Guiding True Political Reform in the State of New York
6 Jul
You’ve heard about the reforms that the Senate’s bi-partisan caucus passed. What are your ideas? How do we reform the Senate? What else in New York (we know it’s almost everything but where should we start)? Tell us what you think.
37 Responses for "How would YOU reform New York State Government?"
Term limits. Stop extra pay / stipends. Control perks. Basically, we should make sure the motivation is right, and it’s currently not. These people aren’t compensated for doing good. It’s similar to how doctors should be compensated for outcomes, and not the number of procedures they perform. Let’s keep greedy bastards out of these offices and let people who really want to do good in there.
I’d also like to see something like California’s Propositions, but New Yorkers keep electing the same greedy idiots… I doubt Propositions would work here.
We should no longer tolerate assessment.
Yes, we require government services, but why should we pay more for it just because we own a home?
All New Yorkers use the roads, the fire services, the police, the courts, the schools, etc.., so we should share the burden fairly, not based on the OPINION of one person, for what a property MIGHT sell for.
We must eliminate the duplicate government agencies, the tiny school districts, water districts, fire districts, towns and small villages.
I say let the county provide your local government services, and stop taxing everything to maintain these tiny government kingdoms all over the state.
Then, ABOLISH the property tax, and let your home be your home, not a tax liability.
Please give your voice to government consolidation and abolishing the property tax.
http://www.fairtax.org
http://www.abolishthepropertytax.blogspot.com
Chris Andrus
Simple, why can’t all the non-NYC coutnies of NY secede from NY state and have our own government? Why do we allow NYC to dictate everything that goes on in the state?
I could never understand why NYC wasn’t a ‘district’, i.e. Washington, DC. It is the nations city just like Washington, why do we as ‘normal’ people have to suffer with their decisions.
I agree with Greg on term limits, because we cannot count on the voters to do the smart thing and get rid of these politicians that do nothing but pad their pockets. If we could require people to take an I.Q. test and a current events test before allowing them to vote, we might have a chance.
We should also be able to vote (referendum) on their salaries, stipends, per diems, etc… If they want to run for office, it should be to help the state, not to help themselves. I’m not talking about poverty level here, but I am talking about returning the State to the people.
And Dan, we here in Western New York, Niagara Falls in particular, remember when it was suggested that we secede from N.Y. and form our own state (early 1980’s I believe it was). That may help to keep our financial resources in our area, but unfortunately, the career politicians will still be with us. They will bring Albany’s way of thinking and operating to wherever they are. Secession is just one piece of the solution, but a good one. A major overhaul of the system and the rules and the ethics etc… is another part of the solution. The big question is “How can we accomplish this?” Talking about it on a blog site does nothing, not even make me feel better for getting it off my chest. Who has ideas on how we can actually unite and get things changed? I’m listening and waiting to volunteer my time!!!
Why weren’t these reforms brought under the Republican controlled Senate in the last 40 years. It seems pretty convienent that it should only be when the R’s have lost power that these controls “must” be instituted NOW.
I would ask that our legislators all read and then adhere to the suggestions of the National Gambling Impact Study Commission–first and foremost to stop ANY expansion of state-run and state-promoted gambling activities until they honestly assess what has happened to individuals, their families, their communities, and, indeed, their State as a result of the gambling that is already in effect. Our founding fathers would indeed be ashamed if they saw that States have now become the biggest “pushers” of an addictive product!
The recent legislation permitting citizens to initiate government consolidation is a good idea. A constitutional convention would also be good, if it can be done outside of the control of the legislators. Legislator pay needs to reflect the part-time work load, with elimination of per diems for a start. There should be very modest stipends for leadership positions and significant reduction of public funding to support “staff” to the legislators. Legislators have too many people working for them on the public payroll, which in turn promotes the idea that they should be “accomplishing things” instead of sticking to their role of reacting to the executive branch. In general, the legislative role needs to be clearly defined and limited.
I agree - let New York City take care of itself - upstate has needs of it’s own that are not being met. Let it become it’s own state - or just give it back to the Indians.
It’s time to take away all the extras from the NY state government - let them suffer like the rest of us. No more free cars - no more pay for work not completed.
Maybe over the next few years we should send the existing senators home and find new people that want to clean up this state.
