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New York Times
New York
Democracy
By Rob
Richie
July 14, 2002
To the Editor:
Joyce Purnick's review of possible reforms to make New
York state government more democratic (Metro Matters column, July 8)
reveals the sad condition of our electoral democracy. New York is
far from alone in how much power is exerted by legislative leaders
and how shielded incumbents are from competition; since 1996 more
than 40 percent of all state legislative races have not been even
nominally contested by both major parties.
However, like most states, New York this year is
electing a governor who can't be shielded by gerrymandered
districts. Reformers should press candidates to commit to restoring
citizens' voices � not just mouthing support for reforms that have
no chance in the Legislature, but supporting a high-level commission
with the kind of clout and independence that could make substantive
reform possible. |
