“Speak Out” with Assemblywoman Galef Focuses on Overhauling Campaign Finance Rules in New York State

Panelists discuss alternatives to funding campaigns to increase participation

March 12, 2013

Assemblywoman Sandy Galef has long focused on reforming and overhauling the current system of financing campaigns, in order to increase participation of both candidates and voters in the election process. Galef recently hosted a forum at Desmond-Fish Library in Garrison to discuss how campaign finance reform has impacted New York City, and the potential that exists for leveling the playing field in state elections. The forum featured three distinguished panelists, Dick Dadey, Executive Director of Citizens Union of the City of New York; Jesse Laymon, Downstate Campaigns Manager for Citizen Action of New York; and Susan Lerner, Executive Director of Common Cause NY.

The series airs in three parts on a rotating basis. In the first two segments, the assemblywoman introduces the topic of campaign finance reform and important background information related to the financing of campaigns in New York State, from the possibilities of full or partial public financing to how the Campaign Finance Board works in New York City. Galef discusses state opinions on what needs to be done. The panel of experts then presents their opinions on what reforms have worked in New York City, and how these reforms can work throughout the State. In part three, community members from across the district ask questions of the panel, which focus on issues such as cultural changes in how campaigns are being carried out, as well as possible unintended consequences of reform.

“I appreciated the expert panelists coming from the City to my district to discuss this critical issue,” said Galef. “Public financing has proven to increase the candidate pool, candidates’ participation in the process, as well as voter participation, which really opens up the entire election process. The panelists offered such great detail on programs already in place and how effective they have been, so I encourage anyone who was not able to make it to this forum to watch it on TV.”

Tune in to cable television on the following days and times to learn more.

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