For the government to work, we need competence and public trust. Nothing will restore public trust more than campaign finance reform. And a small donor matching system, like New York City's program, is critical.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo spoke to a group of business and civic leaders at a lunch event promoting small donor matching funds for New York elections. The following are remarks from the panel discussion on the role money plays in state politics.
We are thrilled that the governor has taken up the toughest challenge of all: meaningful campaign reform. We believe passionately: Small donor matching funds can give ordinary citizens the loudest voice even in the face of secret money and Super PACs.
After a corruption scandal rocked New York City, Mayor Ed Koch helped develop a new campaign finance system using public matching grants. With many voters lacking faith in Albany due to the power of big money, we need a similar system statewide.
The Independent Democratic Conference will caucus with the Republican Party, promising that the new power-sharing agreement would finally end Albany dysfunction and bring needed attention to key issues like campaign finance reform.