Patterson seems to made himself king of the castle - first he appoints someone who’s name we don’t even recognize to replace Hillary. Then he appoints a new Lt governor that would step in for him if something should happen - where do they all come from but NYC. The capital is in Albany - time he should live there. After all he’s only got another year and we can vote him out!!!
Any official who decides to switch party affiliation during his elected term should be immediately thrown out! What is the point of elections by the people, who largely vote along party lines. What audacity!
The number of new and increased taxes/fees on small businesses in the last 6 months are especially disturbing during this period of decreased revenues. It is disturbing how out of touch our state government is with the burdens put on start ups and young businesses. We have to pay a fee for the right to collect sales tax for the state. There is a minimum state tax even though a company may not yet be profitable. There is a corporation tax. For these fees and others like them, businesses receive no value. They are simply due. I was truly disturbed this year that the state now charges a $50 fee for the right to have a background check performed on potential new employees. The state fee is higher than the cost of having the search done by an independent company. Very burdensome for companies in the service industry. This type of anti-growth legislation really must stop if New York is to be competitive.
If the past month in Albany is an example of what ‘Responsible NY’ calls reform, count me O-U-T. I agree with some of the above comments, most especially the TERM LIMITS, we have to find a way to get the poor representation out of the Senate and out of the Assembly.
Government consolidation seems to be the current excitment and I’m much more infavor of TERM LIMITS. Consolidation will ultimately be decided/acted out by the same political parties and players that have given us what we have now. First we need fresh blood, then we can decide on consolidation.
But I must repeat, if this past month in Albany is ‘Responsible NY’ then count me out - this was an embarassing circus with zero positive results…wayne
Term limits are a mistake. All that does it put a different name with the same failed policies from before. What we have to do is stop being partisan. Stop voting party lines. One that happens (if it ever does) then we can really get to the heart of the issues that effect NY. First, we need a reduction of social services. I say cut 20% from families who are on social services each year for 5 years. That gives them adequate time to find a job utilizing workforce NY and other agencies that this state provides. Not to mention it’ll drop unemployment. Next, we (the governor) should penalize any county government who has a property tax above the state average. This will curb irresponsible spending by irresponsible county leaders. We also need a reformed education system where college isn’t the only option, but teaching kids trades, where if they don’t want college they can find a job. How about turning over the Thruway to the feds? This happened in Massachusetts and it’s worked quite well. What about state workers, I would imagine workers across the state would LOVE their benefits. Cut them back a bit in this financial crisis. NY needs reform, so we cut everything and leave nothing behind. Go after everyone from the CSEA to education to social services. That spells reform.
The elimination of gerrymandering, replaced w. blocked sections is one of the reforms that needs to take place.
TERM LIMITS - NOTHING MORE - 1 TERM - DONE!
No extra pay - the pay is $500 per day that they are IN Albany - IN SESSION - REDUCING SPENDING!
Given that they actually only WORK about 65 days a year IN Albany - because they have to go back and “tend the crops”. This might start saving money.
For every 5% they reduce spending each year - the public can VOTE on a 1% pay increase for them. No pentions, they pay the same as the average NY State business employee pays for health coverage. AND - when they are done with their term - there is a 10 year limit on being ‘associated’ with any party doing state business.
Oh yeah - and if you are a Lawyer - you are NOT allowed to be in public office!
- Upstate NY should have it’s own gov’t, NYC should succeed from the state and form it’s own district
- No more state income taxes. The state generates enough revenues from property taxes, sales taxes, and tolls from roads and bridges. GIVE THE MONEY BACK TO THE HARD WORKING PEOPLE SO THEY CAN BUY GOODS AND SERVICES WHICH IN TURN WILL CREATE DEMAND WHICH IN TURN WILL CREATE JOBS —-> DUH
-An overhaul of the education system starting with the teachers: - Let teachers pay for their own health and retirement benifits, NOT TAXPAYERS
- Make teachers earn their yearly income during the summer months through teaching summer school, working community activities, organizing educational field trips, etc….
