A roundup with the latest news highlighting the corrosive nature of money in New York State politics — and the need for public financing and robust campaign finance reform.
In closing arguments Mr. Boyland’s attorneys all but admitted that the Assemblyman did no actual marketing or community outreach work during the time he was paid $35,000 per year as a consultant to Medisys.
By using the so-called "Nuclear Option," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid certainly showed some chutzpah. But what happened was not revolutionary — indeed, it was not even unprecedented.
The American Bar Association showed its leadership by passing a resolution on judicial disqualification and urging greater transparency of judicial campaign spending.
With the lowest judicial pay in the country, relative to cost of living, a Special Commission in New York weighs the pros and cons of adjusting salaries.
Campaign finance reform opponents will crow about the death of public financing. But don’t believe the hype. Public financing is alive and well…and living in New York City.
The Census Bureau is in the middle of releasing mountains of data -- and this data is about to make it much easier for communities of interest to define themselves and speak up effectively in the redistricting process.
