SCHUMER: NYC CAMPAIGN FINANCE BOARD SHOULD REVERSE POLICY PREVENTING CANDIDATES FROM WEARING FLAG PIN, NOBLE SYMBOL OF OUR COUNTRY, IN OFFICIAL PHOTOS
Current CFB Policy Is That Candidates In City Races Cannot Wear Pins Or Buttons In Official Candidate Photos – Schumer Calls For Exception For Small Flag Pins
Candidates for Elected Office In Queens Were Recently Prevented From Wearing Pin In Their Photos
Schumer: The Flag Pin Is A Way to Honor our Country and There is Nothing Wrong With Allowing Candidates The Option of Wearing It
Earlier this week, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer called on the New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB) to immediately alter their rules that prevent candidates for city offices from wearing an American flag pin in their official candidate photos that are distributed as part of voter guides. The board’s rules prevent candidates from using “profanity or knowingly mak[ing] false statements, nor may they wear buttons, pins, or distinctive uniforms” in their materials for the voter’s guide. Schumer said that while these rules make sense in most instances, the board should obviously make an exception for the flag pin.
“The flag pin is a respected symbol of our nation, and candidates should have the option to wear it in their official candidate photo, not denied that opportunity,” said Schumer. “This is pointy headed bureaucracy at its worst. It would be easy to craft a narrow exemption from the appropriate prohibitions on promotional buttons and pins to allow a very modest flag pin, and the Campaign Finance Board should begin that procedure immediately.”
Schumer has been a long time proponent of wearing a flag pin. On the tenth anniversary of the September 11thattacks, Schumer called for all Americans to wear the pin to honor those that were lost. He said it sent a national message of ongoing national unity and resolve.
In recent days it has been publically reported that a candidate for City Council in Queens was prevented from wearing a pin in his official photo. Both he and his opponent have agreed that this makes no sense. Schumer demanded that the CFB change their position and allow both candidates to wear a flag pin.
Joseph P. Parkes, S.J.
Chairman
New York City Campaign Finance Board
40 Rector Street, 7th Floor
New York, NY 10006
Dear Chairman Parkes –
I write today in regards to a New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB) rule governing what candidates for city offices can say and wear in their official materials that are distributed as part of the CFB’s New York Voters Guide.
My understanding is that CFB prevents candidates from wearing a “distinctive uniform, including but not limited to a judicial robe, or a military, police, or fraternal uniform” and “buttons or pins.” I recognize the need to keep out pins that advertise a position or promote a candidate’s name. This makes eminent sense. However, this rule, as currently enforced, has the perverse effect of preventing candidates from expressing their patriotism and love of this country through a small and appropriately sized American flag pin.
I strongly believe that the flag is a noble symbol of our nation, and I am respectfully requesting that you exempt the flag pin from these rules. It would be simple to write an exception clause that allows the venerable symbol of an exceptional nation to be modestly displayed on one’s clothing. This ‘American flag’ provision can be written narrowly so as to only allow very modest, specifically-sized flag pins to be displayed in the appropriate way, i.e. on a lapel. Since all who run are American, and all are free to wear or not wear a pin, this gives no one an unfair advantage.
Thank you for taking the time to address this matter. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely
Charles E. Schumer