Regarding the debate over the Ulster County Legislature’s proposed campaign financing bill ("Ulster
County proposal calls for public financing of political campaigns," Nov. 14, 2019), I offer this:
Elections are, in a broad sense, a public utility, one that serves the
common good. When we flip the switch, we get light — the same light for
all of us, without prejudice. When we open the tap, we get — or hope to
get —c lean water. When we vote, we get democracy.
But when money taints the system, we get a muddied or even dangerous
representative government that breeds cynicism and apathy. The comments
of some speakers at the public hearing about the campaign finance bill
certainly did not imply respect for the legislators
they addressed.
Some speakers claimed they did not want their tax dollars spent on a
system or candidates they didn’t support, or they believed public money
would be better spent on direct public services. But we all pay taxes
that go to highways we never use, or schools our
children don’t attend, or a military campaign we question, because we
acknowledge at least the ideal of the common good and a unified nation.
Some opponents of the bill were union members. I’m a union member,
retired, and proud of it. I don’t understand the vociferousness of their
objections. It’s always been my understanding that unions give a voice,
strength and power to those who would have none
of it as individuals.
The campaign finance bill aims to expand the roster of potential
candidates and empower the underdog who starts with ambition but few
resources, and it supports small donors, who can’t shell out big bucks
but want to give their candidates and policies a voice.
Elections belong to all of us — who choose to participate. Let’s pass
the bill, and we’ll get a healthier, cleaner democratic system.
Daily Freeman: 11/19/19
