{"id":202,"date":"2015-02-03T20:35:00","date_gmt":"2015-02-03T20:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/newyork.concon.info\/?page_id=202"},"modified":"2017-08-14T16:55:44","modified_gmt":"2017-08-14T20:55:44","slug":"2017-cycle-opinion","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/newyork.concon.info\/?page_id=202","title":{"rendered":"2017 Cycle&#8211;Opinion"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section bb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;section&#8221; background_image=&#8221;http:\/\/newyork.concon.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/NewYorkStateAssembly-PNG.png&#8221; transparent_background=&#8221;on&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; allow_player_pause=&#8221;off&#8221; inner_shadow=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_method=&#8221;off&#8221; padding_mobile=&#8221;off&#8221; make_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221; use_custom_width=&#8221;off&#8221; width_unit=&#8221;off&#8221; custom_width_px=&#8221;1080px&#8221; custom_width_percent=&#8221;80%&#8221; make_equal=&#8221;off&#8221; use_custom_gutter=&#8221;off&#8221; fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221; specialty=&#8221;off&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221;][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label=&#8221;Fullwidth Header&#8211;The New York State Constitutional Convention Clearinghouse&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; header_fullscreen=&#8221;off&#8221; header_scroll_down=&#8221;off&#8221; max_width=&#8221;2600&#8243; parallax=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method=&#8221;off&#8221; content_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; image_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; title_font_size=&#8221;30px&#8221; content_font_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; custom_button_one=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_text_size=&#8221;20&#8243; button_one_letter_spacing=&#8221;0&#8243; button_one_use_icon=&#8221;default&#8221; button_one_icon_placement=&#8221;right&#8221; button_one_on_hover=&#8221;on&#8221; button_one_letter_spacing_hover=&#8221;0&#8243; custom_button_two=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_text_size=&#8221;20&#8243; button_two_letter_spacing=&#8221;0&#8243; button_two_use_icon=&#8221;default&#8221; button_two_icon_placement=&#8221;right&#8221; button_two_on_hover=&#8221;on&#8221; button_two_letter_spacing_hover=&#8221;0&#8243; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; global_module=&#8221;720&#8243; saved_tabs=&#8221;all&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>The New York State Constitutional Convention Clearinghouse<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong>Information Related to\u00a0New York&#8217;s Nov. 7, 2017 Constitutional Convention Referendum<\/h4>\n<p>[\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;section&#8221; transparent_background=&#8221;off&#8221; allow_player_pause=&#8221;off&#8221; inner_shadow=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method=&#8221;on&#8221; padding_mobile=&#8221;off&#8221; make_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221; use_custom_width=&#8221;off&#8221; width_unit=&#8221;off&#8221; custom_width_px=&#8221;1080px&#8221; custom_width_percent=&#8221;80%&#8221; make_equal=&#8221;off&#8221; use_custom_gutter=&#8221;off&#8221; fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221; specialty=&#8221;off&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221;][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221; make_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221; use_custom_width=&#8221;off&#8221; width_unit=&#8221;off&#8221; custom_width_px=&#8221;1080px&#8221; custom_width_percent=&#8221;80%&#8221; use_custom_gutter=&#8221;off&#8221; gutter_width=&#8221;3&#8243; padding_mobile=&#8221;off&#8221; allow_player_pause=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method=&#8221;on&#8221; make_equal=&#8221;off&#8221; column_padding_mobile=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_1=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_1=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_2=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_2=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_3=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_3=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_4=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_4=&#8221;on&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Newspaper Op-eds on the Nov. 7 Referendum&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Newspaper Op-eds on\u00a0the<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>November 17, 2017 Referendum*<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221; make_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221; use_custom_width=&#8221;off&#8221; width_unit=&#8221;off&#8221; custom_width_px=&#8221;1080px&#8221; custom_width_percent=&#8221;80%&#8221; use_custom_gutter=&#8221;off&#8221; gutter_width=&#8221;3&#8243; padding_mobile=&#8221;off&#8221; allow_player_pause=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method=&#8221;on&#8221; make_equal=&#8221;off&#8221; column_padding_mobile=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_1=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_1=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_2=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_2=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_3=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_3=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_4=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_4=&#8221;on&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Vote Yes&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Vote\u00a0Yes<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Vote Yes Text&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.0.51&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>Lachman, Seymour P., <a href=\"http:\/\/www.timesunion.com\/tuplus-opinion\/article\/Commentary-Voters-have-chance-to-deal-with-11210917.php\">Voters have chance to deal with government&#8217;s decline<\/a>, <em>Albany Times Union<\/em>, June 10, 2007<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Foss,Sara, <a href=\"https:\/\/dailygazette.com\/article\/2017\/05\/01\/foss-constitutional-convention-worthy-of-consideration\">Constitutional convention worthy of consideration<\/a>, <em>The Daily Gazette<\/em>, May 1, 2017.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Levy, Steve, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.longislandpress.com\/2017\/04\/05\/should-voters-ok-referendum-for-a-ny-constitutional-convention\/\">Should Voters OK Referendum for a NY Constitutional Convention?<\/a>, Long Island Press, April 5, 2017.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Davis, Evan, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.democratandchronicle.com\/story\/opinion\/guest-column\/2017\/03\/28\/constitutional-convention-chance-reform\/99724998\/\">Constitutional Convention is our chance for reform<\/a>, Democrat &amp; Chronicle, March 28, 2017.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Barkan, Ross, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.villagevoice.com\/news\/if-you-want-to-fix-albany-dare-to-dream-of-a-constitutional-convention-9805758\">If You Want To Fix Albany, Dare To Dream Of A Constitutional Convention<\/a>, <em>Village Voice<\/em>, March 23, 2017.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Dearstyne, Bruce W., <a href=\"http:\/\/www.gothamgazette.com\/opinion\/6795-business-contributions-and-campaign-finance-in-new-york-deep-historical-roots\">Business Contributions and Campaign Finance in New York: Deep Historical Roots<\/a>, <em>Gotham Gazette<\/em>, March 8, 2017.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Davis, Evan,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nydailynews.com\/opinion\/n-y-s-democracy-overhaul-article-1.2981747\">\u00a0N.Y.\u2019s democracy needs an overhaul<\/a>, <em>New York Daily News<\/em>, February 25, 2017.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Kolb, Brian, <a href=\"http:\/\/auburnpub.com\/news\/opinion\/columnists\/kolb-the-case-for-a-constitutional-convention\/article_357775f6-ea4b-11e6-8eae-6b1dddedec7a.html\">The case for a constitutional convention<\/a>, <em>Auburnpub.com<\/em>, February 7, 2017.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Galie, Peter, and Christopher Bopst,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/buffalonews.com\/2017\/02\/01\/another-voice-constitutional-convention-needed-reshape-state\/\">Another Voice: Constitutional convention is needed to reshape state<\/a>, <em>The Buffalo News<\/em>, February 1, 2017.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Chang, Art,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.thedailybeast.com\/articles\/2017\/01\/23\/here-s-how-ny-protects-incumbents-from-citizens-and-how-to-change-that.html\">Here\u2019s How NY Protects Incumbents From Citizens \u2014 And How To Change That<\/a>, <em>The Daily Beast<\/em>, January 23, 2017.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Davis, Evan A., <a href=\"http:\/\/www.watertowndailytimes.com\/opinion04\/evan-a-davis-the-peoples-chance-to-improve-albany-20170107\">The people\u2019s chance to improve Albany<\/a>, <em>Watertown Daily Times<\/em>, January 7, 2017.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Snider, J.H., <a href=\"http:\/\/www.gothamgazette.com\/index.php\/opinion\/6628-the-best-delegate-election-process-for-a-new-york-constitutional-convention\">The Best Delegate Election Process for a New York Constitutional Convention<\/a>, <em>Gotham Gazette<\/em>, November 17, 2016.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Edelstein, Jonathan, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.dailykos.com\/story\/2016\/11\/13\/1598150\/-Let-s-make-the-progressive-case-for-the-2017-New-York-State-constitutional-convention-referendum\">Let&#8217;s make the progressive case for the 2017 New York State constitutional convention referendum<\/a>, <em>Daily Kos<\/em>, November 13, 2016.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Semegram, Richard, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.gothamgazette.com\/index.php\/opinion\/6523-for-a-better-judicial-nominating-process-support-a-constitutional-convention\">For a Better Judicial Nominating Process, Support a Constitutional Convention<\/a>, <em>Gotham Gazette<\/em>, September 14, 2016.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Coll, James, <a href=\"http:\/\/nyslant.com\/article\/opinion\/unions-nys-constitutional-convention-question.html\">Unions and the New York State Constitutional Convention Question<\/a>, <em>City &amp; State New York<\/em>, August 8, 2016.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Samuels, Bill,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.timesunion.com\/tuplus-opinion\/article\/Thanks-to-governor-no-threat-of-much-needed-7377005.php\">Thanks to governor, no threat of much-needed reform<\/a>, <em>Times Union<\/em>, April 26, 2016.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Brodsky, Richard, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.timesunion.com\/tuplus-opinion\/article\/Richard-Brodsky-Overall-a-constitutional-6859594.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Overall, a constitutional convention makes good sense<\/a>, <em>Times Union<\/em>, February 28, 2016.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Haber, Adam, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.theislandnow.com\/great_neck\/opinions\/all-things-political-why-so-much-corruption-in-politics\/article_8f1bd23a-cb63-11e5-bee2-2f3d09cb735a.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">All Things Political: Why so much corruption in politics?<\/a>, <em>The Island Now<\/em>, February 4, 2016.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Benjamin, Gerald, <a href=\"http:\/\/webcache.googleusercontent.com\/search?q=cache:MJAS-hYyjroJ:www.timesunion.com\/tuplus-opinion\/article\/Constitutional-commission-deserves-support-6795364.php+&amp;cd=1&amp;hl=en&amp;ct=clnk&amp;gl=us\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Constitutional commission deserves support<\/a>, <em>Times Union<\/em>, January 30, 2016.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Morrongiello, Mike, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stargazette.com\/story\/opinion\/2016\/01\/05\/guest-viewpoint-constitutional-convention\/78301034\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Upstate needs constitutional convention<\/a>, <em>Star Gazette<\/em>, January 5, 2016.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Deartsyne,\u00a0Bruce W.,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.gothamgazette.com\/index.php\/opinion\/6046-legislative-scandals-often-lead-to-meager-reform\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">New York History: Legislative Scandals Often Lead to Meager Reform<\/a>, <em>Gotham Gazette<\/em>, December 22, 2015.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Weiner, Anthony,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2015\/08\/27\/opinion\/how-to-end-the-feud-between-the-mayor-and-the-governor.html?_r=1#story-continues-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">How to End the Feud Between the Mayor and the Governor<\/a>, <em>New York Times<\/em>, August 26, 2015.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Cosentino, Guy, <a href=\"http:\/\/auburnpub.com\/news\/opinion\/columnists\/guy_cosentino\/cosentino-pitfalls-of-a-constitutional-convention\/article_1f04502b-e3ef-5493-999c-c447eb392f6a.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pitfalls of a constitutional convention<\/a>,<em> AuburnPub.com<\/em>, July 24, 2015.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Cosentino, Guy, <a href=\"http:\/\/auburnpub.com\/news\/opinion\/columnists\/guy_cosentino\/cosentino-changing-state-constitution-a-monumental-task\/article_c3f4d2e1-9a52-5663-94cd-bc0c544a9c18.