- ALL STATE UNION JOBS SALARY SHOULD BE BASED ON A MERIT SYSTEM
- Overhaul of unemployment benefits and welfare benefits - Too many ineligible taking advantage of this
- TAX BREAKS FOR ALL SMALL BUSINESS —> ENCOURAGE OWNERS TO INVEST AND CREATE NEW JOBS —-> ENCOURGE CITIZENS TO SEEK BUSINESS VENTURES
I for the most part agree. Also, many issues should be passed on to the county level. Let the county make decisions concerning taxation, environment, etc.
Term limits are the best idea, but we had term limits here in NYC, voted overwhelmingly in a referendum. So what happened? Power-Mad Mike Bloomberg bought off the City Council who voted to overturn the will of the people and allow Mad Mike to run for a third term. And what did the sheeple of NYC do? Nothing! Mad Mike will probably win again even though NYC is much worse off since he’s been mayor. More taxes, more dirty streets, more special treatment for unions, more corruption. tom Golisano used his money to help free the people of NY from the power mongers in Albany; Bloomberg uses his to increase his power. Hey Tom, want to run for Mayor in NY??
If any NYC people are reading this, tell Power-Mad Mike to take a hike!
We need to have a Constitutional Convention. This is the process to bring much needed Term Limits, along with the other 50 changes necessary for our state to function again
I feel as if the NY government is run for and by a few select unions. These are CSEA and NYSUT among others. I think we should consider forming our own union fo those citizens who do not belong to one of the aforementioned unions and work toward reasonable government. What is reasonable? How about:
-State employees and teachers fund their own retirements just like the rest of us/
-no more stipends for our elected leaders and no per diem either. Take one of the old building in Albany and make it a campus where elected leaders can come and stay during their time in Albany.
-term limits for all. No more than two consecutive terms for any elected leader
- no taxes on primary residences. I am tired of having to repurchase my home from the government every 25 years
- no more building monuments to politicians by allowing them to name highways, buildings or ballparks after themselves (unless they pay for it out of their own pocket).
I could go on and on. Suffice it to say I have lost all faith in our governments ability to function in the interest of the people.
REFORM??? It’s never worked before and it won’t work now as these idiots that we’re paying the highest salary in the country for are concerned about their own power and position WELL BEFORE any interests of their constituents. I PLAN ON VOTING EVERY INCUMBENT OUT BECAUSE OF THIS FIASCO! New blood can’t do any worse!
I agree on most of what has been suggested, ie: a new Constitutional Convention, Term limits, voting out all who NOW are in office, gerrymandering stinks, and so does Senator Estrada. The man is prostituting himself to the highest bidder. I will no longer support the Democrat Party in this state. Now, how can we get rid of him ???
There is a way that could at least blunt some of the control that NYC exerts over the state. Revise how the Senate is elected. Use the same methodology used for the US Senate. Elect 1 ( or 2) ssenators from each county. Get rid of the districts. This way upstate NY does not have to go begging. For something to make it through the Assembly and Senate it would have to be workable for the whole state.
Oh and yes term limits.
This is a larger topic that is going to require engineering a culture change. If the state gov’t was a person, they would be in a rehab program to make long lasting change or at the very least some couseling. No that things have been shaken up a little, we need to keep the pressure on so as not to slip into old habits. I’m interested in knowing I can effect change, not just at election time. Does writing people in gv’t really make difference?
It seems to me that there is no silver bullet for reforming NY no matter who is elected or what party they are from between election day and the arrival in albany the turn out true union led puppets.
We as voters on the other hand continue to send the same people back expecting something different. We are in second generation career politicians and continue to lament that nothing changes.
Everyone in this state knows what must change that everyone in albany must go. We furthur constitutional changes that prevent budgets behind closed doors. slush funds for the legislative leadership to reward there followers. The number of taxing authorities reduced or eliminaned. We have no need for the freeway authority and the DOT.Nothing will change so I like many will vote with my feet as soon as I can.
JIM
I would select one feature of state policy that is easily recognized as cruel or stupid and build a state coalition to change it. Delivering a defeat of the status quo will lead to further opportunities using the coalition one has created from the first go-round. . .I have this plan laid out in detail for those who are interested. Send me a note: bjklein@swbell.net
Surrounding the latest federal racket, socialized medicine I have enjoyed watching the fury of the mainstream Americans in these Town Hall summits. They are holding their representatives accountable. WE need to hold such town hall summits in this state with our representatives over our biggest matter, Taxation without representation. The tax rate coupled with perfunctory assessments will ruin this state. We are at a crossroads, we are becoming California. I read the article today over Mr. Golisano’s property tax injustices, what more can this man do for our area!?! The govts. favorite tax payer is a pay up and shut up. Review your assessment and call your city or town, it is what we can do for now. Overpaying is an unequivocal waste of your money.
