Page 3 - Demo

Constitutional convention: You’re not invited,
Wbut you’re paying for the party
hat would you do if you were asked convention is because of the potential cost. A
to invest in a project that has no set convention could cost our state hundreds of deadline, no guaranteed results, would millions of dollars. This money could be used for
not include you at any level and could end up losing you money?
Chances are, you would pass.
But supporters of a state constitutional convention want you to vote to approve a convention that is not only expensive, but has too many unknowns.
Simply put, a constitutional convention is a boondoggle that is wrong for New York and its people.
The state constitution protects many
things that are important to you, including your pensions, collective bargaining rights, state civil service rights, human rights, our environment, public education and many more of your personal freedoms. A convention could jeopardize many of these protections.
Another major reason we oppose a
changes from the 1967 convention, packaged together in one ballot question, were rejected by voters. Taxpayers literally paid millions for nothing.
In short, we’re not invited to this party, yet we would foot the bill.
A constitutional convention is also unnecessary. The state legislature can amend the state constitution through a resolution passed in consecutive sessions and brought before all New Yorkers for approval. Not only does this allow changes to be made without opening everything in the constitution, but our state has passed over 200 amendments in this manner.
Go to the polls and vote ‘NO’ on Nov. 7 — and urge your families and friends to do the same. Getting out to vote is the ONLY way your voice will count.
— Janice Gavin
“We have to vote down the constitutional convention. As a retiree and a small business person, I cannot afford to lose what I have, and believe me, don’t even think about being grandfathered in for y”our pension – it’s not going to work.
— Sally Heater, CSEA/VOICE Local 100A Secretary/Treasurer and CSEA Retiree
“I’m voting no because a convention is too risky. Our retirement system is well-managed, and there are a lot of people who would like to get their hands on those funds. We need to work hard to protect what we’ve earned through the state, especially when we continue to see attacks at the federal level, including Social Security.”
— Gary Baxter, Dutchess-Putnam Retirees Local member
“I am voting against the constitutional convention because I don’t want to open
up the state’s constitution to a bunch of special interest groups, supported by corporations, to be able to do harmful things to my community, and it would also” cost the state a lot of money.
— David Quimby, Syracuse Area Retirees Local member
“I am voting no because I don’t want anyone messing with my retirement. I have family affected by the recent Teamster pension cuts, and it’s been devastating for them. We can’t take a chance on it happening in our pension system.”
— Barbara Roberts, Dutchess-Putnam Retirees Local member
vital services such as improving infrastructure, emergency services, education or health care.
If a convention is approved, New Yorkers would elect delegates next year. Most of the delegates are likely to come from the ranks
of corporate lobbyists and wealthy special interests who already have an influential voice. Elected officials would also be eligible to become delegates.
Delegates would not only be paid nearly $80,000 each, plus pension credit (including elected officials already in the system), but they would be allowed to rent office space and hire staff. By the way, delegates would have no restrictions on hiring their friends or relatives.
A convention has no set time limit, delegates can set their own rules and there are no guarantees about the results. All of the proposed
FALL 2017
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