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Image provided by: Freeport Memorial Library
!>• the end season,\ \ want to •i) in this ER ] DgS * * ♦ * * * * * ♦ * * ♦ * * * >n I ♦ * * * * * * To be or not to be...The NV S tate Constitutional Convention by Laun Scfaofer Shortly after the coloahts signed the DecUratioa of Independence, the citi zens of the United States began to draft their own state constitutions. Ifl 1777 New York's first consiitu* (ioo was adopted by the Fourth Provincial Congress. The new State Constitution reflected the needs and desires of the wealthy families by requiring property qualifications for voting, thereby disenfranchising 70 percent of aduh while males. Needless to say, most people were not happy and la 1801, the first New York State constituiiodal convention was held. Since that time, the people of the State of New Yotk have held eight such conventions • 1801, 1821, 1846, 1867, 1894,1915,1988 and 1967. Each convention has, in its own way. helped to shape our rights and privileges as citizens of the state. For example the 1894 convention estab lished the first stale-wide educational system in the country and adopted a measure prohibiting the state to aid private schools. In 1915. the state gave women the right to vote and in 1938, eight amendments including social proposals giving workers the right to organize and bargain.collec tively, prohibiting discrimination based on race, creed or religion and providing for the mentally handi capped, were passed. And so, residents will once again be asked to make history. On November 4 a referendum will appear on the bal lot that asks if a Constitutional Convention should take place in April of 1999. This question, by state law, must appear on the ballot every 20 years. If voters approve holding the convention, the delegates are elected at the next general election and con vene the following April, in ibis case April of 1999. The convention itself determines whether amendments art submitted to voters. The New York Slate Constitution is three times as long as the federal con stitution. Like the federal constitution, it creates and empowers basic govern ing institutions, establishes how lead ers are selected, places limitations on government and provides protections for individual rights. Unlike the feder al constitution, it also sets forth obtig- atioas and services the state must pro vide, creates the local government system and regulates interactions between the state and local govern ments. To be or not to be? That all depends. Although a convention can not limit the issues, opponents and proponents alike agree that the follow ing issues would certainly be brought to the floor: The Government Structure: The constitution sets forth our basic two house legislative system. A one- house, or unicameral legislature might be discussed, Its proponents says this system would be more accountable, productive and less costly. The State Budget: The constitution defines the budget process, which specifies a date for the governor to submit the budget but not for the leg islature to adopt it. Proponents say this inaction costs local governments and school districts millions of dollar in unanticipated financing costs as the budget negotiations go on into May, June or July. Envlrosmenlal Issues: The \fotev- er wild\ clause, now more than 100 years old has been responsible for preservation of New York's wilder ness areas. It forbids the sale or lease of state lands and d evelt^rs and log ging interest are constantly criticizing this law. This constitution convention could limit the state's ability to pass environmental regulittons thus endan gering our wilderness. Care for Ihe Needy: New York. State requires Ihii we \provide aid, care, and support of the needy.\. Questions with regard to who is truly needy may be raised. Education: The constitution \shall provide for the maintenance and sup port of a system of free common schools, where in all the children of this stale may be educated.\ There are special interest groups who would like to lift the ban on state aid to private and pan>cbial schools. Term limits: At present there are no term limits for state elected offi cials. Advocates feci term limits would help to increase turnover and lead to major policy changes that elected officials now wouldn't consid- er. Opponents believe term limits would result in a shift of power from elected officials to governmental staff members. Many other issues would also be fought out on the convention floor from the court system and legislative districting to voter registration, abor tion. the death penalty, gay rights, prayer.in schools snd establishing English as the official language, among others. The process by which delegates are picked has also been a matter of con- • (corikxied on page 11) WEDDtSG A. ESGA GEMEKT cumounctments art \vtlcome and printed free of charge. To prevent erwrt, all announeements should be double spaced . typed i f possible^ or else neatly printed, taking special care to print all names clearly, A daytime telephone number must be included. 73 n } / Celine’s Real Estate By uhierg our sorv-ices you con gain assurance. Thot wew4do w ^ e v o r 6 in our power to help you wtie^Tier you or© tx/ying, soifiing, ksfing or renting or rrioybe >ou just wont to know trio votue of your real estate Ptocso ted freo to q .%- q us o cef ' Sal Buruans Lie. RE. Associate Helpirig Make Oreama Come True 20 GUY LOMBARDO AVENUE FREEPORT REAL ESTATE SAL B. (Senirg Ncaou's Soutn snore S.nce 1774) 546-2090 The Road of Life Takes Some Unexpected T\irns .... \Mten it's hard to see around the bend, it pays to be prepared for any stuation. So, don't wail until life throws an unespected nir>e your way. Come in and see us today for all your insurance needs! For pr»TenSenal laturaace adiiee, ceatact: Ray D. Appelgate Agency, Xn£ ALL FORMS OF INSURANCE 1 4 0 SO. OCEAN AVE. • FREEPORT 379-1101 Debra J . Harasym .. - A' 1 > , >1' ' v V - ELECT CHARLIE O’SHEA CHAIRMAN. NASSAU COUNTY BOARD OF ASSESSORS On Tuesday November 4th Protect Your Most Valuable Asset, Your Home! Current A'rw York Slate Asiembhrruin. 19th District The tax assessment system in our county must be more fair and equitable for all our residents. My Nassau County Property Taxpayers “Bill of Rights” will strengthen Nassau’s assessment system while maintaining home values. I support permanent tax exemptions for home improvements to help our neighborhoods and small businesses. Multi year property lax relief was my top priority as assemblyman, As your assessor I will implement the New Slate School Tax Reduction Law that will benefit all taxpayers. ELECT CHARLIE O’SHEA CHAIRMAN, NASSAU COUNTY BOARD OF ASSESSORS VOTE REPUBLICAN
