Understanding the Constitutional Amendments on the November 5th Ballot

By law, I am precluded from any endorsement of an electoral nature when using state resources. However, I am permitted to inform the public and I believe it's important to remind everyone that there will be six constitutional proposals that will appear on Tuesday's ballot.

What follows is a general description of those items. If you would like my personal opinion about any of these amendments feel free to e-mail me.

Proposal One - Authorizing Casino Gaming

Summary: The purpose of the proposed amendment to is to allow the Legislature to authorize and regulate up to seven casinos. No casino could be located in New York City

Proposal Two - Additional Civil Service Credit for Veterans with Disabilities Certified Post-Appointment

Abstract: When veterans take civil service exams they get additional 5 credits in honor of their service. If they are considered disabled they get 10 points. However, if a veteran is appointed to a position before they have been certified as disabled, they are unable to get additional credits. The purpose of the proposed amendment is to grant additional civil service credit to veterans who are certified as disabled after they have been appointed or promoted to a civil service position.

Proposal Three - Exclusion of Indebtedness Contracted for Sewage Facilities

Summary- This proposal would extend for another 10 years an amendment that allows municipalities to exclude costs to finance sewer systems from their constitutional debt limits. If not approved, the exemption would expire in 2014.

Proposal Four - Settling Disputed Title in the Forest Preserve

Summary- This proposal would resolve competing claims of title between the State and private parties to land located in the forest preserve, in the town of Long Lake, Hamilton County. Landowners in an area known as Township 40 would provide funding for the state to acquire areas along the Marion River in exchange for clear land titles. This would end a dispute that has gone on for almost 100 years.

Proposal Five - In Relation to a Land Exchange in the State Forest Preserve with NYCO Minerals, Inc.

Summary: This proposal would allow NYCO Minerals, Inc., a private company, to continue its mining operations in the town of Lewis, Essex County. The proposed amendment would allow the State to convey approximately 200 forest preserve acres to NYCO Minerals for mining. In exchange, NYCO Minerals would give the State at least the same amount of land of at least the same value, with a minimum assessed value of $1 million. This land would be added to the forest preserve. When NYCO Minerals finishes mining, the company would restore the condition of the land it received in the exchange and return it to the forest preserve.

Proposal Six - Increasing Age until which Certain State Judges Can Serve

Summary: At the present time Justices of the Supreme Court and Judges of the Court of Appeals are required to retire in the year they turn 70 years old. The proposed amendment would permit a Judge who reaches the age of 70 while in office to remain in service on the Court for up to 10 additional years in order to complete the term to which that Judge was appointed.