We’ll back Cuomo’s drive for Fair Elections

By Roger Downs

This past year will be marked as one of environmental calamity. Superstorm Sandy rocked the concept of climate change back into the consciousness of everyday New Yorkers.  A bungled regulatory review for hydrofracking threatened to put our air, water and health at risk. Several important initiatives to bring long-term renewable development to the state sputtered out. But the greatest threat to New York’s environment may have been an unlikely suspect: big money.

Wealthy industry contributors have stalled and derailed sound environmental legislation for decades, but reining in the influence of big money has never been more urgent.  The opportunities for action before us may stall before they get started.  The 2012 fall elections provided clear choices for an electorate eager to see change in Albany, but pro-environment, progressive candidates could not match the special interest money flowing into their oppo-nents’ coffers. On the issue of hydrofracking alone, $400,000 in direct contributions from oil and gas companies and drilling proponents tipped the scales in tight Senate and Assembly races.  

While we wait to see how the new 2013 Legislature responds to the challenges presented by Sandy, it is clear that the power of special interest money will linger far beyond the elections and insulate many officials from doing what is right.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has called for public financing of state elections—with contribution limits and strong enforcement—to take the power back from a few big-money contributors. Good government advocates, community groups and even business leaders such as Chris Hughes, co-founder of Facebook, have stepped forward in support for the upcoming legislative session. For the first time, reform may be within reach—but only if the state Legislature acts.

Sometimes, by sheer organizing power, we can best the influence of big money. New York’s Bigger Better Bottle Law, which finally passed in 2009 over the opposition of beverage industry giants, is one example. The law expanded the state’s successful five-cent deposit law to include bottled water, and it forced the beverage industry to turn over unclaimed deposits to the state. But it took years of grassroots organizing to overcome these roadblocks. No sensible policy should be that hard to implement.

Public financing would help solve these problems by amplifying the impact of small donations and allowing candidates to build viable campaigns without succumbing to the temptations of large donations—like those offered by the gas and beverage industries.

That’s what’s begun to happen in New York City: participating candidates are relying more heavily on financing from small donors, thanks to a six-to-one match on donations of $175 or less.  As a result, we’re seeing greater and more diverse participation, with more donors and candidates from low- and moderate-income backgrounds. With the passage of Fair Elections, good candidates can spend more time worrying about the issues that matter to their constituents, not fundraising.

So what would a state public financing system cost? Using New York City’s system as a model, nonpartisan experts from the Campaign Finance Institute estimate the price at $25 million to $30 million a year for a four-year cycle. That’s $2.50 per New Yorker per year.

The alternative? The Sierra Club fears it will be contaminated air and drinking water, and a growing reliance on dirty energy sources—not to mention a government that caters more to industry lobbyists than the public.

Governor Cuomo has proclaimed Fair Elections legislation as a top priority of his administration for 2013. The environmental community is ready to fight alongside him to ensure reform comes to New York. In the coming weeks, the Chapter will post its legislative priorities for 2013 on our website, but for now, Fair Elections are our number one priority.  Without a level playing field and a government beholden to the people, it is difficult to imagine that our other legislative priorities can stand a chance. Solve the problem of campaign finance, and the rest of our burden becomes easier.