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Changing state constitution a monumental task<\/a>,<em> AuburnPub.com<\/em>, July 22, 2015.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Foss, Sara, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.dailygazette.com\/weblogs\/foss\/2015\/jul\/16\/0716_thinkingthrough\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Thinking It Through<\/a>, <em>Daily Gazette of Schenectady<\/em>, July 16, 2015. (Blog)<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Robillard, Craig,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.democratandchronicle.com\/story\/opinion\/guest-column\/2015\/05\/01\/time-another-nys-constitutional-convention\/26724071\/\"> It is time for another NYS constitutional convention<\/a>, <em>Democrat &amp; Chronicle<\/em>, May 1, 2015.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Neale, Reginald, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.rochestercitynewspaper.com\/rochester\/city-voices-is-ny-government-corrupt-by-design\/Content?oid=2492041\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">CITY VOICES: Is NY government corrupt by design?<\/a><em> City Newspaper<\/em>, February 2, 2015.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Turner, Douglas, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.buffalonews.com\/columns\/douglas-turner\/cuomo-must-seize-day-push-reform-in-albany-20150202\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cuomo must seize day, push reform in Albany<\/a>, <em>Buffalo News<\/em>,\u00a0February 2, 2015.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">O\u2019Reilly, William F.B., <a href=\"http:\/\/www.newsday.com\/opinion\/columnists\/william-f-b-o-reilly\/the-time-for-term-limits-has-come-to-state-government-william-f-b-o-reilly-1.9875276\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The time for term limits has come to state government<\/a>, <em>Newsday<\/em>, January 28, 2015.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Benjamin, Gerald, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.timesunion.com\/opinion\/article\/Independent-redistricting-Good-enough-not-good-5840766.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Independent redistricting: Good enough not good enough<\/a>, <em>Times Union<\/em>,\u00a0October 22, 2014.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Livadas,\u00a0Jerry V., &#8220;Hold constitutional convention in 2012,&#8221; <em>Buffalo News<\/em>, January 30, 2011.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Goldfeder, Jerry H., <a href=\"http:\/\/www.timesunion.com\/opinion\/article\/How-Cuomo-can-tame-N-Y-797368.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">How Cuomo can tame N.Y.<\/a>, <em>Times Union<\/em>, November 4, 2010.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Kolb, Brian M.,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.buffalonews.com\/Peopleaposs_Convention_could_bring_about_real_reform.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">People&#8217;s Convention could bring about real reform<\/a>, <em>Buffalo News<\/em>, February 2, 2010.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Turner, &#8220;Douglas,\u00a0Election system flaws lead to policy problems,&#8221;<em> Buffalo News<\/em>, October 12, 2009.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Seward, James,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysenate.gov\/blogs\/2009\/aug\/21\/constitutional-makeover\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Constitutional Makeover<\/a>, New York State Senator\u00a0James L. Seward&#8217;s Blog, August 21, 2009<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Lazio, Rick, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2009\/07\/14\/opinion\/14lazio.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">One for All<\/a>, <em>New York Times<\/em>, July 13, 2009.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Benjamin, Gerald, and Mario M. Cuomo, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wsj.com\/articles\/SB124718250653620239\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">New York Needs a Constitutional Convention:\u00a0It&#8217;s obvious Albany can&#8217;t clean up its own mess<\/a>, <em>Wall Street Journal<\/em>, July 10, 2009.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Lunn, Robert J.,&#8221; What our legislators never learned in kindergarten,&#8221; <em>Daily Record of Rochester<\/em>, June 30, 2009.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Giuliani, Rudolph,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2009\/06\/24\/opinion\/24giuliani.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u00a0Putting New York Back Together<\/a>, <em>New York Times<\/em>, June 24, 2009.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Newfield, Jack, &#8220;Cuomo Looks Back &#8211; And Ahead,&#8221;<em> New York Sun<\/em>, May 21, 2003.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Vote No&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Vote No<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Vote No Text&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; border_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Pallotta, Andrew, <a href=\"http:\/\/wamc.org\/post\/andrew-pallotta-con-job\">The Con Job<\/a>, WAMC, May 2, 2017.\u00a0 This is a transcript of a radio commentary.\u00a0 Andrew Pallotta is president of the 600,000-member New York State United Teachers.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Figliola, Anthony, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.longislandpress.com\/2017\/04\/14\/dont-be-cajoled-into-a-constitutional-convention\/\">Don\u2019t Be Cajoled Into a Constitutional Convention<\/a>, <em>Long Island Press<\/em>,\u00a0\u00a0April 14, 2017. Also <a href=\"http:\/\/www.amityvillerecord.com\/news\/2017-04-26\/Opinion\/PUBLIC_COMMENTARY_Dont_be_cajoled_into_a_constitut.html\">published<\/a> in the Amityville Record, April 26, 2017.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Chartock, Alan, <a href=\"http:\/\/legislativegazette.com\/archives\/4664\">If legislative leaders are against a ConCon, should we be for it?<\/a>,\u00a0<em>Legislative Gazette<\/em>, March 3, 2017. Also <a href=\"http:\/\/www.oneidadispatch.com\/opinion\/20170304\/capitol-connection-mixed-feelings-over-constitutional-convention\">published<\/a> in <em>Oneida Daily Dispatch<\/em> on March 4, 2017. \u00a0Note: this could also be read as a pro op-ed, as more than 90% of the argument, especially that backed by facts, is pro. \u00a0But out of respect for the author&#8217;s conclusion, NewYorkConCon.info is\u00a0placing\u00a0it in the con column.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Figliola, Anthony, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.smithtownmatters.com\/editorial-op-ed\/2017\/1\/10\/op-ed-nys-constitutional-convention-a-con.html\">NYS Constitutional Convention is Nothing But a Con<\/a>, <em>Smithtown Matters<\/em>, January 10, 2017. \u00a0Also <a href=\"https:\/\/buffalonews.com\/2017\/01\/20\/another-voice-constitutional-convention-nothing-con\/\">published<\/a> in <em>The Buffalo News<\/em> on January 20, 2017. \u00a0Note: the author works as a lobbyist for Empire Government Strategies.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Chartock, Alan, <a href=\"http:\/\/legislativegazette.com\/archives\/3805\">Follow Harry\u2019s advice: Vote \u2018No\u2019 on a Constitutional Convention<\/a>, <em>Legislative Gazette<\/em>, September 23, 2016. \u00a0See also:\u00a0Chartock, Alan, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.troyrecord.com\/article\/TR\/20161222\/NEWS\/161229930\">The Capitol Connection: 2017 predictions<\/a>, <em>The Record<\/em>, December 22, 2016.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Other&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Other<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Other Text&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; border_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Miller, Ted, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.liberalamerica.org\/2017\/03\/23\/ny-constitutional-convention\/\">New York Proposing Constitutional Convention To Hand More Legislative Authority To An Elite Few<\/a>, Liberal America, March 23, 2017. \u00a0Note: title suggests opposition but content is neutral or even slightly positive.<\/p>\n<p>Anagnostakis, Mike, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.recordonline.com\/opinion\/20170312\/my-view-get-ready-for-monumental-vote-this-november\">My view: Get ready for a monumental vote this November<\/a>, <em>Times Herald-Record<\/em>, March 12, 2017.<\/p>\n<p>Galie, Peter, and Christopher Bopst,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.recordonline.com\/opinion\/20170101\/my-view-november-2017-new-yorks-real-opportunity-for-change\">My view: November 2017: New York&#8217;s real opportunity for change<\/a>, recordonline.com, January 1, 2017. \u00a0Also <a href=\"http:\/\/www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com\/opinion\/guest-commentary\/2017\/01\/november-2017-is-new-yorks-real-opportunity-for-change\/\">published<\/a> in the <em>Adirondack Daily Enterprise<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>Brodsky, Richard,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.timesunion.com\/tuplus-opinion\/article\/Expect-surprises-this-season-9204263.php\">Expect surprises this season<\/a>, Times Union, September 5, 2016.<\/p>\n<p>Coll, James, <a href=\"http:\/\/nyslant.com\/article\/opinion\/running-for-state-legislature-good.-now-take-this-pledge.html\">Running for State Legislature? Good. Now Take This Pledge<\/a>, <em>City &amp; State New York<\/em>, September 4, 2016.<\/p>\n<p>Chartock, Alan,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.dailyfreeman.com\/opinion\/20160820\/alan-chartock-yes-donald-the-political-system-is-rigged\">Yes, Donald, the political system is rigged<\/a>, Daily Freeman, August 20, 2016.<\/p>\n<p>Smerd, Jeremy, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.crainsnewyork.com\/article\/20160809\/OPINION\/160809872\/editors-note-could-a-constitutional-convention-fix-albany-past-conventions-have-put-in-place-protections-for-the-adirondacks-highlighted-womens-voting-disenfranchisement-and-banned-state-money-from-going-to-public-schools\">Could a constitutional convention fix Albany?<\/a>, Crain&#8217;s New York Business, August 9, 2016.<\/p>\n<p>Mintz, David, <a href=\"http:\/\/riverdalepress.com\/stories\/Cuomo-needs-to-hear-the-people,60297\">Cuomo needs to hear the people<\/a>, <em>Riverdale Press<\/em>,\u00a0July 13, 2016.<\/p>\n<p>Forman, Adam,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.crainsnewyork.com\/article\/20160628\/OPINION\/160629897\/albany-blows-a-chance-to-streamline-city-projects\">Albany blows a chance to streamline city projects<\/a>, <em>Crain&#8217;s New York Business<\/em>, June 28, 2016.<\/p>\n<p>McMahonm E.J., <a href=\"http:\/\/nypost.com\/2015\/09\/02\/how-angry-upstate-might-ally-with-mayor-de-blasio\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">How angry Upstate might ally with Mayor de Blasio<\/a>, <em>New York Post<\/em>,\u00a0September 2, 2015.<\/p>\n<p>Snider, J.H, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.gothamgazette.com\/index.php\/opinion\/5753-preparing-for-new-yorks-next-constitutional-convention-referendum-cuomo-snider\">Preparing for New York\u2019s Next Constitutional Convention Referendum<\/a>, <em>Gotham Gazette<\/em>, June 4, 2015.<\/p>\n<p>Benjamin, Gerald, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.gothamgazette.com\/index.php\/opinions\/4161-guest-commentary-means-ends-and-state-constitutional-reformest-commentary-means-ends-and-st\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Means, Ends and State Constitutional Reform<\/a>, <em>Gotham Gazette<\/em>, February 5, 2013.<\/p>\n<p>Susan Lerner, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BCcY53uZdKA&amp;feature=youtu.be\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">&#8216;Can a Constitutional Convention Reform State Government?&#8217;<\/a>, Presentation at\u00a0Wagner College&#8217;s Hugh L. Carey Institute for Government Reform,\u00a0September 16, 2011. (Her comments begin at 10:45; her discussion about the referendum begins at 20:00; her opening comments end at 40:30.)<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;Row&#8221; make_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221; use_custom_width=&#8221;off&#8221; width_unit=&#8221;off&#8221; custom_width_px=&#8221;1080px&#8221; custom_width_percent=&#8221;80%&#8221; use_custom_gutter=&#8221;off&#8221; gutter_width=&#8221;3&#8243; padding_mobile=&#8221;off&#8221; allow_player_pause=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method=&#8221;on&#8221; make_equal=&#8221;off&#8221; column_padding_mobile=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_1=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_1=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_2=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_2=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_3=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_3=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_4=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_4=&#8221;on&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Text Footnotes&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">* J.H. Snider&#8217;s op-eds can be found under the &#8220;Blog&#8221; menu item.