For Immediate Release
Contact: Jake Oliver, jake@anatgerstein.com, 347 361 9983
To view Citizens Union’s full positions on the 2024 ballot questions, click here
New York, NY (November 6, 2024) – Citizens Union has released the following statement from Executive Director Betsy Gotbaum in response to the results of Tuesday evening’s election:
“Citizens Union applauds New York voters for their clear and decisive vote on the statewide ballot question to amend the New York State Constitution. By voting YES on Proposition 1, New Yorkers took an important step towards guaranteeing that we are all treated with the dignity and equality we deserve and ensuring unimpeded access to reproductive health care.
“Citizens Union is disappointed by the results of this year’s citywide ballot questions, as New York City voters approved the majority of the proposed measures, reinforcing a flawed Charter Revision process that allowed political considerations to eclipse genuine public engagement. While Citizens Union opposed question 6 because this could have been achieved through legislative or executive action, it appears this measure was voted down because it sought to aid Minority and Women-Owned Businesses. This is deeply troubling. Going forward, this proposal should be considered by the City Council through the regular legislative process.”
“The Charter Revision Commission’s hasty timeline – the fastest seen in over two decades, crammed into just two summer months – left no room for genuine public engagement and sidelined critical input from the people of New York. This process highlights the urgent need to reform how our City Charter is revised moving forward. Now is the time to support legislation introduced by Senator Liz Krueger and Assembly Member Tony Simone to ensure that the Charter Revision process reflects balance and real public input. This legislation would safeguard the City Charter from political maneuvering and restore public trust, establishing clear timelines and removing any one office’s power to obstruct citizen-led or Council-initiated proposals.”
“New Yorkers deserve a City Charter that is a true reflection of our collective needs and aspirations. Citizens Union calls on the legislature to bring genuine democratic integrity to our city’s constitution.”