It was wonderful to see so many of you earlier this month at our Gotham Greats Celebration. Thank you to everyone who took time out of your busy schedules to join us to recognize our incredible honorees – Deborah Archer, Richard Buery, Eric R. Dinallo, Ed Skyler, and Elizabeth Velez.
I hope you will join us on October 24 at the Metropolitan Club for our annual Gotham Greats Awards. The evening will recognize five extraordinary New Yorkers – Deborah Archer, Richard Buery, Eric R. Dinallo, Ed Skylar and Elizabeth Velez.
Election season is upon us again. The 2023 General Election ballot includes races for the New York City Council, Bronx and Queens district attorneys, judicial positions, and two ballot questions to amend the state constitution. We’ve announced our support of candidates in a few key City Council races, which you can read about here.
Early voting started on Saturday, October 28, and runs through Sunday, November 5. You can find your early voting site, hours, and election day poll site here.
You can read more about what we’ve been up to this month in this edition of The Reformer.
Best,
Betsy Gotbaum
Executive Director, Citizens Union/Citizens Union Foundation
POLICY UPDATES
Citizens Union Endorses Four City Council Candidates
Last week, we announced our endorsements of Linda Lee (District 23), Sandy Nurse (District 37), Justin Brannan (District 47), and Susan Zhuang (District 43) for City Council. To view our online Voters Directory, click here.
We evaluate candidates based on their alignment with our reform agenda, views explicitly on ethics, election reform, and police accountability, their ability to advance their agenda once in office, knowledge of the needs of their constituents, and the ability to wage an effective and competitive campaign.
Early Voting for the elections for City Council, District Attorney (Bronx, Queens, Staten Island), and Civil Court began on Saturday, October 28, and runs through Sunday, November 5. Election Day is Tuesday, November 7. To find your early voting and election day poll sites and hours, click here.
The Independent Redistricting Commission’s Partisan Call for Public Input
Earlier this month, the state Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) issued a call for public comment on what New York’s congressional districts should look like ahead of a decision from the Court of Appeals on the congressional district lines. Part of the reason we are in this mess is because the IRC failed to come to a conclusion on the maps. Thus, the legislature drew partisan lines, which have been challenged in the courts.
Soliciting input at this time only adds to the confusion and partisanship already present in the process. We urge members of the IRC to work together in advance of the Court of Appeals decision on congressional districting.
You can read our full statement here.
A Milestone for New York State’s Public Campaign Finance Program
Late last month, New York State’s new Public Campaign Finance Program reached an important milestone – 100 candidates signed up for the program ahead of the 2024 election cycle.
This milestone affirms what campaigns and voters already know– public financing of campaigns is the best way to connect candidates with their constituencies and amplify the voices of everyday New Yorkers in our politics. Candidates running for state office can qualify for public matching funds based on small donations from $5 to $250, similar to New York City’s matching funds program. As we celebrate the diverse mix of candidates who have signed up for the New York Public Campaign Finance Program, we urge all contenders to participate.
You can read more from Fair Elections for New York’s statement here.
GOTHAM GREATS RECAP: HONORING FIVE INCREDIBLE NEW YORKERS
On Tuesday, October 24th, we gathered with our friends and supporters at The Metropolitan Club to celebrate the accomplishments of our esteemed honorees. Congratulations to Deborah Archer, Richard Buery, Eric R. Dinallo, Ed Skyler, and Elizabeth Velez on winning the Gotham Greats Award. Our city and our democracy are stronger thanks to the contributions of these incredible New Yorkers, and it is our honor to recognize them.
To read more about this year’s Gotham Greats Celebration and to see photos from the event, click here.
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