Money magazine recently published an article on the one hunded best small towns in the country, none of which were in New York State. I couldn’t help but notice that in every case, property taxes were appreciably lower than what I pay in Monroe County. These towns were located in northeastern states like New Jersey, Massachusetts and Connecticut. Each town met the various criteria cited in the article and had an excellent school system. So where are the discrepancies? The first step in my plan would entail studying these towns and gaining insights regarding their operations.
We need a revolution!
But since that won’t happen, I suggest “term limits”. Term limits will work because the same old politicians will only be allowed in office for a maximum of two consecutive terms. So the “zombies” that vote these “liberal thinking Robin Hoods” back into office will be forced to vote for people who just might make a difference.
And for those of you who think term limits won’t work imagine having Jimmy Carter as president for 30 years or Barak Obama, “I’m just sayin’.”
Oh by the way if everyone who pays taxes, that would be the people working the ones who own houses and run businesses, would just stop paying taxes for say 3 months or so. We the people would have Albany in the palm of our hands. That would be a tax revolution, but that won’t happen, we love paying taxes. No instead we should continue to elect the same old “liberal thinking Robin Hoods” back into office.
Get rid of many many layers of NYS Bureaucracy. Get rid of DASNY, OGS, SUCF, and many others. These agencies are doing work the private industry should and could be doing so that there is more work and more jobs in NYS. These agencies are sucking the life out of businesses in NYS. The goverment employees make wages and benefits that so out-rank what private industry can aford to offer our staff. It is so largely out of balance between government pay and private pay, yet these agencies dictate the low fees many in private industry can charge! There’s so little private non-government business in NYS we have no choice but to work where there is some work. Without private industry who will pay government employees!
It amazes me how conservative people from upstate NY still do not get it. They blame the liberal NY City crowd, when the problem lies right within their own. Let me give a history lesson. Up until this past election cycle (2008) the Republican Party controlled the NY State Senate since 1968 and held Governor’s Mansion for 12 years. Conveying that Democrats are the root of the problem when they weren’t’ even in office is absurd. Kolb, Nozzolio, Errigo, Robach, Alesi, Volker, and many others are complaining about taxes now….but weren’t when the Republicans were in office raising taxes themselves. You guys also talk about term limits, that’s nonsense. If you only way an elected official can get out of office, is that you make them….that’s pretty bad. Here’s a wild idea, how about vote the incumbent out? I want to see reform in NY as badly as anyone else, which I why I disagree with the current bodies of Govt. If we though, are so naive to believe that NY only got bad within these last 2 years….then nothing anyone can say or do will help the problems we have.
Jim, term limits protect average imbecil voters like yourself from wondering what happened down the road. Look up the word “entitlements”. You most likely voted for those empty suits you mentioned in your rant and now have buyers remorse. Im sure you are one of those really smart, insightful Independents who takes a wait and see approach while the real people have already joined a fight. You don’t know what reform is….This state needs a constitutional convention in the worst way and to start by electing one republican who has a backbone. Oh and all hail Maggie Brooks…the highest property taxes in the nation! You did it! Thank you for all you have done for the hardworking property owners of this county.
Prior to 1970 the NYC teacher retirement plan was called, “Clancy 1%” … teachers had to work till age 65 … pension plus social security plus savings provided a barely adequate pension.
Nick: Wow, I am an idiotic voter who does not understand issues and does not understand reform? That would make sense if you even read my piece. I posted a message in a different blog that outlines my ideas for reform in New York. Like stop giving state aid to counties that have property taxes above the state average. Only funding school districts that property taxes are near that national average. Cutting social services (welfare, food stamps) 20% and put them on a five year window before they’re services go away. Make the state employees pay at least 7% of their retirement and make them pay that not for 10 years, but for their entire work tenure. By doing these things Nick, we will shed the budge by almost a half. So you talk about a constitutional convention. Why have all the pop and circumstance when we can easily get our elected officials in the halls of the senate and assembly and get things like this done? That’s if you trust your elected officials. If you don’t then how are you going to expect the convention to work? As for me being the problem, I have never and never will vote for a politician who raises taxes. The problem is citizens won’t vote against a politician from their own party who raises taxes. Maybe your in that group, I don’t know. I can tell you one thing though, no incumbent in Ontario county (where I live) will get my vote. I don’t care what party they belong to. The thing is, will you or anyone else do the same?
