ON ELECTION DAY, CHECK OUT THE FINE PRINT
Local 802 urges members to consider ballot proposals

On Nov. 4, besides electing candidates, voters will decide on six proposals.

The union is particularly concerned with questions 3, 4, 5 and 6, which deal with city elections, city purchasing, government administration and class size. Question 3 would eliminate primaries in New York – taking away your choice on who your party’s nominees are for city elections. Question 4 would prevent better screening of contractors who bid for city contracts, allowing less checks and balances to filter out unscrupulous contractors. Question 5 would reduce the role of the City Council, increase the mayor’s power, and reduce overall representation on the Voter Assistance Commission. Question 6 – the only question on which Local 802 is urging members to vote yes – requires the city to establish a commission to study reducing class size.

Often when voters get to the booth, they are confused by proposals and don’t vote on them. Usually this is because this is the first time they’ve seen the proposals. We urge you to read the proposals below in advance.

Question 3: City Elections

LOCAL 802 URGES YOU TO VOTE NO.

This proposal would amend the City Charter to establish a new system of city elections for the offices of mayor, public advocate, comptroller, borough president and council member. The September primary election would be open to all voters and all candidates, regardless of party membership or independent status. The top two vote getters would compete in the November general election. In both elections, candidates could indicate their party membership or independent status on the ballot. Candidates participating in the voluntary campaign finance program, which provides public campaign funding, could not accept contributions from political parties or party committees. The new system would replace the current system of political party nominations through primary elections in which only party members may vote. The changes would take effect after the 2005 city election.

Question 4: City Purchasing

LOCAL 802 URGES YOU TO VOTE NO.

This proposal would remove from the City Charter detailed requirements for specific purchasing methods and reduce required procedures for security-related contracts.

Question 5: Government Administration

LOCAL 802 URGES YOU TO VOTE NO.

This proposal would amend the City Charter to:

• Replace the current 16-member Voter Assistance Commission with a seven-member panel, which would include the public advocate, an appointee of the Council speaker and five appointees (one from each borough) of the mayor, with Council advice and consent. The coordinator of voter assistance would be appointed by the mayor, with Council advice and consent, instead of by the commission; and
• Require annual publication only of the Mayor’s Management Report. The preliminary Mayor’s Management Report would no longer be required.

Question 6: Class Size Charter Commission

LOCAL 802 URGES YOU TO VOTE YES.

This proposed local law would create a Charter Commission to review the entire Charter of the City of New York, including an examination of the City Charter provisions that may relate to class size of the New York City public schools.