New York City Ballot Questions

The Four Ballot Questions

Question 1: Amending the State Budget Process

This bill will give the State Legislature greater power over the state budget process. In essence, the Legislature can run out the clock and force a late budget. Under this proposal, if such a thing happens (and it has happened for over two decades, each and every year until the last budget was actually ON TIME), a contingency budget based upon the previous budget would be enforced. Also, the Governor's role would be less influential in the process, as the Legislature would have greater authority to amend the Governor's budget proposal.

One of my first posts on this site (it really is a beautiful entry, go check it out) was about the awful state government, making sure the Legislature received plenty of the blame even though few people ever follow state politics. Even with Pataki as Governor now, I'd rather have three men trying to make a deal with one of them not having to answer specifically to one district and to the allies in the Legislature than the two Legislature leaders merely agreeing to disagree and shelling out lots of money for unnecessary projects. The vote for this question should be NO.

Question 2: Transportation Bond Act

This nearly $3 billion dollar bond proposal will go towards various projects for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in downstate New York for expansion, such as building more of the Second Avenue Subway that was first proposed many decades ago. Half would go to the MTA while the other half would go to projects around the state, including a few in the city.

While these are worthy projects, the MTA is saddled with debt as it is. Such projects should have adequate funding from the state, but unfortunately the state isn't there for that. So the solution would then be to borrow our way out. I am uncertain whether this is a good thing or not. While it is wonderful to actually have these projects under consideration, I am fearful that when it comes time to pay back such debts, the state will stiff us again and leave us to pay for it. Therefore, the vote should be NO.

Question 3: Ethics Code for Hearing Officers

This would amend the City Charter to allow the mayor to establish a code of ethics for administrative hearing officers. A code of ethics for officers that handle a range of legal issues and complains from citizens should be instituted. Therefore, the vote should be YES.

Question 4: Financial Management Requirements to the City Charter

Among its many provisions, this question, should it be passed, would require a balanced budget for the city. In addition, it requires an annual audit, maintaining a four-year financial plan, and a limitation to short-term debt.

Annual audits and financial plans are worthy goals and should be passed. However, it is tied in together with the heavy constraints of a balanced budget and the limitation on short-term debt. Sure, it's hard to trust a government to maintain a balanced budget for sure, but there should also be a way to finance emergency operations that would require short-term debts and breaking a balanced budget for the next fiscal year. Hopefully, those things would be considered for the next time this question appears on the ballot because the vote must be NO.

(Information on the questions found at Gotham Gazette)