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Help derail push to reopen state constitution
Assembly Member Richard Brodsky is pushing very hard for a Constitutional Convention as an opportunity to fix the dysfunction that appears endemic to NYS government. While this is a worthy goal, opening the Constitution to modification could result in other changes too.
Our pensions are guaranteed under the state Constitution and if determined efforts were made to do away with that protection under the guise of fiscal reform, it would be up to us to stop them.
Numerous “good government” and business groups are just waiting for this opportunity. Because of the failures of our elected officials, we are in a time of fiscal difficulty, but retirees are becoming the scapegoats.
Although our state government frequently does not work well, reasoned arguments can be made against calling a Constitutional Convention. Besides opening everything up to change (environmental protections are another example), the basic objection is that it may not be necessary.
A more prudent approach to making NYS government more effective would begin with examining changes or improvements that could be instituted by statute. Such action would require tact, diplomacy, compromise, lots of effort, and sincerity of purpose, but it could be successful. A Constitutional Convention should be the last resort.
So, contact your state legislators and tell them that a Constitutional Convention is not a good idea and that you will be watching their actions carefully. In addition, have your families and friends do the same.
The
Communicator Dec.04-Jan.05
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