LEXINGTON DEMOCRATIC CLUB
JUNE 14, 2012
RESOLUTION PASSED!
Whereas, Fair elections are a necessity for a healthy democracy and for public trust in our government; and
Whereas, Campaign financing must conform to basic values of transparency, equity, and opportunity if our system of elections is to maintain the public trust; and
Whereas, Campaign financing has failed for many years to conform to these values as a result of the corrupting influence of large donations and vast corporate "independent" expenditures; and
Whereas, the government has a compelling interest in empowering individual citizens to fund campaigns through their own small donations; and
Whereas, Fair election systems like the one in New York City fulfill this goal and can enhance the power of ordinary citizens in the electoral system; and
Whereas, Fair election systems not only enhance citizens power, but also entice more citizen involvement in local elections, boosting voter participation; and
Whereas, Governor Cuomo has called for New York State to adopt just such a system of public financing for elections to statewide and legislative offices;
Now, Therefore, be it Resolved that the Lexington Democratic Club calls on local, federal, and especially the New York State Government, in particular the New York State Legislature, to act immediately to check the influence of large donations and corporate money in New York and instead to empower individual citizens through the implementation of systems of public matching for small campaign donations made by individuals, modeled on the fair elections system currently in place in New York City.