The popular 97-year-old grandma blogger who died recently in Spain had a very down-to-earth way that made millions love and follow her. One comment many remembered had to do with politics. She was astounded to see how representatives simply got up and left a session when they disagreed with whomever was speaking. “Aren't they paid to represent us?” she asked, and wondered how they could make decisions on the issues if they did not bother to listen to both sides.
This “the emperor has no clothes”-type statement was echoed by New York State League of Women Voters legislative director, Barbara Bartoletti, speaking to the Nassau County League recently. She pointed out that with our “leadership driven” state legislature, it does not really matter what an individual legislator thinks. (S)he will be heartily punished by the party leadership if (s)he ever dares to buck the party line and vote differently.
Those who hoped a change from Republican to Democratic dominance would alter the status quo in Albany were sadly disappointed, she added. Campaign finance bill items that would have prohibited the personal use of campaign funds for things like golf club memberships, status cars and even the “infamous” Senator Joe Bruno pool cover were “the first things off the table” at conferences, she reported.
Only a groundswell of voters paying attention and contacting their legislators will bring campaign finance reform about, she explained. Lobbyists are powerful because legislators simply don’t make enough to not be bought, would be the cynical point of view. Of course, some people will never have enough and can always be bought, so the best enforcer of honesty is sunshine bringing light to their activities, as Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has been doing.
The League of Women Voters has a calling to get people registered to vote, to help with candidates debates and to educate about the issues in a nonpartisan manner. They encourage people to become active citizens, watching what their representatives do and letting them know how they should vote. They produce the annual voters guide published in this newspaper every year. They are true public servants and they work for free.
As their membership ages, they stand at a kind of crossroads. They can become an organization focused more on a women’s agenda or change their name to encourage more men to join. Initiatives like the one in which they invite students to Albany can be expanded. Their web presence and Citizens Hotline are also bringing them into the 21st century.
To learn more about what they are doing for you and to find out how to join them in helping make democracy work better, visit www.lwvofnassaucounty.org.