The gridlock in New York's state capitol has gone on for way too long. It is becoming increasingly clear that working in Albany to bring about change in the way Albany operates is not enough. This election year, which may bring historic change to the State Senate, provides us with a perfect opportunity to use the election and campaign events to move reform issues back to the center of political discussions in New York. We have to show our elected officials that the issues that we work on to bring effective and accountable state government to New York are supported by ordinary New Yorkers throughout the state. We can't do that simply by lobbying officials once they've arrived in Albany. We have to move the discussion into districts throughout the state. The Pledge for Change campaign is designed to do precisely that.
The Pledge for Change, announces our legislative priorities for next year's legislative session. Joining with our partners Citizens for Better Government in New York, The League of Women Voters of New York State, The Interfaith Alliance of Rochester and NYPIRG, we have mailed it to every candidate running for the state legislature this year. We are asking every candidate to pledge that, if elected, he or she will work in their house and caucus for real progress in our 4 key initiatives:
* Restore Faith In New York's Ethics, by establishing a Legislative Ethics Commission and insuring that the Commission for Public Integrity is independent and effective
* Make Elections Fair, by adopting public funding of election campaigns and meaningful campaign contribution limits
* End the Practice of Legislators Choosing Their Voters, through the creation of an independent redistricting commission
* Open the Legislative Process and Let the People See and Participate by changing the way that legislative committees operate
You can see who has signed the Pledge for Change at the new website we've set up, www.PledgeforChangeNY.org. While you're there, you can also sign the Pledge for Change Citizen's Petition and agree to demand a Governor and Legislature that will fight for change in these 4 key areas. If candidates in your legislative district haven't signed the Pledge, you can print it a copy at www.PledgeforChangeNY.org and personally deliver them to your legislative candidates, urging them to sign on. New Yorkers can take the pledge to candidate forums and public events, and engage people in a discussion of these issues.
Check the website regularly to see who has signed the Pledge for Change.
