Statements and Letters – Page 5

Statement of Randy Mastro, Chair of Citizens Union

February 19, 2020 - A cornerstone of our republic has always been a justice system committed to fairness, honesty and integrity. The rule of law is only as strong as the dedicated men and women who enforce it on our behalf in the U.S. Justice Department. But now, their work is under political attack by a President who thinks it appropriate to call for the prosecution of his political enemies and the protection of his political allies. If we are to keep our republic, this latest affront to our democracy cannot go unchecked and unchallenged.

Citizens Union Calls on Legislature to Reject Proposals Put Forth by the New York State Public Campaign Financing Commission

December 18, 2019 - We urge the State Legislature to reconvene and reject proposals put forth by the New York State Public Campaign Financing Commission

Statement Regarding New York State Campaign Finance Commission Report

The purpose of campaign finance reform is to reduce the influence of large contributions in our political system, to encourage…

Citizens Union Celebrates Passing of Ranked Choice Voting and Reforms to the Civilian Complaint Review Board

November 5, 2019 - Citizens Union is pleased that New York City voters have embraced reforms to make our city elections more democratic, and increase oversight of the police department.

Citizens Union Applauds Charter Revision Commission for Putting Ranked Choice Voting, CCRB Reforms on November Ballot

July 25, 2019 — Citizens Union, a leading good government group committed to fostering accountability, accessibility, and transparency in our government issues the following statement from Executive Director Betsy Gotbaum on the proposals put on the ballot by the Charter Revision Commission.

Albany Passes Hsitoric Pro-Democracy Reforms, Long Championed by Citizens Union

January 14, 2019 - Today, the Senate and Assembly kept their promise to New Yorkers and passed historic reforms that will protect and expand voting rights in New York State. For too long, New York has had regressive voting laws that depress voter participation.

Letter to Legislative Leaders in Support of Rules Reform in the Legislature 2019

January 8, 2019 - Group letter to the four legislative leaders urging them to reform the rules governing the proceedings and operations of the legislature.

City & State Elected Officials, Civil Rights, Good Government & Community Groups, & New Yorkers Impacted by Police Brutality Call for Repeal of State Police Secrecy Law That is One of Worst in Nation

June 8, 2018 - Group condemns NYPD’s misuse of state law 50-a with frequently changing and new interpretations, urge Mayor de Blasio to support concrete policy reform that repeals state law.

Citizens Union Critiques Mayor de Blasio’s Influence on the Charter Revision Commission Process

February 21, 2018 - Citizens Union delivered a letter on Friday, February 16th, to Mayor de Blasio’s office in City Hall, critical of the manner in which the Mayor is approaching the creation of a Charter Revision Commission.

Good Government Groups Call for Ethics and Rules Changes as Assembly Picks New Speaker

February 2, 2015 - Urge lawmakers to seize opportunity to restore public's faith in state government.

New Council Member Items Uphold Promise Of More Equality For Districts

June 25, 2014 - Districts to receive near equal amounts of expense funds and equal capital funds.

New Rules New Spirit at City Council

May 14, 2014 - Citizens Union commends the City Council and Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito for the adoption of a new set of rules for the Council that was the result of a public process unlike any done before by the Council.

Proposing Substantial Improvements to Reforming the Council’s Rules

April 29, 2014 - Citizens Union commends the City Council and Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito for proposing substantial improvements to reforming the Council’s rules and making it a more democratically-run legislative body.

Statement on the Mayor’s Judicial Appointments by Citizens Union, the Fund for Modern Courts and the New York City Bar Association

December 17, 2013 - Three Civic Groups urge Mayor-Elect de Blasio to continue merit selection process for city judges begun by Mayor Koch.

Citizens Union Announces Majority Support In New York City Council For Long-needed Council Rules Reforms

November 20, 2013 - Widespread support exists to address even those personal benefits often prized by councilmembers - reduce number of committees, limit “Lulus” to leadership positions, and create a more equitable and needs-based discretionary funding process.

Citizens Union Announces Majority Support in New York City Council for Long-Needed Council Rules Reforms

November 20, 2013 - Widespread Support Exists to Address Even Those Personal Benefits Often Prized by Councilmembers - Reduce Number of Committees, Limit “Lulus” to Leadership Positions, and Create a More Equitable and Needs-Based Discretionary Funding Process

Citizens Union Opposes Proposal To Raise Retirement Age For Certain State Judges

October 22, 2013 - Good Government Group believes constitutional amendment is misplaced reform.

Citizens Union and Civic Groups Defends NYC Campaign Finance System in Amicus Brief, Ognibene v. Parkes

July 2, 2012 - New York City’s model public financing system must be upheld, replicated statewide. Good Government Groups file brief in Ognibene v. Parkes.

Citizens Union Issues Recommendations On City Charter Revision Proposals On The Ballot November 2nd 2010

October 27, 2010 - Recommendations on ballot questions are part of historic Good Government Group's 100th anniversary voters directory now available online along with candidate questionnaires. Opposes question #1 reducing the term limits of city elected officials to two terms. Supports a "yes" vote on question #2 requiring disclosure of independent campaign expenditures and easing access to the ballot for candidates.

Statement On Senate Rules Changes New Rules A Solid Improvement

July 16, 2009 - Too soon to retire dysfunctional label, groups say, but a strong step forward.

Reform Coalition Offers Blueprint to End Senate Stalemate

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.