Loch Sheldrake, NY – What’s all this fuss about a New York State Constitutional Convention, and why do so many seem to have such strong feelings? What would it mean, and who would it affect?
On Election Day next month, New Yorkers will head to the polls to decide on a very significant but poorly understood question: whether to hold a state constitutional convention, the first in a half-century. Depending on who you ask, the convention (or “Con Con,” as it’s known in political circles) is either an opportunity to make long-lasting and much-needed changes to New York’s outdated state constitution, or will needlessly and dangerously open a Pandora’s Box that will hurt the working class the most.
Join legislators at SUNY Sullivan’s Seelig Theater for a debate between SUNY New Paltz Professor Gerald Benjamin, Associate Vice President for Regional Engagement, and Michael Grubiak, Regional Political Organizer from NYSUT (New York State United Teachers). Then make the decision for yourself as to whether this will be good or bad for the state and for Sullivan County.
“The mandatory question, ‘Shall there be a Constitutional Convention?’ is on the ballot only once every 20 years,” notes District 4 Legislator Catherine Owens, with whom the debate idea originated. “There is much rumor as well as misinformation out there. We are very lucky to get Gerald Benjamin and Michael Grubiak for this event. Please attend and bring your questions.”
The debate will take place Wednesday, October 11, at 6 p.m. at the college campus, 112 College Road, Loch Sheldrake. For more information, visit www.sunysullivan.edu.
