CONSERVATIVE PARTY of NEW YORK STATE

486 78th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11209

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2022 Legislative Memo

IN OPPOSITION TO…

 S.6197-C Skoufis A. 8560-C Paulin

Purpose:  Provides that all certain local elections held outside of New York City shall be held on election day in November in even-numbered years.

Party Position:  All politics are local is a much-used phrase used in the art of politics.  It is a known fact that local elections are the closest to the population in city, towns and villages, as these elections have a direct impact.  It is the local elections that has an immediate and long-term impact on residents.

This proposed bill seeks to “fix” an issue that isn’t broken.  There is no confusion in the current system of holding certain village, town and other elections in odd-numbered years.  Voter turnout is shaped by issues, for example, people in villages, towns and other election districts, know that their local mayor or town council member has little influence or ability to curb inflation, but can help with a street light on a corner that has far too many accidents.  If a corner needs a street light, there is always a large turnout.

The failed progressive policies put forth by former Governor Cuomo, followed and enhanced by Governor Kathy Hochul and passed by the Democrat-controlled Legislature are being rejected by New Yorkers.

This proposed bill is just another power grab by Governor Kathy Hochul and the Democratic members of the Legislature to maintain their extremely tight grip on all political levels in New York State.

This proposed bill does not address how current office holders are affected and if it becomes law, it would be effective immediately.  It is a poorly written bill that only seeks to seize power with this disparaging and most likely unconstitutional scheme.

Democrats should take political advisor Bert Lance’s advice, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

The Conservative Party is strongly opposed to S. 6197-C/A8560-C.

LM2022-004