New York will vote next Tuesday for the first time in 20 years on whether to amend its constitution. It’s an important vote, because current laws have helped contribute to Albany’s dysfunction. And city residents have remarkably little control over issues like school funding and transit (we’re looking at you, state-run MTA). Opponents of holding a convention say they fear it could be lead to some rights being eroded, with labor unions arguing that pensions are under threat.
To hear the arguments first-hand, people can attend a debate on Sunday at the Society for Ethical Culture. More here and below:
Date:
Sunday, November 5, 2017 – 2:00pm
Location:
Social Hall at the Society for Ethical Culture, 2 West 64th Street.
Admission:
FreeBefore election day, join Ethical as two experts debate the pros and cons of holding a state constitutional convention.
A vote on whether to hold a New York State constitutional convention happens every 20 years. We last voted on it in 1997 and we will be voting on it this Election Day, Tuesday, November 7th.
Many people are unaware of what it means, and its importance. This “debate” will give us all an opportunity to learn what is at stake so we can vote with a clear understanding of what our vote will mean.
Representing the pro side will be Suzannne Stassevitch from the League of Women Voters and representing the con side will be Michael Kink from Strong Economy for All Coalition.
Photo via Society for Ethical Culture.
Thank you for posting. It would be very helpful to see a summary of this debate in advance of election day as I think most voters are highly uneducated on this.
thanks for posting this important event.
perhaps if we vote for a convention we could establish these 20 year periods to 10 year. The world seems to change radically in 20 years.
New York city should become the 51st state.
No more paying a dollar and getting back 50 cents.