "in-kind" contributions of goods / services are subject to these limits. All candidates are prohibited from accepting contributions from corporations, LLCs, and partnerships.

Doing Business Contribution Limits
Mayor, Public Advocate and Comptroller - $400
Borough President - $320
City Council - $250

These "doing business" contribution limits are for the primary and general elections combined.

Candidates must meet a two-part threshold, abide by the Program's requirements, and face opposition on the ballot to qualify for public financing.

Maximum Public Funds*†
Mayor - $3,534,300
Public Advocate and Comptroller - $2,209,900
Borough President - $795,300
City Council - $92,400

* Per election, in election year.
† Candidates who face minimal opposition will receive a reduced public funds payment.

The Program matches each dollar a NYC resident gives, up to $175, with six dollars in public funds, for a maximum of $1,050 in public funds per contributor.

You can declare you are self-funding and not be under the funding limits. There is also the PAC money to contend with.

What do you think about this public funding system?










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote!

Michael H. Drucker
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NYC Mayoral Candidate Challenges City Limits on Funding Campaigns

New York City mayoral candidate George McDonald, President of the Doe Fund, filed a lawsuit to prevent the New York City's Campaign Finance Board from taking enforcement action against his campaign for taking contributions in excess of city limits but not state limits. The first filing date is January 15, 2013 and he knows he is over city limits and accepted a corporation loan.

The law suit alleges the city does not have the authority to require candidates who are not accepting public matching funds to abide by city laws that set stricter limits on donations and contributions.

The state law allows the maximum individual contribution for mayor and other citywide offices at $19,700 for the major party primaries and $41,100 for the general election. The state also allows corporation loans.

In 2004, the New York City Council approved legislation that mandated every candidate for local office follow the city limits of accepting individual contributions of $4,950 for the primary and general elections combined. The city law also prohibits any loans by corporations. These limits do not affect self-funded candidates.

Since the city law was enacted in 2004, no candidate had challenged the law, until now.

Officials of the Campaign Finance Board say they plan to defend the city law. "New York City's campaign finance laws keep corporate money out of our elections and reduce the influence of big-money contributors," said Amy Loprest, the board's Executive Director. "Combined with the public-matching funds program, the common-sense contribution limits protects the voice of all New Yorkers in city elections."










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote!

Michael H. Drucker
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NYC to Regulate super PAC's

New York City campaign regulators, in 2013, will require disclosure of independent expenditures spending that is not coordinated with a campaign. It said its tracking of the finances of such groups, which it plans to post on the Web, would be among the most detailed anywhere, including not only contributions and spending, but also an archive of advertisements run by the groups and information about their backers.

New York City campaign finance officials said, however, that the Citizens United case and a related Supreme Court decision on Montana, both of which struck down limits on campaign spending by corporations and unions, made it clear that the city could only document, and not limit, independent spending on elections.

“The Citizens United decision started a sea change in the culture of money in politics that will ultimately affect every level of government all across the country,” said Amy M. Loprest, Executive Director of the New York City Campaign Finance Board. “Outside spending in city elections was increasing even before Citizens United, and we expect the trend will only accelerate in the 2013 elections.”









NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote!

Michael H. Drucker
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