Category Archives: Writings

The Federal Government needs to fund Elections to protect voters this fall.

The Covid-19 crisis has had a detrimental effect on just about every aspect of our society.  Its insidious and prevalent nature has changed how we interact with each other in every facet of life.  This is especially true in our most basic tenant of our Democracy, the right to vote.  Election Boards, inspectors, campaigns, areContinue reading “The Federal Government needs to fund Elections to protect voters this fall.”

Sunday thoughts:  Try to listen, find ways to help, have the courage to follow.

I have spent most of my Saturday night and Sunday trying to find the time and energy to write my Sunday thoughts column.  I was going to write about the lifespan of an absentee ballot to combat some of the myths of mail in voting fraud.  I will save that for another day.  Today thatContinue reading “Sunday thoughts:  Try to listen, find ways to help, have the courage to follow.”

My letter to lawmakers upon their return to session

Last week Speaker Carl Heastie and Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins announced plans to return to legislative session after Memorial Day weekend.  New York Legislative session is set to end in just a few weeks, but almost two months of session was lost due to the COVID-19 crisis.  I am sharing with you today my letter toContinue reading “My letter to lawmakers upon their return to session”

Sunday thoughts:  Everything you need to know about absentee voting in New York in 2020

Throughout Onondaga County and most of New York state absentee ballot applications are hitting about 5 million voter’s mailboxes.  This is the first time in New York State electoral history that voters will be getting this type of outreach.  It is Governor Cuomo’s response to the COVID-19 epidemic and an attempt to make voting safer.Continue reading “Sunday thoughts:  Everything you need to know about absentee voting in New York in 2020”

Sunday Thoughts:  New York’s path to Vote by mail will take several years, but can start this year.

The COVID-19 scare has reshaped how we think of just about everything in normal life. Elections are of course part of this re-imagining of American life.  Large gatherings with at-risk elderly poll workers is a nightmare scenario for the current pandemic.  We have had states postpone elections hoping the pandemic will abate later this summer.Continue reading “Sunday Thoughts:  New York’s path to Vote by mail will take several years, but can start this year.”

Sunday Thoughts:  What to expect for the June elections and changes in absentee voting in New York

Sunday Thoughts:  What to expect for the June elections and changes in absentee voting in New York This week Governor Cuomo made more changes to Election Law for the June 23rd primary elections. The last two months have been a whirlwind for election officials as we have tried to chart a path forward during the COVID-19Continue reading “Sunday Thoughts:  What to expect for the June elections and changes in absentee voting in New York”

Sunday Thoughts:  Democracy delayed but maybe not denied in the time of COVID

2020 has already seen massive changes to the political landscape of New York without one election actually being held.  The COVID crisis has made us think on the fly about how to hold elections, delay elections, and in some cases whether to hold them at all.  The crisis has also shined a light on theContinue reading “Sunday Thoughts:  Democracy delayed but maybe not denied in the time of COVID”

Sunday Thoughts: Coalition Building

When the Democratic Primary for President started I made the supposition that the eventual winner would be the one who could best navigate the diverse coalition of the Democratic Party. What I never thought would happen is the quick coalition around Joe Biden and perhaps I underestimated him. What has become obvious is Biden isContinue reading “Sunday Thoughts: Coalition Building”

State Legislature needs to open up absentee balloting

On March 29, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo postponed the planned presidential primary and special elections to June 23. The postponement was supported by both Republican and Democratic elections commissioners throughout New York State. The move protected poll workers and voters from exposure to Covid-19 and the combination of both elections saved local governments much-needed funds.Continue reading “State Legislature needs to open up absentee balloting”