August 24, 2010 - In its 100th year of candidate evaluation, historic civic group supports the reelection of only six incumbent legislators. Good Government Group also supports the election of seven challengers to current incumbents, backs four candidates in open seats and passes on supporting the reelection of seven incumbent legislators.
August 2, 2010 - Good Government Group's study reveals turnout is 57 percent higher for City Council nonpartisan special elections than partisan contests for state legislative seats. Report shatters opponents' argument that voter turnout is similar for non partisan and partisan elections. Citizens Union calls on city charter to embrace a top-two election system and begin the process of giving greater voter choice to New Yorkers.
June 30, 2010 - Calls for increasing avenues for participation in both elections and governing in a diverse and large city. Calls for independent budgeting for the public advocate, borough presidents, community boards and the conflicts of interest board (COIB.)
June 25, 2010 - Assembly governmental operations committee unanimously passes Gianaris bill to create an independent redistricting commission and draw fair districts. Passage follows recent approval by two committees in the State Senate as majority of Senate Democrats now support Valesky companion bill to reform redistricting as support rises and public clamors for reform.
March 1, 2010 - Good-Government Organization Backs Greenfield as Best Candidate in Council District 44 Race
February 19, 2010 - Move is heralded, but more independence and permanence are needed. Clear definition of work’s Scope and proper funding of CCRB are key to initiative’s success.
January 19, 2010 - Hails 4-year progress in transparency but urges end to committee stipends. Report calls for number of committees to be halved and council meetings to be webcast. Asks twenty-one supportive councilmembers to vote their position and end stipends.
October 29, 2009 - Allegedly a fund was created to pay Senator Monserrate’s legal bills related to his recent criminal case, as well as the pending review by a special Senate committee regarding his fitness for office in light of his conviction on misdemeanor assault charges.
September 22, 2009 - Decision upholding appointment of Lt. Governor. Groups urged Governor in early July to undertake this constitutional move to break deadlock in State Senate.
September 11, 2009 - See Senate amendment as necessary since it adds needed teeth to enforcement. Original bill a modest but incomplete step forward.
July 29, 2009 - New Council Bill Would Improve Independence and Public Confidence in Civilian Complaint Oversight System.
July 16, 2009 - Too soon to retire dysfunctional label, groups say, but a strong step forward.
June 29, 2009 - A coalition of long-time reform organizations today released the outline of their plan to end the Senate stalemate. Citizens Union, Common Cause/NY, the League of Women Voters, and NYPIRG issued their plea as the state Senate entered its fourth week of gridlock.
June 18, 2009 - At its core, Councilpedia will be a wiki devoted to local elected officials. It will focus on the relationships between the 51 New York City Council members, borough presidents and citywide office holders, and their campaign donations and donors.
June 12, 2009 - Good Government Group calls for efforts to strengthen accountability, transparency and parental participation in public education. Supports no fixed terms for pep members but proposes 90-day notice for removal.
May 18, 2009 - Structural change to election administration aimed at reforming arcane system. Good Government Group releases a series of recommendations to improve voting and reform elections that can be made now without changing the state constitution.
April 4, 2009 - A regrettably closed-door process turned the December Doomsday Executive Budget proposal into a "Happy Days are Here Again" budget in April.
March 25, 2009 - Calls for long overdue state action to prevent their implementation.
February 18, 2009 - Historic Good Government Group urges adoption of balanced package in whole because it shares the burden. Opposes Envisioned New Role for MTA Chair and Advocates Additional Measures on Public Reporting and Accountability.
February 17, 2009 - Business interests dominate campaign donations; real estate and health care industries biggest corporate campaign contributors. Civic groups call for public financing of elections and other campaign reforms.
February 13, 2009 - Historic Good-Government Organization supports Francisco Moya in Queens Council District 21, Geraldine Chapey in Queens Council District 32 and Deborah Rose in Staten Island Council District 49. Competitive contests exist in February 24th Special Election.
December 17, 2008 - Election Day Lines: Examining the Problem and Proposing Solutions
December 15, 2008 - Good Government Group issues recommendations to increase integrity, transparency, and efficiency of state budget process as Governor presents fiscal plan. Reform needed even more if public is to support budget decisions to deal with fiscal crisis.
December 11, 2008 - Annual Public Hearing of the NYC Voter Assistance Commission
November 25, 2008 - Election Reform and Modernization: Considering Early Voting, Same-Day Registration and Electronic Voter Registration