Reformer: August-September 2008

IN THIS ISSUE

About Citizens Union and Citizens Union Foundation

Citizens Union of the City of New York is an independent, non-partisan force dedicated to promoting good government and political reform in the city and state of New York. For more than a century, Citizens Union has served as a watchdog for the public interest and an advocate for the common good. We work to ensure fair elections, clean campaigns, and open, effective government that is accountable to the citizens of New York. We do so by informing the policy debate and influencing the policy outcomes that affect the lives of all New Yorkers. Believing that an informed citizenry is the cornerstone of a thriving local democracy, Citizens Union Foundation – the non profit research, education, and advocacy organization affiliated with CU – publishes Gotham Gazette, a front row seat to New York City policies and politics.

Join Citizens Union

Click here to become a member.

from Dick Dadey, Executive Director

City Updates

Amicus Brief in Support of New York City’s Campaign Finance System

City Council Budget Reform

With the City Council budget adoption approaching, the Council is currently implementing a series of reforms that were announced in early May to reform the budget allocation process. The reforms include increasing pre-clearance and disclosure requirements for organizations requesting funding, increasing the amount of information provided, improving the presentation of data included in budgetary documents such as Schedule C and making this data available electronically, and appointing an independent compliance officer. To see Citizens Union’s statement in support of these reforms, please click here.

State Updates

The End of Session and State of Reform

Campaign Finance Reform

Elections Update

2008 Local Candidates Committee

The Local Candidates Committee will begin interviewing candidates in July in preparation for the September primary. If you are interested in becoming a member of the committee this year, please contact Andrea Senteno at asenteno@citizensunion.org or 212.227.0342 x22.

Poll Worker Recruitment for the Upcoming Elections

Citizens Union and Colleagues Call for Election Reforms in Time for Fall’s Elections

Civics Education Initiative

Gotham Gazette Highlights

Events

Breakfast Brief with John Liu

Citizens Union Annual Members Meeting

Breakfast Brief with David Weprin

Citizens Union Awards Dinner

The Citizens Union 2008 Annual Awards Dinner will be held on Tuesday, October 28th at the Waldorf=Astoria. We will honor four exemplary New York leaders:

Agnes Gund, Robert F. Wagner Jr. Award
Janno Lieber, Business Leadership Award
Basil A. Paterson, Civic Leadership Award
Dennison Young, Jr., Public Service Award

Please save the date for what will be a fine evening and a chance to recognize the contributions of four outstanding New Yorkers.

Who is Citizens Union?

Ogden Lewis, Emeritus Chair of Citizens Union

Join Citizens Union as a Member

With the Breakfast Briefs, Civic Conversations, the Gotham Reformers Reception, four candidate debates and much more coming up in the next few months, now is a great time to be a member of Citizens Union. If your membership is expiring or lapsed, please take a moment to renew your membership in Citizens Union. Also, please help to spread the word about our work and encourage people to join this organization.

When you stand with us for good government, Citizens Union is stronger and more influential. Help make reform a reality!