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Saturday, November 4, 2017

NY: On Election Day, remember the BACK of the ballot

Social media and street corner gossip has been ripe with comments and scandal regarding county races. There are plenty of town and even a village race that are also capturing attention. These are the known elections, the 'front page' if you will. But when New York voters head to the polls on Tuesday, they need to remember what is on the BACK side of the ballot. Voters in New York State will also decide the future of three statewide propositions.
Prop1:
This proposition, required by law, asks residents if they want a constitutional convention. It's a question required every twenty years. Make no mistake, this has been a touchy subject, especially among those who have worked in any form of government. While I respect everything that has been said about this topic...to be clear...you are only voting on whether or not to permit a constitutional convention. You are not voting on destroying retirements, etc. That's the cart before the horse. BELIEVE ME, I get the concern. You are voting on whether or not, after 20 years, the state constitution needs to be revisited. If it is approved...NOTHING changes (but it opens the door). Next year, you'll vote again (at huge expense) to elect delegates to debate the constitution. Then, in 2019, you'll vote on actual proposed changes.
I can already feel it ...I'll get crap. After interviewing  several elections officials, I'm on solid ground on what I just reported.
I've seen the signs locally. I've felt the heat. However, the vote is what the vote is. I don't (personally) don't have a dog in the race...I do report the facts. Personally, based on a Sienna College poll released this week, the proposition will fail, since a majority of New Yorker's do not support it.
PROP 2:
This one appears to be a 'no brainer.' It basically says, if you are an elected official and commit a felony related to your job, you lose your pension. Yeah...it will pass.
PROP 3:

This is what it is...likely to pass.