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221; make_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221; use_custom_width=&#8221;off&#8221; width_unit=&#8221;off&#8221; custom_width_px=&#8221;1080px&#8221; custom_width_percent=&#8221;80%&#8221; use_custom_gutter=&#8221;off&#8221; gutter_width=&#8221;3&#8243; padding_mobile=&#8221;off&#8221; allow_player_pause=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method=&#8221;on&#8221; make_equal=&#8221;off&#8221; column_padding_mobile=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_1=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_1=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_2=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_2=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_3=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_3=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_4=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_4=&#8221;on&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Newspaper Editorials on the Nov. 7 Referendum&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Newspaper Editorials\u00a0on\u00a0the<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>November 17, 2017 Referendum<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221; make_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221; use_custom_width=&#8221;off&#8221; width_unit=&#8221;off&#8221; custom_width_px=&#8221;1080px&#8221; custom_width_percent=&#8221;80%&#8221; use_custom_gutter=&#8221;off&#8221; gutter_width=&#8221;3&#8243; padding_mobile=&#8221;off&#8221; allow_player_pause=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method=&#8221;on&#8221; make_equal=&#8221;off&#8221; column_padding_mobile=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_1=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_1=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_2=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_2=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_3=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_3=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_4=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_4=&#8221;on&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Vote Yes&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Vote\u00a0Yes<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Vote Yes Text&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; border_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nydailynews.com\/opinion\/fix-government-vote-constitutional-convention-article-1.3180479\">Editorial:\u00a0Fix this government and vote this fall for a Constitutional Convention<\/a>, <em>New York Daily<\/em>, News, May 22, 2017.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.amny.com\/opinion\/editorial\/update-the-ways-new-york-votes-1.13577218\">Editorial: Update the ways New York votes<\/a>, <em>AM New York<\/em>, May 7, 2017.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Editorial, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.thedailystar.com\/opinion\/editorials\/in-our-opinion-new-yorkers-need-to-approve-a-convention\/article_bfa32f77-3f5e-5bc5-a1f1-f0f88b2677ff.html\">In Our Opinion: New Yorkers need to approve a convention<\/a>, Daily Star, September 20, 2016.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Editorial,<a href=\"http:\/\/webcache.googleusercontent.com\/search?q=cache:hXbvVICIXN0J:www.riverreporter.com\/editorial\/4302\/2016\/08\/24\/no-action-constitutional-convention+&amp;cd=1&amp;hl=en&amp;ct=clnk&amp;gl=us\"> No action on constitutional convention<\/a>, The River Reporter, August 24, 2016.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Editorial, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.pressrepublican.com\/opinion\/editorial-constitution-flaws-must-be-addressed\/article_76feafe8-e719-5f04-a6c4-7ee31501e418.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Constitution flaws must be addressed<\/a>, <em>Press Republican<\/em>, December 17, 2015.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Editorial (Melissa Hale-Spencer),\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/altamontenterprise.com\/08062015\/honor-new-yorkers-who-fought-govern-themselves\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Honor New Yorkers who fought to govern themselves<\/a>,\u00a0<em>Altamont Enterprise<\/em>, August 6, 2015.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Editorial,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.timesunion.com\/tuplus-opinion\/article\/Editorial-New-York-can-still-fix-this-6361630.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">New York can still fix this<\/a>, <em>Albany Times Union, July 1, 2015.<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Editorial, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.pressrepublican.com\/opinion\/editorial-leaders-failed-let-people-try\/article_ac913b11-0851-5a68-a91b-60135f22fd79.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Leaders failed; let people try<\/a>,\u00a0<em>Press-Republican<\/em> (Plattsburgh, New York), March 29, 2011.<\/p>\n<p class=\"headline headline-2492041\">Editorial,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.newsday.com\/opinion\/new-york-state-needs-a-constitutional-convention-1.1259389\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">New York State needs a constitutional convention<\/a>, <em>Newsday<\/em>, June 24, 2009.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Vote No&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Vote No<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Vote No Text&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; border_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Editorial,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.niagara-gazette.com\/opinion\/editorial-a-chance-to-change-the-constitution\/article_cd8e1bf1-df20-5796-bdf6-6d8978fe658d.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">A chance to change the constitution<\/a>,<em> Niagara Gazette<\/em>, January 2, 2016.<\/p>\n<p>Editorial, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.dailygazette.com\/news\/2015\/aug\/09\/state\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Amending our state constitution won\u2019t be easy<\/a>,\u00a0<em>Daily Gazette of Schenectady<\/em>, August 9, 2015. \u00a0Also published\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.thenewstribune.com\/entertainment\/celebrities\/article30845340.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">here<\/a>\u00a0in the <em>News Tribune<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>Editorial, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2010\/08\/09\/opinion\/09mon3.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The New York Convention Con<\/a>,\u00a0<em>New York Times<\/em>, August 9, 2010. (Note: in 1997, the <em>New York Times<\/em> editorialized in favor of a convention.)<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Other&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Other<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Other Text&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.0.50&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>Editorial, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.newsday.com\/opinion\/editorial\/albany-needs-to-respond-to-important-issues-or-face-constitutional-convention-1.13668282\">Why New York State might vote to do the con-con<\/a>, Newsday, May 30, 2017. \u00a0Newsday stops just short of an outright endorsement of a yes vote.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.amny.com\/opinion\/editorial\/let-s-talk-about-clean-water-and-air-1.13515888\">Editorial: Let\u2019s talk about clean water and air<\/a>, AM New York, April 24, 2017.<\/p>\n<p>Miller, Ted, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.liberalamerica.org\/2017\/03\/23\/ny-constitutional-convention\/\">New York Proposing Constitutional Convention To Hand More Legislative Authority To An Elite Few<\/a>, Liberal America, March 23, 2017. \u00a0Note: title suggests opposition but content is neutral or even slightly positive.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.timesunion.com\/tuplus-opinion\/article\/Editorial-Cronies-with-benefits-11027977.php\">Editorial: Cronies with benefits<\/a>, <em>Times Union<\/em>, March 25, 2017.<\/p>\n<p>Anagnostakis, Mike, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.recordonline.com\/opinion\/20170312\/my-view-get-ready-for-monumental-vote-this-november\">My view: Get ready for a monumental vote this November<\/a>, <em>Times Herald-Record<\/em>, March 12, 2017.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.amny.com\/opinion\/editorial\/our-2017-albany-wish-list-1.12905489\">Editorial: No time to waste in 2017 Albany Agenda<\/a>, AM New York, January 9, 2017.<\/p>\n<p>Editorial, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.timesunion.com\/tuplus-opinion\/article\/Editorial-No-recall-for-New-York-6781227.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">No recall for New York<\/a>, <em>Times Union<\/em>, January 24, 2016.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221; make_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221; use_custom_width=&#8221;off&#8221; width_unit=&#8221;off&#8221; custom_width_px=&#8221;1080px&#8221; custom_width_percent=&#8221;80%&#8221; use_custom_gutter=&#8221;off&#8221; gutter_width=&#8221;3&#8243; padding_mobile=&#8221;off&#8221; allow_player_pause=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method=&#8221;on&#8221; make_equal=&#8221;off&#8221; column_padding_mobile=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_1=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_1=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_2=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_2=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_3=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_3=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_4=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_4=&#8221;on&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Letters-to-the-editor on the Nov. 7 Referendum&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Letters-to-the-editor\u00a0on\u00a0the<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>November 17, 2017 Referendum<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221; make_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221; use_custom_width=&#8221;off&#8221; width_unit=&#8221;off&#8221; custom_width_px=&#8221;1080px&#8221; custom_width_percent=&#8221;80%&#8221; use_custom_gutter=&#8221;off&#8221; gutter_width=&#8221;3&#8243; padding_mobile=&#8221;off&#8221; allow_player_pause=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method=&#8221;on&#8221; make_equal=&#8221;off&#8221; column_padding_mobile=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_1=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_1=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_2=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_2=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_3=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_3=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_4=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_4=&#8221;on&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Vote Yes&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Vote\u00a0Yes<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Vote Yes Text&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.0.50&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>Niskayuna, Don,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dailygazette.com\/article\/2017\/06\/04\/extra-payments-show-need-for-convention\">Extra payments show need for convention<\/a>, Daily Gazette, June 4, 2017.<\/p>\n<p>Goldman, Ira, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.fltimes.com\/opinion\/letters_to_editor\/letter-constitutional-convention-a-good-place-to-start-to-rein\/article_5c1d8d10-1acc-11e7-b0bf-878fb842c544.html\">Constitutional convention a good place to start to rein in NY spending<\/a>, Finger Lake Times, A<br \/>\npril 6, 2017.<\/p>\n<p>Mouse, Mickey (pseudonym),\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/niagarafallsreporter.com\/want-done-new-york-state\/\">What I want done in New York State,<\/a> <em>Niagara Falls Reporter<\/em>, November 17, 2016.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Vote No&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Vote No<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Vote No Text&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.0.51&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>Figliola, Anthony, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.observertoday.com\/life\/community-news\/2017\/05\/convention-rewards-politically-connected\/\">Convention rewards \u2018politically connected\u2019<\/a>, <em>Observer<\/em>, May 23, 2017. \u00a0\u00a0Figliola is an Albany lobbyist at Empire Government Strategies working for former longtime New York State Assemblyman\u00a0Arthur \u201cJerry\u201d Kremer.<\/p>\n<p>Pelliccia,\u00a0Vincent, <a href=\"https:\/\/dailygazette.com\/article\/2017\/05\/23\/country-needs-fixing-but-not-a-convention\">Country needs fixing but not a convention; State convention won&#8217;t fix New York state<\/a>, <em>Daily Gazette<\/em>, May 23, 2017. Pelliccia is an NYSUT delegate representing NYSUT Retiree Council 10.<\/p>\n<p>Libertucci,\u00a0Michael,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dailygazette.com\/article\/2017\/05\/13\/convention-not-the-answer-to-corruption#art267641-comments\">Convention not the answer to corruption<\/a>, <em>The Daily Gazette<\/em>, May 13, 2017.\u00a0Libertucci is the political action coordinator for the Schalmont Teachers Association.<\/p>\n<p>Stewart, Rich and Peter Yan, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.fltimes.com\/opinion\/letters_to_editor\/letter-costly-constitutional-convention-not-the-answer-for-change\/article_9f9fbb42-269a-11e7-aae2-a7ad0350360a.html\">Costly Constitutional Convention not the answer for change<\/a>, <em>Finger Lake Times<\/em>, April 21, 2017.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.shawangunkjournal.com\/2017\/03\/23\/news\/1703236.html\">Morgano, Mickey, Elections Are Still The Best Means Of Change<\/a>, <em>Shawangunk Journal<\/em>, March 23, 2017.<\/p>\n<p>Hebert, George,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dailygazette.com\/article\/2017\/03\/11\/governor-needs-to-change-his-approach\">Governor needs to change his approach<\/a>, <em>The Daily Gazette<\/em>, March 11, 2017.<\/p>\n<p>Faggioni, Carolyn, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.newsday.com\/opinion\/letters\/letter-take-heed-of-fall-vote-on-state-constitution-1.13215151\">Take heed of fall vote on state constitution<\/a>, <em>Newsday<\/em>, March 6, 2017.