Public Comment Wanted On State Campaign Finance Reform

Members of the public can share their thoughts and ideas on reforming New York State State’s campaign finance and election laws at a public hearing on Wednesday. Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester) announced a public hearing at the Valley Cottage Library at 3 p.m. to receive testimony from experts and the general pubic about the various reforms proposed to fix the state’s outdated electoral system.

According to Carlucci, the hearing will focus on increasing accountability, closing loopholes, and implementing a public financing system for state and local elections.  It also will utilize the latest research to help voters and members decide which reforms are most pressing and appropriate for the current system.

Anyone interested in testifying must submit written testimony in advance as speaking time will be limited per individual.  Residents wishing to speak should RSVP by contacting Senator Carlucci’s office at (845) 623-3627 or email carlucci@nysenate.gov. Representatives of state advocacy groups include Sean Coffey of Common Cause, Jesse Laymon of Citizens Action, Linda Berns of the League of Women Voters, Adam Skaggs of the Brennan Center and Rob Werner, National Field Director for Americans for Campaign Reform. 

“New Yorkers are demanding change in the way our government and political system operates and conducts business, and I can think of no more fitting way to gauge their pulse and hear their ideas than by holding a public hearing in our own backyard,” said Carlucci.  “Now is the time to be proactive when it comes to cleaning up any stench of corruption or perceived conflict of interest in our system.”

Carlucci spoke about the need for campaign reform in April. The Valley Cottage public hearing is one of a series hosted by members of the Independent Democratic Conference throughout New York. The effort to reform campaign financing strengthened after numerous arrests of local and state elected officials on public corruption charges.