For Unshackle Upstate, the 2010 elections were just the first leg of a distance race aimed at lowering taxes, reducing state spending and ending dysfunction in the New York State Legislature.
Each and every spring we seem to do a lot of communicating with our members about how bad Albany is. Just a few years back, it was the Brennan Center’s report that New York State had the most dysfunctional government in the nation. Year-in and year-out around that time, late budgets became the norm, annually [...]
An email from one resident expressing hope for a brighter future for New York makes Unshackle Upstate’s efforts relevant and worthwhile.
Regrettably, the lyrics have changed to the once popular “NY State of Mind” song. It’s now “NY State of Disarray” which includes new phrases such as “A state that can’t seem to stop spending increases” and “Having representatives that no longer serve the interests of the State.” Moreover, recent verses have just been added that include “Politicians that violate the citizen trust” and “Voter apathy in NYS that seems ever increasing.”
You hear everyone talking about his or her rights. Whether they’re speaking specifically about the Bill of Rights or simply thinking in terms of what the government should do for you and me. Aren’t “we the people” the government and if so then shouldn’t the government be a direct reflection of us and our wants and wishes?
I am really excited to share with you our new initiatives this week: The Scorecard: A Judgment Day Primer for Voters and our 2010 campaign called “11.2.2010…Judgment Day for State Legislator\s.” These two important programs will allow us to tell you exactly what takes place at the Capitol and who the good and bad actors are within each party. And Judgment Day is really what we are talking about…poor decisions by elected officials means they don’t get to go back and represent us.
We’ve heard the calls for change over the last several years. Let us also remember NY State has very significant challenges: minimal turnover in representation leading to long careers for our representatives, negative views of the legislature, low popularity and support for Governor Paterson, private sector exit from the State, and a 2010 $8.2 billion State budget deficit.