<\/p>\n<p>Kremer,\u00a0Arthur \u201cJerry\u201d, <a href=\"http:\/\/blog.timesunion.com\/opinion\/poor-history-of-convention-reform\/34140\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Poor history of convention reform<\/a>, <em>Times Union<\/em>, December 23, 2015. (Kremer,a former\u00a0New York State Assembly member, is President of Empire Government Strategies, a lobbying firm.)<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Other&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Other<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Other Text&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Gutekunst, Claire P., <a href=\"http:\/\/blog.timesunion.com\/opinion\/bar-associations-position-is-to-educate\/35977\/\">Bar association\u2019s position is to educate<\/a>, Albany Times Union, July 31, 2016.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221; make_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221; use_custom_width=&#8221;off&#8221; width_unit=&#8221;off&#8221; custom_width_px=&#8221;1080px&#8221; custom_width_percent=&#8221;80%&#8221; use_custom_gutter=&#8221;off&#8221; gutter_width=&#8221;3&#8243; padding_mobile=&#8221;off&#8221; allow_player_pause=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method=&#8221;on&#8221; make_equal=&#8221;off&#8221; column_padding_mobile=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_1=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_1=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_2=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_2=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_3=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_3=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_4=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_4=&#8221;on&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Blogs on the Nov. 7 Referendum&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Blogs\u00a0on\u00a0the<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>November 17, 2017 Referendum<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221; make_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221; use_custom_width=&#8221;off&#8221; width_unit=&#8221;off&#8221; custom_width_px=&#8221;1080px&#8221; custom_width_percent=&#8221;80%&#8221; use_custom_gutter=&#8221;off&#8221; gutter_width=&#8221;3&#8243; padding_mobile=&#8221;off&#8221; allow_player_pause=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method=&#8221;on&#8221; make_equal=&#8221;off&#8221; column_padding_mobile=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_1=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_1=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_2=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_2=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_3=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_3=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_4=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_4=&#8221;on&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Vote Yes&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Vote\u00a0Yes<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Vote Yes Text&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.0.51&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.newamsterdamny.org\/our-blog\/its-time-for-autonomous-regions\">Its Time for Autonomous Regions<\/a>,\u00a0http:\/\/www.newamsterdamny.org, May 26, 2017.<\/p>\n<p>Spitzer-Rubenstein, Michael, <a href=\"http:\/\/shakingnews.com\/blog\/2017\/05\/24\/new-york-constitutional-convention\/\">Will New York have a Constitutional Convention?<\/a>, <em>Shaking News<\/em>,\u00a0May 24, 2017.<\/p>\n<p>Galie, Peter and Christopher Bopst, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.rockinst.org\/observations\/galie\/2017-05-24_galie.aspx\">Why New York Needs a Constitutional Convention<\/a>, Rockefeller Institute Blog, May 24, 2017.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Cheung, Jacklyn, <a href=\"http:\/\/truthagainstthemachine.com\/index.php\/2017\/03\/19\/new-york-constitutional-convention-pathway-end-corruption\/\">NY Constitutional Convention: A Pathway to End Corruption<\/a>, Truth Against the Machine, March 19, 2017.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Kaplan, James S., <a href=\"http:\/\/truenewsthebund.blogspot.com\/2016\/01\/the-nys-constitution-convention.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">As the 2017 Referendum on the New York State Constitutional Convention Approaches: A Look Back At the Early Accomplishment<\/a>, <em>True Blue<\/em>, January 11, 2016.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Vote No&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Vote No<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Vote No Text&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; border_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Norton, Beth, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.mondaq.com\/unitedstates\/x\/584122\/employee+rights+labour+relations\/Matters+of+Interest+Constitutional+Amendment+By+Legislative+Referral+How+Public+Pensions+Could+Be+Affected\">Matters of Interest &#8211; Constitutional Amendment By Legislative Referral: How Public Pensions Could Be Affected<\/a>, Mondaq, April 7, 2017.<\/p>\n<p>Kremerer, Arthur, et al., <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scribd.com\/doc\/316561079\/Patronage-Waste-and-Favoritism\">Patronage, Waste, and Favoritism: A Dark History of Constitutional Conventions<\/a>, Empire Government Strategies, June 2016. [This is an online pamphlet.]<\/p>\n<p>LaGrangeon,\u00a0Kris,<a href=\"http:\/\/ucommblog.com\/section\/state-politics\/constitutional-common-core-convention\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u00a0A Constitutional Common Core Convention?<\/a>,\u00a0<em>UCOMM Blog<\/em>, Feb 25, 2016 (UCOMM stands for Union Communications)<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Other&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Other<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Other Text&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">None<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221; make_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221; use_custom_width=&#8221;off&#8221; width_unit=&#8221;off&#8221; custom_width_px=&#8221;1080px&#8221; custom_width_percent=&#8221;80%&#8221; use_custom_gutter=&#8221;off&#8221; gutter_width=&#8221;3&#8243; padding_mobile=&#8221;off&#8221; allow_player_pause=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method=&#8221;on&#8221; make_equal=&#8221;off&#8221; column_padding_mobile=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_1=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_1=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_2=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_2=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_3=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_3=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_4=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_4=&#8221;on&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Organization Member Communications on the November 17, 2017 Referendum&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; disabled_on=&#8221;on|on|on&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;on&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Organization Member Communications\u00a0on\u00a0the<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>November 17, 2017 Referendum<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221; make_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221; use_custom_width=&#8221;off&#8221; width_unit=&#8221;on&#8221; custom_width_px=&#8221;1080px&#8221; custom_width_percent=&#8221;80%&#8221; use_custom_gutter=&#8221;off&#8221; gutter_width=&#8221;3&#8243; padding_mobile=&#8221;off&#8221; allow_player_pause=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method=&#8221;off&#8221; make_equal=&#8221;off&#8221; column_padding_mobile=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax_1=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_1=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_2=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_2=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_3=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_3=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_4=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method_4=&#8221;on&#8221; disabled_on=&#8221;on|on|on&#8221; disabled=&#8221;on&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Vote Yes&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Vote\u00a0Yes<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Vote Yes Text&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">None<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Text NYSUT Description&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>NYSUT is a federation of approximately 1,300 local unions with 600,000 plus members statewide, including more than 200,000 retirees.\u00a0 Most of its members work at public schools.\u00a0 Here is a list of its membership categories:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Faculty and professional staff, K-12<\/li>\n<li>school-related professionals<\/li>\n<li>faculty and professional staff at the State University of New York<\/li>\n<li>faculty and professional staff at the City University of New York<\/li>\n<li>faculty and professional staff at community colleges<\/li>\n<li>faculty, clerical and support staff at private colleges<\/li>\n<li>health care professionals<\/li>\n<li>day care providers<\/li>\n<li>government employees (county and local)<\/li>\n<li>retirees from all of the above<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>NYSUT employs approximately 500 people at its Albany headquarters and 16 regional offices.\u00a0 Hundreds of additional union officials work at its local affiliates.\u00a0 NYSUT is an affiliate of both the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association, which are affiliates of the AFL-CIO.<\/p>\n<p>NYSUT&#8217;s newsmagazine, <em>NYSUT United<\/em>, is delivered to every member&#8217;s door 11 times a year.\u00a0 NYSUT&#8217;s website, www.nysut.com, includes additional information.\u00a0 NYSUT&#8217;s Retiree Services Program publishes a quarterly newsletter, <em>The Retiree Organ<\/em>izer, which is only available to the NYSUT Board of Directors, presidents of NYSUT local unions, delegates and alternates to the NYSUT&#8217;s representative assembly, and other designated local union leaders.\u00a0 Benchmark Polling Group is its full-service, in-house pollster.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Sources:<\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/~\/media\/files\/nysut\/members\/2015\/retireehandbook_2015.pdf?la=en\"> Retiree Membership Handbook<\/a>, NYSUT, October 2015.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Vote No&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Vote No<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Vote No Text&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; border_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.pef.org\/constitutional-convention-toolkit\/\">New York State Constitutional Convention Vote No Toolkit<\/a>, \u00a0New York State Public Employees Federation, April 12, 2017. \u00a0Blurb <a href=\"http:\/\/www.pef.org\/blog\/2017\/04\/12\/nys-constitutional-convention-vote-no-on-con-con-2017-toolkit\/\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Miles, Deborah, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.pef.org\/constitutional-convention-toolkit\/\">Start the Buzz to Vote No for a Constitutional Convention<\/a>, <em>The Communicator<\/em>, New York State Public Employees Federation, April 2017.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/\">Spread the Word: No NY Convention<\/a>, NYSUT home page, April 12, 2017. \u00a0NYSUT begins to use this tagline in the header of its main website located at NYSUT.org.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.uft.org\/galleries\/photo\/meet-president-staten-island-2017\">Meet the President on Staten Island 2017,<\/a> UFT, April 4, 2017. &#8220;[W]hy to oppose a constitutional convention w[as] among the topics discussed by UFT President Michael Mulgrew at an April 4 Meet the President event on Staten Island.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Gonzalez, Mona, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.uft.org\/chapter-news\/school-secretaries-chapter-newsletter-spring-2017-0\">School Secretaries Chapter Newsletter &#8211; Spring 2017<\/a>, United Federation of Teachers, March 17, 2017. &#8220;We need to educate our colleagues about what this could mean to us. Opening the constitution for revision could jeopardize our pension benefits, our right to collective bargaining, our right to Workers\u2019 Compensation, our right to a safe workplace and health benefits, and our right to have the state fund public education. We need our members, your families and your friends to vote <strong>\u201cno\u201d<\/strong> on the November ballot measure.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.uft.org\/secure-your-future\/why-we-must-reject-constitutional-convention\">Why we must reject a constitutional convention<\/a>, <em>New York Teacher<\/em>, United Federation of Teachers, March 2, 2017. \u00a0Also published as\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.balconynewyork.com\/2017\/03\/14\/charter-school-choice-excludes-many-homeless-children\/\">Why we must reject a constitutional convention<\/a>, Business and Labor Coalition of New York, March 14, 2017. \u00a0&#8220;The last time the question came before New York voters, they rejected a constitutional convention, and it was no accident: Many groups and organizations, including the UFT, worked together to persuade voters to vote \u201cno\u201d in 1997 for many of the same reasons.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/chaz11.blogspot.com\/2017\/02\/nys-constitutional-convention-update.html\">NYS Constitutional Convention Update<\/a>,<em>\u00a0Chaz&#8217;s School Daze<\/em>, February 26, 2017. \u00a0&#8220;That brings me to our union leadership&#8217;s appeal to have the members increase their COPE contributions so that they can more effectively lobby for the Constitutional Convention&#8217;s defeat.