Yates Legislature calls for people’s convention

Oct 21, 2009 at 02:12 pm by Observer-Review


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Yates Legislature calls for people’s convention

PENN YAN—The meeting of the Yates County Legislature, Oct. 13, included passage of a resolution in support of a People’s Convention to Reform New York. Recent polls have indicated more than 60 percent of voters in New York State support a “people’s convention.” Members of the state Legislature have introduced “The People’s Convention to Reform New York Act” which grants the people the opportunity to hold a constitutional convention and establishes procedures for the convention. The local resolution asks delegates to consider government reforms such as a state spending and property tax caps, and restrictions on unfunded mandates.  It also includes debt reform and absolute ban on back door borrowing, public authorities reform, a clear line of succession to the governorship and lieutenant governorship, and elections to fill elected state office vacancies. The resolution further requests immediate passage of the proposed convention, noting it would allow for the creation of a more accountable and responsive state government.
In other business: Legislators passed a resolution urging the redirection of surplus stimulus funds. Funds were provided for the Route 15 project and bids were well under what was expected which resulted in a significant bid savings on the project. A surplus of stimulus funds is available for use on other projects in the region and state and county legislators requested the Governor’s support in redirecting some of those surplus stimulus funds to expedite the timetable on the reconstruction of Route 54A from Branchport to Penn Yan.
• Declared the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 27, and the half days before Christmas and New Years as holidays.
• A public hearing on a proposed local law increasing the Reserve Fund from $300,000 to $500,000 was held during the meeting. No comments were received from the public and a resolution approving the change was passed unanimously at the end of the meeting.  
• Abolished an interim deputy sheriff position that was created in January. Appointments and promotions being satisfied were the reason for the change.
• Proclaimed the Week of October 18 to 24 as Sheriff’s Week. In New York State the week is observed as an acknowledgment and thank you for the public safety services provided the community through the office of sheriff.
The next meeting of the Yates County Legislature will be at 1 p.m., Nov. 9 in legislative chambers in the county office complex on Liberty Street in Penn Yan.  
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