Proposal To Change Political System, Limit Campaign Financing

State Senator David Carlucci unveiled a proposal to reform public campaign financing and change the political system in New York State in the wake of last week’s series of public corruption arrests. Carlucci joined with Rockland County Executive Assistant District Attorney Itamar Yegeri, who appeared on behalf of District Attorney Thomas Zugibe, in announcing the need for campaign reform on Friday. 

“We want to make sure there is no pay to play in New York State,” said Carlucci. 

The plan put forward by Carlucci and the Independent Democratic Conference would cap campaign contributions to state races at $2,600 and ban corporate contributions altogether.  Carlucci also said the Wilson–Pakula provision of state election law should be repealed.  He depicted it as a way for political bosses to give their party’s line to a candidate of another party without the input of the membership.

Another part of the package would institute a six to one ratio for public campaign financing.  The financing reform would permit contributions from individuals of $250 to be matched with $1,500 of public funds.  Carlucci said that would level the playing field for candidates. Contributions for all candidates running for state office would be limited to $2,600 and that would encompass donations for the primary and general election.

Thresholds that candidates must raise through individual contributions in order to be eligible for matching public funds were included as part of the package. The amounts vary from requiring Assembly candidates to raise $10,000 to $650,000 for gubernatorial candidates to receive the six to one match.  Limitation on the amount of public funds spent on primaries allowed $5.5 million for the governor’s race, $825,000 for State Senatorial candidates and $412,500 for Assembly candidates.  

Another part of the proposal would set up a database of businesses and people who do business with New York State. They would be limited to political contributions of $260.  The attorney general’s powers would be expanded to stiffen penalties for candidates who do not file the proper paperwork with the Board of Elections and to prosecute and bring criminal charges against anyone violating public financing provisions.

Yegeri said the proposals create “financial disincentives” to dissuade officials from abusing the public trust. He said the district attorney supports campaign finance reform in general. Yegeri said the district attorney believes that the campaign reforms should also include local elected officials.

“It is obvious that at every level of government something needs to be done to ensure that there is no breach of the public trusts from those that the people elect to serve,” said Yegeri.