&#8221;\u00a0Note: This blog post plagiarizes the NewYorkConCon.info process diagram that CSEA promoted to its members without attribution last fall.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/dc37blog.wordpress.com\/2017\/02\/14\/no-to-a-constitutional-convention-2\/\">No To a Constitutional Convention<\/a>, DC37-AFSME, February 14, 2017. \u00a0&#8220;This is &#8230; a wasteful process that would give big business interests and anti-worker interests the opportunity to attack public services and the retirement security of the men and women who provide them. \u00a0A convention would cost taxpayers more than $300 million. That is a ridiculous price to pay to give special interests the opportunity to weaken public employee protections and slash government services.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/nyceducator.com\/\">UFT Delegate Assembly&#8211;We Are Visited by the Mayor: President&#8217;s Report by Michael Mulgrew<\/a>, <em>NYC Educator<\/em>, <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-BFDbr_dPcY4\/WJvYr-_qxNI\/AAAAAAAANg8\/UH0F_wlpHD8HXdBTxUClUvgewaDq5f9HACLcB\/s320\/16508403_1317955568260729_1506150472952204619_n.jpg\" width=\"117\" height=\"150\" \/>February 8, 2017. \u00a0&#8220;Constitutional Convention\u2014we cannot lose this issue&#8230;. New talking point is we are going to change constitution without convention, and that it\u2019s faster. Legislature will vote on pension forfeiture for elected officials. It will pass and go to general vote in NY. \u00a0Did we need convention for this? No. Do we need one for any of these issues? No. That is our strongest argument. Estimates $400 million cost for convention.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/uupinfo.org\/legislation\/pdf\/ConCon2017.pdf\">Road-map to a Constitutional Convention Legislative Agenda<\/a>, United University Professions, United University Professions, <a href=\"http:\/\/uupinfo.org\/legislation\/pa.php\">2017 Legislative Agenda<\/a>, Feb. 3, 2017.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/newyork.concon.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/UnitedUniversityProfessions-ConstitutionalConvention-FactSheetAndConcerns-2Feb2017.pdf\">Constitutional Convention: Fact Sheet and Concerns<\/a>, United University Professions, United University Professions, <a href=\"http:\/\/uupinfo.org\/legislation\/pa.php\">2017 Legislative Agenda<\/a>, Feb. 2, 2017.<\/p>\n<p><strong>#4.<\/strong> Hoskin, Ned,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/news\/nysut-united\/issues\/2017\/february-2017\/pensions-pump-$12-billion-a-year-into-the-states-economy\">Pensions pump $12 billion a year into the state&#8217;s economy<\/a>,\u00a0<em>NYSUT United<\/em>, February 1, 2017.<\/p>\n<p>T<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/news\/nysut-united\/issues\/2017\/february-2017\/trs-winterize-your-retirement\">RS: Winterize your retirement<\/a>,\u00a0<em>NYSUT United<\/em>, February 1, 2017. \u00a0&#8220;Did you know: A constitutional convention vote takes place Nov. 7 in New York State. Vote &#8220;no&#8221; to protect your retirement security!&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/news\/nysut-united\/issues\/2017\/february-2017\/5-questions-for-karen-baker-moreau-elementary-school\">5 Questions for &#8230; Karen Baker, Moreau Elementary School<\/a>,\u00a0<em>NYSUT United<\/em>, January 31, 2017. \u00a0&#8220;It&#8217;s an outrageous waste of tax dollars, particularly as class sizes swell and educators are asked to do more with less. And, constitutional convention representatives would most likely be state legislators. Why do we need to pay them two salaries?&#8230; All New Yorkers need to educate themselves about the dangers of holding a constitutional convention. Look beyond the scare tactics of those pushing for it. We could wind up wasting millions in tax dollars and jeopardizing our public schools, pension protections and collective bargaining rights.&#8221; \u00a0&#8220;I also worry about losing guaranteed pension protection and the right to bargain collectively, as unionists in so many other states have.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Savage, Pet, <a href=\"http:\/\/asarrochester.com\/news\/new-york-constitutional-convention-facts\/\">Pandora&#8217;s Box: Get the facts about a Constitutional Convention<\/a>, Presentation to <a href=\"http:\/\/asarrochester.com\/\">Association of Supervisors &amp; Administrators of Rochester<\/a> as part of <a href=\"http:\/\/newyork.concon.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/NYSUT-Grassroots-Lobbying-Toolkit-Presentation-PandorasBox-GetTheFactsAboutAConstitutionalConvention-Jan2017.pdf\">NYSUT&#8217;s Lobbying Toolkit<\/a>, January 2017.<\/p>\n<p>Quinn, Linda, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.retiredteachersofnorthport.org\/vote-no-constitutional-convention\/\">Vote NO on a Constitutional Convention<\/a>, Retired United Teachers of Northport, January 21, 2017. \u00a0&#8220;There are many reasons to vote no, but one is the projected\u00a0cost, which\u00a0could be as high as $340 million?&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Murphy, Tom,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.uft.org\/retired-teachers-chapter-news\/convention-danger-pensions\">\u2018Convention\u2019 a danger to pensions<\/a>, <em>New York Teacher<\/em>;\u00a0<em>Retired Teachers Chapters News,<\/em>\u00a0United Federation of Teachers, January 5, 2017. &#8220;Every 20 years, the question of whether there shall be a constitutional convention automatically appears on the New York State election ballot and it\u2019s due again on the November 2017 ballot. We will oppose this question as we have done in past years and urge all our members to vote it down, too&#8230;. \u00a0The best way to protect our pensions is to defeat the initial question when it appears on the November 2017 ballot.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.uft.org\/news-stories\/mulgrew-counts-ways-devos-bad-choice\">Resolutions: Delegates oppose constitutional convention<\/a>, <em>Retired Teachers Chapters News<\/em>, United Federation of Teachers, January 5, 2017. \u00a0&#8220;[O]pposition to holding a constitutional convention in New York State when the issue comes up for a vote in November.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Mulgrew, Michael, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.uft.org\/presidents-perspective\/grave-risk-our-rights-and-benefits\">A grave risk to our rights and benefits<\/a>, President&#8217;s Perspective, United Federation of Teachers, January 5, 2017.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.uft.org\/q-issues\/why-voters-should-reject-constitutional-convention\">Why voters should reject constitutional convention<\/a>, New York Teacher, Q&amp;A on the Issues, United Federation of Teachers, January \u00a05, 2017.<\/p>\n<p>Cisto, Rachel, <a href=\"http:\/\/thechiefleader.com\/news\/news_of_the_week\/nysut-aims-to-head-off-a-constitutional-convention\/article_e2960cfa-a5e2-11e6-b04c-5fdf5b3d0792.html\">NYSUT\u2008Aims to Head Off A Constitutional Convention<\/a>, <em>The Chief<\/em>, December 30, 2016. &#8220;The state\u2019s Teachers union has released its list of priorities for the upcoming State Legislature session beginning Jan. 4.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/news\/nysut-united\/issues\/2017\/january-2017\/trs-constitutional-convention-endangers-your--pension\">TRS: Constitutional convention endangers your pension<\/a>,\u00a0<em>NYSUT United<\/em>, December 21, 2016. \u00a0&#8221; A constitutional convention could impact you a great deal \u2014 and likely not for the better.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Magee, Karen, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/news\/nysut-united\/issues\/2017\/january-2017\/magee-our-values-principles-will-prevailhttp:\/\/www.nysut.org\/news\/nysut-united\/issues\/2017\/january-2017\/magee-our-values-principles-will-prevail\">Our values, principles will prevail<\/a>, NYSUT United, December 21, 2016. &#8220;Organized labor is the truth-teller about the dangers of a state constitutional convention, which could upend so much of what we have achieved.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><strong>#3.<\/strong> \u00a0Hoskin, Ned,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/news\/nysut-united\/issues\/2017\/january-2017\/open-the-state-constitution-heck-no\">Open the state constitution? Heck, NO.<\/a>, <em>NYSUT United<\/em>, December 19, 2016. &#8220;Right now, you have the constitutional right to form and join a union. A constitutional convention could wipe it off the books, unless convention delegates decided to put it back in. And it would be a serious mistake to assume they would.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.uft.org\/issues\/vote-no-state-constitutional-convention\">Vote &#8220;no&#8221; to a state constitutional convention<\/a>, Where We Stand, United Federation of Teachers, December 18, 2016. \u00a0&#8220;The hard-earned rights and benefits of UFT members and millions of families across New York State face a grave threat this year: New York voters will be asked on Nov. 7, 2017 \u2014 as they are every 20 years \u2014 if they want to hold a constitutional convention to revise and amend the state constitution.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.uft.org\/union-resolutions\/resolution-opposition-constitutional-convention\">Resolution in opposition to a constitutional convention<\/a>, Where We Stand: Union Resolutions on the Issues, United Federation of Teachers, December 18, 2016.<\/p>\n<p>Palladino, Michael J.,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nycdetectives.org\/index.php\/news\/current-union-news\">The New York State Constitutional Convention<\/a>, <em>Union News (132)<\/em>, Detectives&#8217; Endowment Association, November 29, 2016. \u00a0The Detectives\u2019 Endowment Association urges its members to \u201cvote NO\u201d on the concon referendum. \u00a0The full text of the article can be found <a href=\"http:\/\/newyork.concon.info\/?page_id=1349\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Fottrell, Leslie Duncan, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/news\/2016\/october\/srp-leaders-tasked-with-growing-the-union-through-advocacy-and-engagement\">SRP leaders tasked with \u2018growing the union through advocacy and engagement\u2019<\/a>, <em>NYSUT United<\/em>, October 24, 2016.\u00a0 &#8220;NYSUT Vice President Paul Pecorale said that, as soon as the presidential election is over, NYSUT activists need to focus on defeating the proposed State Constitutional Convention. NYSUT has a toolkit available to leaders, which shows why a constitutional convention would be a bad idea for New Yorkers and for New York State. &#8216;In 2017, that will be our focus,&#8217; said Pecorale.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Smith, Kara, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/news\/2016\/october\/retirees-mobilized-for-nov-8-elections\">Retirees mobilized for Nov. 8 elections<\/a>, <em>NYSUT United<\/em>, October 20, 2016.\u00a0 &#8220;With a presidential election looming and a constitutional convention vote on next year\u2019s horizon, politics took center stage at this week\u2019s Retiree Contiguous Election District At-Large 51-53 meeting at NYSUT headquarters in Albany. Speaker after speaker urged retiree activists to keep doing what they do best \u2014 mobilizing members and getting out the vote&#8230;.\u00a0 New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli thanked retirees for their tireless efforts on his behalf, asked for their continued support and assured attendees he was a \u201c\u2018vote no\u2019 on the constitutional convention,\u201d which will be on the ballot in 2017.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/news\/nysut-united\/issues\/2016\/fall-2016\/nysut-s-local-action-project-puts-the-in-team\">NYSUT&#8217;s Local Action Project puts the in team<\/a>, <em>NYSUT United<\/em>, September 29, 2016.\u00a0 &#8220;Betsy Pierce, president of the 86-member Fabius-Pompey Education Association, said the local union created a medley of new events since joining LAP in 2015.\u00a0 They educated their colleagues about Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association, which would have allowed workers to receive the benefits of being in a union without paying dues, and about the damage a Constitutional Convention could cause.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/readme.readmedia.com\/Retirees-Applaud-Comptroller-DiNapolis-Opposition-to-Constitutional-Convention\/14129781\">Retirees Applaud Comptroller DiNapoli&#8217;s Opposition to Constitutional Convention<\/a>, ReadMedia, September 29, 2016. \u00a0&#8220;Edward C. Farrell, Executive Director of the Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA) today commended Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli for expressing his opposition to the prospect of convening a constitutional convention. Farrell stated, &#8220;We are very pleased that Comptroller DiNapoli agrees with us that a constitutional convention would be an incredibly expensive boondoggle, as was the case the last time.&#8221; DiNapoli noted his opposition while addressing the RPEA Annual Meeting in Albany.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Delli Carpini, Pasquale, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wcteachers.org\/?zone=\/unionactive\/view_article.cfm&amp;HomeID=555087&amp;page=Previous20President27s20Messages\">Beware of the 2017 Constitutional Convention Trojan horse<\/a>, Wappingers Congress of Teachers, Sept. 4, 2016. &#8220;It is crucial that the WCT and the WCRT need to stay involved and cognizant of the issues and the threats to our livelihood&#8230;. When we go to the polls on November 7, 2017, we must vote NO to the question: &#8216;Shall there be a convention to revise the constitution and amend the same?&#8217; as we are well aware of the disastrous ramifications of such a process.