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It’s My Turn

Say No to the Constitutional Convention


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To have a constitutional convention or to not have a constitutional convention, on Tuesday, Nov. 7, on the back of your ballot, that will be the question.

Over the last few months, there has been a great deal of discussion about this issue, and with good reason. Every 20 years, voters across New York State get the chance to decide whether to elect delegates to convene at the Capitol and propose changes to our state constitution.

There are those who support the idea, citing wants to institute term limits for state officials or get money out of politics. The argument goes that while such changes could be accomplished through the normal legislative process, our state government is so gridlocked that a drastic measure such as this is necessary.

On the other side, there is the reality that our state constitution grants us even stronger protections than those afforded by its federal counterpart. Collective bargaining, a sound basic education and public employee pensions that cannot be diminished or impaired are all guaranteed in this document. Don’t be fooled: if we vote yes, everything is on the table. For many, this risk outweighs any potential rewards.

Unlike my City Council opponent, I emphatically do not support the convention. Never have, never will.

Though we certainly need to improve the way our government operates, the prospect of a constitutional convention is too dangerous. If delegates were elected, they would likely be the same crop of politicians we have now. In addition to being unproductive in their normal jobs, they would have the chance to stink up the room at a convention that would end up costing taxpayers a fortune.

The last time a constitutional convention occurred was 1967. It cost up to $300 million in today’s dollars and accomplished nothing.

Earlier this year, the opposing candidate claimed a convention was uniquely situated to achieve what he described as “pension entitlement reform.” He later walked that statement back, saying he supported the convention as long as it left pensions untouched. Recently he changed his mind again, and now has a few days remaining to take another position.

It is evident that anyone who believes in the possibility of putting conditions on a Pandora’s Box is either naive, duplicitous or simply under-educated on the issue. The ballot question will not be “Shall there be a convention to revise the constitution and amend the same, so long as pensions are not affected?” Obviously not. Therefore, regardless of whether the opponent will stick to his current stance — which is that he’ll now be quiet about the convention because a majority of his constituency doesn’t support it — I will be out there, knocking on doors, and making sure that while voters turn out for us across the 32nd District, they are aware of the dangers of the convention and vote “no” on the ballot measure.

I have no problem being the one to carry the banner of rationality and caution when it comes to the well-being of the hard working men and women of our district.

On Election Day, stand with me in solidarity.

   Mike Scala is the Democratic nominee for the 32nd District of the New York City Council

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