Posted on 06/30/2009 8:37:41 AM PDT by neverdem
NEW YORK STATE government is not working. This has been true for some time. But the paralysis and confusion that has overtaken the capital demonstrates the need to confront this dysfunction directly and take decisive steps to solve it once and for all. That’s why I’m calling on Albany to convene a state constitutional convention.
This is not a partisan criticism. There is enough blame for all to share. Recently, though, the situation in our state has gone from bad to worse.
There are more New Yorkers unemployed than at any time in 33 years, and the poverty rate is rising. Our combined state and local tax burden is the highest in the nation after New Jersey. Our business tax climate is rated the second worst in the country. And in the face of the worst recession in a quarter-century, the State Legislature decided to increase spending by 9 percent while increasing taxes and fees by $8 billion. No wonder a recent poll showed that more than 20 percent of New Yorkers are thinking of leaving the state in search of lower taxes and fewer government mandates.
Over the course of New York’s history, our state has held seven constitutional conventions, one as recently as 1967. Calling another convention would be an extraordinary step, but it is a necessary and effective way to overcome the challenges we face. It would be an opportunity for Republicans, Democrats and independents to come together, take a long hard look at our problems and then propose real, lasting solutions.
If the State Legislature were to approve the measure in the next few weeks, New Yorkers could vote on whether to proceed with a constitutional convention this November. A “yes” vote would move the process forward, allowing voters to choose a slate of delegates in...
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
Giuliani won the election in Nov. 93. He endorsed Cuomo in 1994 over Pataki. He took office in Jan. 94. He left office in Jan. 2002. Between Peter King and Giuliani, I'll take Rudy. King is a current gun grabber. Giuliani renounced that for now.
We can have both—Rudy for governor and King for Senate. In NY, both would be a giant step in the right direction.
The less they do... the less it costs me.
The NY legislature has nothing on Alabama. Biggest do nothing pocket liners in these 50 states.
There are more New Yorkers unemployed than at any time in 33 years, and the poverty rate is rising. ....................................... I thought Hillary promised 250,000 new jobs via her connections. What happened? Hey, no problem, raise the taxes, NY’ers love taxes. Town tax, county tax, State tax, sales tax, gas tax, tobacco tax, income tax. telephone tax, taxi tax, etc etc.. By the time NY is done with taxes your 35k income nets about 15K. If you live on L.I. make that 10K.
Never let a crisis go to waste. New York State is remarkably conservative, but it has always been held hostage by the liberal fascists in New York City, who gutted the economy and turned upstate into Appalachia. This would be a good time for New Yorkers to cede the City to New Jersey, declare independence from the communists, and join Free Americans in rural Pennsylvania and Ohio to form a large free state.
—my heart goes out to you NY’ers—it reminds me of living in San Francisco and having to realize that Diane Feinstein was as good as it was gonna get as mayor—
Works for me :)
Close the doors to the legislature and lock them.
I’d rather they did nothing, then do something that just raises the taxes higher and higher.
we should sue for their salaries back during this entire period of inactivity.
NY has 3 GOP congressmen out of 29. There are 10 districts in the city so 3 out of 19 still is not very good.
The downside is that southeastern PA and downstate NY would be super-liberal states on the order of Massachusetts. The net result would be one moderate to conservative state and two super-liberal states as opposed to one liberal state and one moderate to liberal state.
It’s not just about party, though. My district tossed out its GOP critter after he voted for the Porkulus after voting against it. He was replaced with a ‘Rat who’s the next best thing to a Socialist. Funny thing is, though, after the ‘Rat got himself elected, his votes have become more conservative. Go figger :)
I think Rudy has announced here he will run for governor.
Rummyfan, I agree. That's why I posted it. That's why I try to scan the NY Times' OpEd Contributors at least once weekly, i.e. they might have something worth reading. They are not on the Times' regular payroll. They are guests.
Power struggle impedes New York gay marriage vote
FReepmail me if you want on or off my New York ping list.
Thanks for the ping!
bump for later comment.
That needs to be repeated loud and often.
Too many FReepers shred NY and blame us for what's going on in the state.
NYC tips the balance for almost EVERYTHING. Our votes haven't counted in years.
The most important point is term limits. Sheldon Silver has got to go!
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