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Smith, Kara, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/news\/2016\/august\/conference-offers-training-for-new-local-presidents\">Conference offers training for new local presidents<\/a>, <em>NYSUT United<\/em>, August 11, 2016. \u00a0&#8220;Jill Skelly and Lois Peck-Elhilow, co-presidents for the North Bellmore Teachers Association, hoped to gain insight about statewide union activism, particularly concerning the proposed state constitutional convention, which will appear on the 2017 ballot.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo many people have no idea how dangerous a constitutional convention could be \u2014 literally every aspect of the state constitution could be changed,\u201d said Peck-Elhilow, who stressed the importance of working with like-minded groups to get the word out about the dangers of the convention.<\/p>\n<p>Frenette, Liza,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/news\/2016\/july\/local-action-project-schools-unionists-nysut-style\">Local Action Project schools unionists, NYSUT-style<\/a>, <em>NYSUT United<\/em>, July\u00a013, 2016. \u00a0&#8220;At last year&#8217;s annual back-to-school picnic, unionists &#8230;\u00a0educated their colleagues about Friedrichs vs. California Teachers Association, which would have allowed workers to receive the benefits of being in a union without paying dues, and about the damage a Constitutional Convention could cause.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.myssra.com\/uploads\/2\/1\/8\/9\/21897588\/ssra_newsletter_may-june_2016_web.pdf\">Reasons We Don\u2019t Want a NYS Constitutional Convention in 2017<\/a>, Smithtown Schools Retirees\u2019 Association Newsletter, May\/June 2016.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/nyceducator.com\/2016\/06\/changing-uft-constitution.html\">Changing the UFT Constitution<\/a>, NYC Educator, June 3, 2016. &#8220;It should be clear that changing the constitution is a big deal. For one thing, all of us in public service work toward our pensions, and few of us want someone like Andy Cuomo to take away what we&#8217;ve worked for all our lives. But if it&#8217;s passed, he could do that, and maybe pass on the savings to his BFF Eva Moskowitz to build charter schools. So UFT will fight it, and I&#8217;ll support that fight. \u00a0After all, it&#8217;s about what&#8217;s best for the people&#8230;.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><strong>#2.<\/strong> Hoskin, Ned,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/news\/nysut-united\/issues\/2016\/june-2016\/the-con-in-the-constitutional-convention\">The CON in the constitutional convention<\/a>,\u00a0<em>NYSUT United<\/em>, June 2, 2016. \u00a0&#8220;&#8216;They say there are pros and cons to every issue,&#8217; said NYSUT Vice President Paul Pecorale, &#8216;but I see only cons in this &#8216;Con Con.&#8217;&#8230; &#8216;In an off-election year, the referendum on a constitutional convention is going to be one of the biggest votes our members face, and we need to get out the vote and defeat it,&#8217; said NYSUT Executive Vice President Andy Pallotta.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>NYSUT Communications,&#8221;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/news\/nysut-united\/issues\/2016\/may-2016\/pallotta-weve-created-a-culture-of-activism\">Pallotta: &#8216;We&#8217;ve created a culture of activism&#8217;<\/a>;&#8221;<em> NYSUT United<\/em>, May 3, 2016. \u00a0&#8220;And next year, voters will be asked whether to hold a state Constitutional Convention. NYSUT&#8217;s position is clear: A convention poses great danger to retirement security, collective bargaining rights and access to a quality public education for all New York State students, among other rights.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>NYSUT Communications, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/news\/nysut-united\/issues\/2016\/may-2016\/leaders-focus-on-critical-union-issues\">Leaders focus on critical union issues<\/a>, <em>NYSUT United<\/em>, May 3, 2016. \u00a0&#8220;[T]he prospect of a New York State Constitutional Convention could threaten basic rights. A referendum in November 2017 will determine whether the state holds a convention in 2018. It must be defeated and the threat has already proven to be a stimulus to the union&#8217;s voluntary political action fund, VOTE-COPE.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Educating people about just how damaging a constitutional convention could be &#8220;must be one of our primary attacks,&#8221; said Annie McClintock, president of United Teaching Assistants of Harborfield.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Saunders, Sylvia, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/news\/nysut-united\/issues\/2016\/may-2016\/delegates-call-for-end-to-overtesting-receivership\">Delegates call for end to overtesting, receivership<\/a>, <em>NYSUT United<\/em>, May 3, 2016. \u00a0&#8220;Delegates were loud and clear in their opposition to a 2017 Constitutional Convention referendum for New York State and called for NYSUT to wage a vigorous public relations campaign to convince the public to vote it down.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>NYSUT Communications, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/news\/2016\/april\/ra\/nysut-delegates-call-for-end-to-inappropriate-student-testing-receivership\">NYSUT delegates call for end to &#8216;inappropriate student testing,&#8217; receivership<\/a>, <em>NYSUT United<\/em>, April 11, 2016. \u00a0&#8220;Delegates were loud and clear in their opposition to a 2017 Constitutional Convention for New York State and called for NYSUT to wage a vigorous public relations campaign to convince the public to vote it down.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>NYSUT Communications, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/news\/2016\/april\/ra\/pallotta-weve-created-a-culture-of-activism\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pallotta: &#8216;We&#8217;ve created a culture of activism&#8217;<\/a>, <em>NYSUT United<\/em>, April 9, 2016. \u00a0&#8220;Next year, voters will be asked whether to hold a state Constitutional Convention, and NYSUT&#8217;s position is clear: A convention poses great danger to retirement security, collective bargaining rights and access to a quality public education for all New York State students, among other rights.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>NYSUT Communications, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/news\/2016\/april\/ra\/retirees-urged-to-use-their-political-muscle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Retirees urged to use their political muscle<\/a>, <em>NYSUT United<\/em>, April 9, 2016. \u00a0&#8220;Thank you for your wonderful newsletters. The quality keeps getting better and better,&#8221; said McCue. &#8220;I&#8217;m excited to see that you&#8217;re writing about the dangers of the [state] Constitutional Convention&#8230;.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>NYSUT Communications, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/news\/2016\/april\/ra\/local-presidents-briefed-on-gotv-efforts-critical-issues\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Local presidents briefed on GOTV efforts, critical issues<\/a>, <em>NYSUT United<\/em>, April 7, 2016. \u00a0&#8220;Educating people about just how damaging a constitutional convention could be &#8220;must be one of our primary attacks,&#8221; said Annie McClintock, president of United Teaching Assistants of Harborfield&#8230;. Other critical issues SRPS discussed include the 2017 vote on a state Constitutional Convention and the successful Fight for $15 campaign.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>NYSUT Communications, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/news\/2016\/april\/ra\/officers-note-victories-and-the-fights-ahead\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Officers note victories, and the fights ahead<\/a>, <em>NYSUT United<\/em>, April 7, 2016. \u00a0&#8220;NYSUT officers outlined the union&#8217;s educational outreach to members and the public on the pitfalls of a state Constitutional Convention, in response to a question from Jason Cooney, Greece TA. Pallotta said the threats to basic rights posed by a convention have had a galvanizing effect on support for VOTE-COPE.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/rc43.ny.aft.org\/take-action\/message-florence-mccue-ed-51-53-large-director\">A Message from Florence McCue ED 51-53 At-Large Director<\/a>, NYSUT Retiree Council 43, April 2016. \u00a0&#8220;This week you will have (or should have) received the VOTE\/COPE mailer from NYSUT. It is VERY IMPORTANT that we all increase our VOTE\/COPE contributions ASAP. The long feared Constitutional Convention vote will be here before we know it and VOTE\/COPE must have the resources we need in order to advertise and educate about the dangers of having a convention. Our social security benefits are under attack as well as Medicare. We have to fight against cuts to the programs we earned during our in-service years.In addition to our advocacy, this takes time and this takes money.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>NYSUT United, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/news\/nysut-united\/issues\/2016\/april-2016\/trs-former-grad-or-teaching-assistant\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">TRS<\/a>,\u00a0<em>NYSUT United<\/em>,\u00a0March 30, 2016.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">Q: I read that a state constitutional convention vote takes place in 2017. What does this mean, and how could it impact me?<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">A: A constitutional convention vote could impact you, and every other New York State resident, a great deal. The New York State Constitution mandates that every 20 years voters decide whether to hold a statewide constitutional convention \u2014 basically a forum to tweak, change or radically make over the state constitution.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">Since the state constitution safeguards the fundamental rights you enjoy as a New York State citizen, including guaranteed pension benefits, the right to unionize and free public education, fiddling around with it is akin to opening Pandora&#8217;s box. NYSUT is encouraging members to mobilize in 2017 to help voters understand what&#8217;s on the line if a constitutional convention takes place. Voters rejected a constitutional convention in 1997 after concerned activists worked together to educate voters about the risks of opening the state constitution.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nyscopba.org\/?s=constitutional+convention&amp;x=10&amp;y=13\">Executive Meeting Minutes<\/a>, New York State Correctional Officers &amp; Police Benevolent Association, March 16, 2016. \u00a0NYSCOPBA&#8217;s leadership opposes a yes vote on the upcoming referendum.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/rc43.ny.aft.org\/key-documents\/ed-52-meeting-march-8-9-albany\">ED 52 Meeting March 8-9, 2016 in Albany<\/a>. \u00a0&#8220;NYSUT President Karen Magee addressed the group citing the importance of voting down the November 2017 referendum for a Constitutional Convention. Opening the New York State Constitution could threaten retirement security, the right of every student in the state to a free education, collective bargaining, environmental protections, health insurance, and services to those citizens in need of government assistance.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Murphy, Tom,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.uft.org\/retired-teachers-chapter-news\/help-enlighten-our-young-members\"> Help enlighten our young members<\/a>, United Federation of Teachers New York Teacher Issue, March 3, 2016. \u00a0&#8220;Why are we concerned? If a Constitutional Convention is convened for any stated reason \u2014 e.g., government reform \u2014 the delegates are then free to consider any and every part of the constitution for revision. \u00a0One such provision dating back to 1938 states: \u201cNo public employee pension shall be diminished or impaired.\u201d Would convention delegates try to change existing pensions? No one knows.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/rpea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/ConCon-Handout.pdf\">Constitutional Convention Timeline<\/a>, Retired Public Employees Association, February 2016.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/rpea.org\/resources\/constitutional-covention\/\">Constitutional Convention- A Bad Idea<\/a>, Retired Public Employees Association, February 2016.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/rpea.org\/resources\/constitutional-convention-qa\/\">Constitutional Convention Questions and Answers<\/a>, Retired Public Employees Association, February 2016.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/nyclocal246.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/Feb-2016-IMPACT_08_web.pdf\">Message from President\u00a0Joseph A. Colangelo<\/a>, <em>Impact<\/em>, <a href=\"http:\/\/nyclocal246.org\/\">New York City SEIU Local 246<\/a>, February 2016. \u00a0Colangelo explains why his and other public employee unions are following the referendum very closely: &#8220;The concern of public employee unions is that our guaranteed pensions \u2014 current protected by the Constitution \u2014 could be altered.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>*<a href=\"http:\/\/www.uticateachers.org\/a12z59hide\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/SIGNAL-JanFeb16.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">VOTE-COPE Corner<\/a>,\u00a0<em>The Signal<\/em>, Utica Teachers&#8217; Association, January\/February 2016.<\/p>\n<p>Drake, Ken,<a href=\"http:\/\/static1.1.sqspcdn.com\/static\/f\/1442391\/26841521\/1454777936003\/January+February+2016.pdf?token=%2BYz%2Fq%2F3LdwwHjI9vhR8qo3EFprw%3D\"> United in Common Cause<\/a>, RC 8 Retiree, January\/February 2016.