Fighting Corruption

Chris McCreight will fight in Albany to root out corruption on all levels.

Here are eight reform positions he believes are key to cleaning up our system and putting the people back in charge of their government:

1)  Full-time legislature. We must end second jobs and outside income for legislators. Being an elected official is an honor, not a way to get rich.

2)  Ending corporate donations on the state level. Corporations are not allowed to give to candidates on the federal or local level, but on the state level, they can not only give, but give much more than individuals.

3)  Banning lobbyists from donating to campaigns. Lobbyists already have too much influence over elected officials. They should not be able to donate or bundle donations in order to influence a campaign as well.

4)  Repeal Citizens United. The United States needs a constitutional amendment to end the influence of dark money and Super PACs on campaigns.

5)  Term limits for leaders on the state level. There should be term limits for committee chairs and legislative leaders like Speaker and Senate Majority Leader.  As we've recently seen, too much unchecked centralized power breeds corruption. We need new leaders who bring new ideas and who do not become obsessed with wielding power instead of working for the people.

6)  Individuals who do business with the state and the city should not be allowed to donate to political campaigns. This is pretty obvious yet millions of dollars each year flow into campaign accounts in return for tax-breaks and beneficial legislation. We must end this practice of legalized bribery

7) Party Committee Reform.  County Committee candidates must provide written consent to be nominated for County Committee. Petitioning for their candidacy would constitute one form of proof. This is ensure that the county committee of any part is made up of willing and informed members. 

8)  Lobbying transparency. Lobbyists and elected officials should disclose, within 24 hours, any meeting that takes place to influence legislation. Further, the nature of the meeting should be disclosed including any potential legislation discussed and who is paying the lobbyist.