I just heard Benefits card people(welfare) are getting something like another 14% increase coming up in this next year.. they already got a 30% increase when others are losing their job. I heard they will be getting like $748 per month for a four person family.. This is ridiculous.!!! If someone wants to stay on welfare, let them eat hotdogs and chicken.. if they want to eat prime rib and lobster, get a job… the Average taxpayer doesn’t have a grocery bill like this a month.. how much waste from this state do we have to put up with.. Also, I don’t know how many people know, there is a significant cash allotment, I have seen people buy a pack of gum for $1.00 which then allows them to take out $50.00 in cash (or more) to do with what they want. They can buy booze, cigarettes, drugs or anything else they want with the cash.. This is outrageous…I am barely keeping up with my tax payments and those who don’t want to work live like kings… I am ready to REVOLT. I know many others I speak with feel the same way… Can’t wait to get out of NY soon as I can retire.. I hate it here… can’t take the taxes anymore and see my hard earned, blood sweat and tears money squandered in a welfare state, when I can’t even afford to take a week’s vacation…Let’s stop the corruption and the entitlement payouts..
It is enough that the people know there was an election. The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything.
Joseph Stalin*
It’s time people!! Are wallets and ways of life are being raped by our FAT state government.
We should all join together, take up arms and forcefully take this state back.
There are many people out there that think like me.
Its only a matter of time
The best reform is simplicity! We all morally, ethically, and legally agree that all branches of the government need to remain open in order to balance a fair and equal distribution of power and accountability.
The reason today’s system is plagued results directly from an out of control web weaved by past, present, and future corruption by elected officials. The cure all solution and vaccination to this mess is technology!
The use of technology has always been utilized in the most immediate fashion when it comes to policing the people and administering social control. Why hasn’t technology been used in the same fashion to police and administer political control?
If corruption by elected officials have always been the root problem of society, then it’s the PEOPLES RESPONSIBILITY to implement a technology which shall repair and maintain all government systems which have been declared BY the people and FOR the people!
In conclusion to putting an end to political crime and civil injustice, we the people need to embrace old and proven technology to abolish the old method of using a single human senator and congressman to represent the millions of people who have or have not placed their trust into.
Networking technologies have enabled the U.S.A. government to operate and function as its creator, the people, intended. Voting can work without the use of senators, congressmen, or judges by using an open system where each person of the community is capable to vote on.
Who has the right to rule that any ONE person may have and hold equal or greater power over the many? Now we see the problem as well as the solution to fixing a mess. Simplicity declares that whomever thinks otherwise, MUST be exiled or ignored by any citizen of the people.
I would say it is time to go back to basics. Why do we have a local goverment? In High School I remeber them saying it was to provide services for the area you live in. It was to provide safety and enact laws (reasonable ones) for the folks you service. It was to provide for growth without sacrifcing the services and stability of the local populace. At one point I was made aware of how many taxes we are actually paying hidden and otherwise for this county. (ontario county) The disparity between the haves and have nots here is widening, and recently I have heard a lot of sad stories. I have become one of the working poor and actually have been told I would be better off on welfare or disability. How sad that I have after 32 years of working found myself in such a spot. Down the street from me lives a couple where she is pregnant with her fifth child. They get everything paid for and their health care. They are rewarded with this satisfactory state of living by also being unmarried and they are young. I met a guy at the food cupboard who like myself is working poor. And he was not the only one there. I also live in an area where there is a drug problem with all the issues that go along with that such as violence. I feel politicians need to do their job. All I seem to hear lately is well you can volunteer which I have done. THat does not abdicate their responciility to the citizens in which their job is not to spend every second looking for ways to enrich the area with hugh business that don,t care about us but to help the local citizens first and supply them with services. Its no surprise to me that there is voter apathy. We are too busy trying to stay afloat.
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