\u00a0 &#8220;On the national level, NYSUT is closely following the case of Friedrich vs. the California Teachers Association. The Supreme Court will rule on this case in this court calendar year. A ruling in favor of Friedrich would deal a crippling blow to the labor movement. Closer to home, NYSUT is using its influence to prevent a Constitutional Convention in 2017. A convention would likely result in changes of obvious consequence to all public employees but especially to educators.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Herron, Pete, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.fascc.org\/theword\/Word4.cfm?ID=138\">Beware: Changes to the NYS Constitution are in the air<\/a>, The Word, February 20, 2016. &#8220;At the convention there is no limit to what can be amended. The final produce of the convention is presented to the voters as take all or leave all. There will be those who will say there are some bad changes but some I like, therefore I will take the bad with the good. How many voters who do not have and never will have a public pension say I will vote for the total package even though public employees will unfairly have their pensions eliminated or reduced?&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Perrini, Joan, <a href=\"http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20160410014457\/http:\/\/www.retiredteachersofnorthport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Constitutional_Convention.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Reasons We Don\u2019t Want a NYS\u00a0Constitutional Convention in 2017<\/a>, Retired Teachers of Northport, February 18, 2016. \u00a0The letter was <a href=\"http:\/\/www.retiredteachersofnorthport.org\/reasons-we-dont-want-a-nys-constitutional-convention-in-2017\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">sent<\/a> to NYSUT members\u00a0throughout New York.<\/p>\n<p>Quinn, Linda,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.retiredteachersofnorthport.org\/2017-constitutional-convention-ballot-question\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u00a02017 Constitutional Convention Ballot Question<\/a>, Retired \u2013 United Teachers of Northport, February 2, 2016. \u00a0Includes link to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/s\/770l82nhv9ims5y\/ConstConvt_1_4.pdf?Dl=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pandora\u2019s Box -Get the Facts aboutaConstitutional Convention<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>#1.<\/strong> *Hoskin, Ned, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/news\/nysut-united\/issues\/2016\/february-2016\/why-we-must-say-no-to-a-state-constitutional-convention\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Why we must say NO to a state Constitutional Convention<\/a>, <em>NYSUT United<\/em>, January 26, 2016. &#8220;A signpost is up ahead, but it&#8217;s not &#8220;The Twilight Zone.&#8221; It&#8217;s the potential disaster known as a constitutional convention.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Hoskin, Ned,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/news\/nysut-united\/issues\/2016\/february-2016\/albany-strikes-a-more-positive-tone-on-public-education\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Albany strikes a more positive tone on public education<\/a>, <em>NYSUT United<\/em>, January 26, 2016. \u00a0&#8220;NYSUT&#8217;s position:\u00a0The Constitutional Convention referendum will overshadow all other decisions citizens will be asked to make in 2017. NYSUT is mounting a strong campaign to educate voters about the real risks a state Constitutional Convention would pose. Opening up the constitution to haphazard and wholesale changes could alter working conditions, our retirement security and our members&#8217; ability to provide a sound and basic education.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.wta1972.com\/uploads\/4\/9\/1\/1\/4911736\/jan_feb_2016_the_wta__voice.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The Voice<\/a>, Webster Teachers&#8217; Association, February 2016. &#8220;One other risk to your retirement benefits to keep in mind: a Constitutional Convention in New York state.\u00a0Despite the fact that our pension system is among the very best in the nation, is fully funded, gets 85% of its\u00a0money from returns on investment, is fully &#8220;sustainable&#8221; and has existed for nearly 100 years, there are powerful\u00a0political forces that would like to deprive us of it. One of their most powerful tools by which they could do us\u00a0irreparable harm is through use of a constitutional convention to eliminate or cripple our pension system. Our\u00a0best defense against this is a pre-emptive one: to mobilize our collective persuasive and voting power to make\u00a0sure that such a convention does not take place.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/rc10.ny.aft.org\/news\/nys-constitutional-convention-are-you-ready\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">NYS Constitutional Convention&#8211;Are You Ready?<\/a>, NYSUT Retiree Council 10, January 2016.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ibew1249.org\/updates\/political-action\/organizers-report-we-must-prepare-and-remain-vigilant\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Organizers Report: We Must Prepare and Remain Vigilant<\/a>, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers,\u00a0January 24, 2016<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=M0TijNuDZVE\">Get The Facts About A Constitutional Convention<\/a>,\u00a0Niagara Wheatfield Teachers Association, December 20, 2015. \u00a0NYSUT gave this attack ad numerous awards for effectively conveying NYSUT&#8217;s policy position to teachers.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=M0TijNuDZVE&amp;feature=youtu.be\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Get The Facts About A Constitutional Convention<\/a>, <em>Niagara Wheatfield Teachers Association<\/em>, December 10, 2015.<\/p>\n<div class=\"stream-item-header\">Tweet:<\/div>\n<div class=\"stream-item-header\" style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/jmdeem\">Joan Deem<\/a> \u200f<span class=\"username js-action-profile-name\" data-aria-label-part=\"\"><s>@<\/s>jmdeem<\/span> <span class=\"Tweet-geo u-floatRight js-tooltip\" data-original-title=\"Saratoga Springs, NY\"><span class=\"u-hiddenVisually\">Saratoga Springs, NY\u00a0\u00a01 Nov 2015<br \/>\n<\/span><\/span>At NYSTRS mtg: if there is a constitutional convention in NY, all bets are off for future and CURRENT retiree pensions <a class=\"twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav\" dir=\"ltr\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/votecope?src=hash\" data-query-source=\"hashtag_click\"><s>#<\/s>votecope<\/a> <a class=\"twitter-atreply pretty-link js-nav\" dir=\"ltr\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/HCT_Union\" data-mentioned-user-id=\"3018019540\"><s>@<\/s>HCT_Union<\/a><\/div>\n<p>Murphy, Tom,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.uft.org\/retired-teachers-chapter-news\/value-our-annual-meetings\"> Value of our annual meetings<\/a>, United Federation of Teachers New York Teacher Issue, December 3, 2015. \u00a0&#8220;A 1938 constitutional provision guarantees: No public employee pension shall be diminished or impaired. But with anti-union sentiment running strong and conservatives looking to cut the budget on the backs of working Americans, that provision could easily be repealed. We must educate ourselves and the public on this very important issue.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cseany.org\/constitutional-convention\/\">Constitutional Convention Website<\/a>, CSEA, October 27, 2016. \u00a0This includes a handout with <a href=\"https:\/\/cseany.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/con-con-chart.pdf\">NewYorkConCon.info&#8217;s decision tree<\/a> and a <a href=\"https:\/\/cseany.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/con-con-flier-update.pdf\">flyer<\/a>. \u00a0Note the plagiarism of the NewYorkConCon.info convention decision tree graphic under the CSEA brand label and copyright. \u00a0The decision tree was cut and pasted directly from the NewYorkConCon.info website with no attribution. \u00a0This was actually remarkably ethical because most advocacy organizations and academics copy NewYorkConCon.info with changes to obfuscate the source, such as paraphrasing text, to cover\u00a0where they got their material.<\/p>\n<p>Hoskin, Ned, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/news\/2015\/october\/dinapoli-to-ed-51-53-we-must-keep-the-economy-growing-and-spread-it-across-the-state\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DiNapoli to ED 51-53: We must &#8216;keep the economy growing and spread it across the state&#8217;<\/a>,\u00a0<em>NYSUT United<\/em>, October 9, 2015.<\/p>\n<p>Fottrell, Leslie Duncan, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/news\/2015\/october\/srps-learn-about-union-value-and-more-at-leadership-conference\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">SRPs learn about \u2018union value\u2019 and more at leadership conference<\/a>,\u00a0<em>NYSUT United<\/em>, October 5, 2015.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/newyorkstateara.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/constitutional-convention-article-2015-gavin.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Your pension could vanish in a Constitutional Convention<\/a>, New York State Alliance for Retired Americans, Summer 2015 (the original\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/newyorkstateara.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/constitutional-convention-article-2015-gavin.pdf\">print version<\/a> published in September 2015; an\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/newyorkstateara.org\/your-pension-could-vanish-in-a-constitutional-convention\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">online version<\/a>\u00a0published on October 28, 2015). \u00a0&#8220;Your pension is among the many protections and benefits at stake if New York state voters approve a constitutional convention in 2017. The New York State Constitution mandates that every 20 years, voters must vote whether to hold a constitutional convention. In 1997, voters rejected a convention thanks largely to the\u2028 efforts of CSEA and other groups.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/news\/2015\/may\/ra-2015\/seminars-for-local-leaders-cover-wide-range-of-topics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Seminars for local leaders cover wide range of topics<\/a>,<em> NYSUT Communications<\/em>, May 1, 2015.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/news\/nysut-united\/issues\/2015\/march-2015\/trs-the-2017-constitutional-convention-vote-what-you-should-know\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The 2017 constitutional convention vote \u2014 what you should know<\/a>, <em>NYSUT United<\/em>, March 10, 2015.<\/p>\n<p>Lirtzman, Harris, <a href=\"http:\/\/perdidostreetschool.blogspot.com\/2015\/01\/governor-cuomo-and-ny-post-in-search-of.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Governor Cuomo And The NY Post &#8211; In Search Of A Pension Crisis That Doesn&#8217;t Exist<\/a>, <em>Perdido Street School<\/em>, January 5, 2015.<\/p>\n<p>VanSteenburgh, Phyllis,<a href=\"http:\/\/rc12.ny.aft.org\/files\/nov_2014.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> What\u2019s Coming in 2017?<\/a> \u00a0<em>The Outlook<\/em>, November\u00a02014. (Retiree Council 12, an AFT-NEA Affiliate)<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/rc12.ny.aft.org\/files\/otesaga_2014_minutes.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">NYSUT Retiree Council #12 Fall General Membership Meeting &#8211; Minutes<\/a>,\u00a0Otesaga Resort Hotel, Cooperstown, September 30, 2014<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gnteachers.net\/uploads\/9\/7\/5\/6\/9756245\/gnt_spring2014_single.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The President&#8217;s View<\/a>, <em>Great Neck Ties<\/em>, Spring 2014. \u00a0&#8220;&#8221;NYSUT will oppose vehemently the unnecessary call for\u00a0a NYS Constitutional Convention in 2017. Since 1938, there has\u00a0been a constitutional amendment protecting pension benefits. A\u00a0convention subjects this provision to alteration and\/or elimination.\u00a0(Think Detroit)&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>CUNY Professional Staff Congress, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.psc-cuny.org\/sites\/default\/files\/2013%20NYSUT%20RA_Opposition%20to%20Constitutional%20Convention%20Scan.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Opposition to Constitutional Convention<\/a>, Resolution Submitted\u00a0to the 2013 NYSUT Representative Assembly, Executive Council, Local 2334, January 10, 2013.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysutrc4.org\/pension.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Is Your Pension Safe?<\/a>,<em> NYSUT Retiree Council 4<\/em>, November 2012.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.pmct.org\/articles\/1011\/convention\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Vote No<\/a>, Patchogue-Medford Congress of Teachers, October\u00a02011.<\/p>\n<p>Campany, Carlyle T., <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysrta.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/York-State.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">A New York State Constitutional Convention\u2026\u2026Reason to Be Concerned<\/a>, <em>York State<\/em>, Winter 2011 (The official publication of the New York State Retired Teachers&#8217; Association)<\/p>\n<p>Steier, Richard, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.local237.org\/docman\/the-chief-other-news\/287-unions-out-to-head-off-state-convention-that-could-erode-benefits\/file\">Unions Out to Head Off State Convention That Could Erode Benefits<\/a>, <em>The Chief (<\/em>Teamsters Local 237), \u00a0November 15, 2010.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">New York State Alliance for Retired Americans<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/newyorkstateara.org\/septemberoctober-message-from-nysara-ef-president-barry-a-kaufmann\/\">September\/October Message from NYSARA (EF) President Barry A. Kaufmann<\/a>,\u00a0President&#8217;s Message, <a href=\"http:\/\/newyorkstateara.org\/\">New York State Alliance for Retired Americans<\/a>, October 6, 2016. \u00a0&#8220;[A]\u00a0New York State Constitutional Convention&#8221; would threaten to &#8220;negatively impact the current constitutional protections for unions and for seniors.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/newyorkstateara.org\/mayjune-message-from-nys-alliance-for-retired-americans-president-barry-a-kaufmann\/\">May\/June Message from NYS Alliance for Retired Americans President Barry A. Kaufmann<\/a>, President&#8217;s Message, <a href=\"http:\/\/newyorkstateara.org\/\">New York State\u00a0Alliance for Retired Americans<\/a>, May 3, 2016. \u00a0&#8220;There is the threat of a Constitutional Convention in New York State, which has the potential to gut programs for the elderly, change or gut the State pension system and negatively impact the quality of life for seniors. NYSARA will be educating our members about the potential harms that convening a constitutional convention could cause so they are informed and so we can all share with our neighbors and our families what harm this can cause to seniors and grandparents.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/newyorkstateara.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/constitutional-convention-article-2015-gavin.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Your pension could vanish in a Constitutional Convention<\/a>, New York State Alliance for Retired Americans, Summer 2015 (the original\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/newyorkstateara.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/constitutional-convention-article-2015-gavin.pdf\">print version<\/a> published in September 2015; an\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/newyorkstateara.org\/your-pension-could-vanish-in-a-constitutional-convention\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">online version<\/a>\u00a0published on October 28, 2015). \u00a0&#8220;Your pension is among the many protections and benefits at stake if New York state voters approve a constitutional convention in 2017. The New York State Constitution mandates that every 20 years, voters must vote whether to hold a constitutional convention. In 1997, voters rejected a convention thanks largely to the\u2028 efforts of CSEA and other groups.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">1997\u00a0ConCon Referendum<\/h3>\n<p>&#8220;Grassroots campaign\u00a0led defeat of 1997\u00a0convention proposal,&#8221; CSEA, November 1997.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/locals.nysut.org\/OLD_newyorkteacher\/backissues\/1997-1998\/971020constitution.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Questions and answers on the &#8216;Con Con&#8217;<\/a>, <em>New York Teacher<\/em>, October 20, 1997.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/locals.nysut.org\/OLD_newyorkteacher\/backissues\/1997-1998\/971006constitution.html\">&#8220;Coalition shares concerns on constitutional convention&#8221;<\/a>, <em>New York Teacher<\/em>, October 6, 1997.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/locals.nysut.org\/OLD_newyorkteacher\/backissues\/1997-1998\/970922constitution.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Coalition says $50 million bash would be a waste<\/a>, <em>New York Teacher<\/em>, September 22, 1997.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/locals.nysut.org\/research\/bulletins\/9709constitution.html\">&#8220;Vote &#8216;No&#8217; for a Constitution Convention&#8221;<\/a>, NYSUT Division of Research and Educational Services, September 1997.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/rmc.library.cornell.edu\/EAD\/htmldocs\/KCL06174-001.html\">Kheel Center for Labor-Management Documentation and Archives<\/a>, Cornell University Library, Collection Number: 6174\/001, NYSUT Officers Meeting, Box 75 Folder 30, October 14, 1997.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">Agenda; list of members of NYSUT\/NEA Joint Council; letter from the Central New York Teaching Center, summarizing activities of the past year, September 10; letter from political action chair of the Education Association of South Orangetown (EASO), Local 2630, describing outreach efforts to members re opposition to state constitutional convention, September 30; letter from Urban League of Northeastern New York, Inc., thanking Hobart for contribution, October 2; letter from Great Neck Teachers Association, Inc. praising NYSUT publication, What Every New Member Should Know, September 12<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Websites<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.csealocal601.com\/news\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Constitutional Convention News<\/a>, Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA)\u00a0Local 601, The College at Brockport, State University of New York. Accessed March 28, 2016.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/mac.nysut.org\/donate\">Contribute to the No NY Convention Fund!<\/a>, NYSUT. \u00a0Accessed April 12, 2017.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Your pension is among the many protections and benefits at stake if New York state voters approve a constitutional convention in 2017. The New York State Constitution mandates that every 20 years, voters must vote whether to hold a constitutional convention. In 1997, voters rejected a convention thanks largely to the efforts of CSEA and other groups.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Campaign Finance<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.opensecrets.org\/pacs\/lookup2.php?strID=C00021121\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">NYSUT VOTE-COPE<\/a>\u00a0(Andrew Pallotta is the treasurer), OpenSecrets, org<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.lvsea.net\/NEWS\/VOTE-COPE.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">NYSUT VOTE-Cope Solicitation<\/a>\u00a0(based on defeating the upcoming concon referendum), April 2016.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/unitytoday.wordpress.com\/2015\/11\/14\/local-president-members-say-vote-cope-a-priority\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Local President: Members Say VOTE COPE a Priority<\/a>,\u00a0Mahopac Teachers\u2019 Association, November 14, 2015.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">The Retiree Organizer<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/~\/media\/files\/nysut\/members\/retireeorganizer\/retiree_organizer_2015summer.pdf?la=en\">Summer 2015 Issue<\/a><br \/>\nOpening Pandora\u2019s Box? New York State Constitutional Convention Vote, pp. 2, 4, 5.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/~\/media\/files\/nysut\/members\/retireeorganizer\/organizer_fall_13.pdf?la=en\">Fall 2013 Issue<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/~\/media\/files\/nysut\/members\/retireeorganizer\/organizer_summer_13.pdf?la=en\">Summer 2013 Issue<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=&#8221;Image NYSUT Member Flyer&#8221; src=&#8221;http:\/\/newyork.concon.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/2016-FallElections-NYSUT-Flyer-4to8percentOfVotersAreNYSUTmembers.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;NYSUT Fall 2016 Flyer&#8221; show_in_lightbox=&#8221;off&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;off&#8221; use_overlay=&#8221;off&#8221; sticky=&#8221;off&#8221; align=&#8221;left&#8221; force_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221; always_center_on_mobile=&#8221;on&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; border_width=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; \/][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Text NYSUT Staff&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Key NYSUT Staffers Orchestrating Grassroots Opposition to a Yes Vote<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Paul Pecorale, Second Vice-President (the second in command under NYSUT President Karen Magee), American Federation of Teachers, Local&#8211;NYSUT. \u00a02015 Compensation package: $287,712,<\/p>\n<p>Andrew Pallota, Executive Vice President, American Federation of Teachers, Local&#8211;NYSUT. \u00a02015 Compensation package: $255,698<\/p>\n<p>Pete Savage,\u00a0Senior Legislative Representative, American Federation of Teachers, Local&#8211;NYSUT (previously the legislative coordinator fo the New York State Association of Counties). \u00a0LinkedIn profile.\u00a02015 Compensation package: $122,101<\/p>\n<p>Sources:<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.unionfacts.com\/local\/employees\/70581\/AFT\/0\/\">UnionFacts.com<\/a>.<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/peter-savage-6b258a12\">Pete Savage LinkedIn Profile<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Select NYSUT Grasroots Lobbying Kit Documents <\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4>(distributed under the title of &#8220;Constitutional Convention Leader Toolkit&#8221;)<\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/newyork.concon.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/NYSUT-Grassroots-Lobbying-Toolkit-Presentation-PandorasBox-GetTheFactsAboutAConstitutionalConvention-Jan2017.pdf\">Pandora\u2019s Box: Get the Facts about a Constitutional Convention, 2-page flyer<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/newyork.concon.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/NYSUT-Grassroots-Lobbying-Toolkit-Presentation-PandorasBox-GetTheFactsAboutAConstitutionalConvention-Jan2017.pdf\">Pandora\u2019s Box: Get the Facts about a Constitutional Convention,\u00a0presentation<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><strong>NYSUT Constitutional Convention Website (set up on January 23, 2017)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/news\/2017\/january\/constitutional-convention-resources\">Constitutional Convention Resources<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/members\/school-related-professionals\/srp-communications-tools\">SRP Communications Tools<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Facebook Groups<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/1889975414564830\/\">VOTE NO TO OPENING THE NYS CONSTITUTION<\/a>\u00a0(13,847 Members by Feb. 7, 2017)<\/p>\n<h3><strong>NYSUT Communications Awards \u2013 In-Service Winners,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/~\/media\/files\/nysut\/news\/2016\/communicationsawardsinservice2016.pdf?la=en\">May 17, 2016<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Note: See NYSUT United <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nysut.org\/news\/nysut-united\/issues\/2017\/february-2017\/pensions-pump-$12-billion-a-year-into-the-states-economy\">article<\/a> citing this video. \u00a0Strieb is head of political action for the Smithtown Teachers&#8217; Association.<\/p>\n<h4>Category #1: Best Video<\/h4>\n<p>Niagara Wheatfield Teachers Association<br \/>\nPublication: Niagara Wheatfield Teachers<br \/>\nAssociation YouTube<br \/>\nHeadline: \u201c Constitution Convention PSA\u201d<br \/>\nAward: Best Video<br \/>\nContributor(s): Tracy Bloom<br \/>\n**********************************<\/p>\n<h4>Category #2: Best Use of Social Media<\/h4>\n<p>Niagara Wheatfield Teachers Association<br \/>\nPublication: Niagara Wheatfield Teachers<br \/>\nAssociation YouTube<br \/>\nHeadline: \u201c Constitution Convention PSA\u201d<br \/>\nAward: Best Use of Social Media (Co-Winner)<br \/>\nFIRST PLACE<br \/>\nContributor(s): Tracy Bloom<br \/>\n**********************************<\/p>\n<h4>Category #3: Best Creative Writing<\/h4>\n<p>Niagara Wheatfield Teachers Association<br \/>\nPublication: Niagara Wheatfield Teachers<br \/>\nAssociation YouTube<br \/>\nHeadline: \u201cConstitutional Convention PSA\u201d<br \/>\nAward: Best Creative Writing<br \/>\nContributor(s): Tracy Bloom<br \/>\n***************************<\/p>\n<h4>Category #4: Best Community Outreach<\/h4>\n<p>Niagara Wheatfield Teachers Association<br \/>\nPublication: Niagara Wheatfield Teachers<br \/>\nAssociation YouTube<br \/>\nHeadline: \u201c Constitution Convention PSA\u201d<br \/>\nAward: Best Community Outreach<br \/>\nContributor(s): Tracy Bloom<br \/>\n**********************************<\/p>\n<h4><\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider admin_label=&#8221;Divider&#8221; color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; show_divider=&#8221;on&#8221; height=&#8221;2&#8243; divider_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; divider_position=&#8221;top&#8221; divider_weight=&#8221;1px&#8221; hide_on_mobile=&#8221;on&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; \/][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Other&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Other<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Other Text&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; disabled=&#8221;off&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">None<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pro &#038; Con Op-eds<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":184,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-202","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newyork.concon.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/202","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newyork.concon.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newyork.concon.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newyork.concon.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newyork.concon.info\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=202"}],"version-history":[{"count":198,"href":"https:\/\/newyork.concon.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/202\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2271,"href":"https:\/\/newyork.concon.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/202\/revisions\/2271"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newyork.concon.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/184"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newyork.concon.info\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=202"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}