Historically, New York state has had the most corrupt politicians in the United States, according to PolitiFact. In the past decade, more than 30 elected officials have been convicted, sanctioned or accused of public corruption in New York, per an analysis of a past statement from state Sen. Elaine Phillips (R-Flower Hill) by PolitiFact.

That corruption can destroy trust in important Democratic institutions.

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It’s time for residents to fight for change at the ballot box and elect officials that will redefine and reform Albany politics, while also advocating for the passage of the Procurement Integrity Act.

The Procurement Integrity Act includes an amendment to the state finance law that requires public authorities to comply with procurement-related sections of the law.

State Sen. Dave Valesky (D-Oneida), who’s up for re-election this year, has said taxpayers deserve to know that state funds are being spent responsibly, and that’s absolutely true.

Valesky previously voted in favor of the act, which would return oversight of state contracting and spending to the state’s comptroller’s office, a move that would inherently improve transparency.

The act passed through the Senate in May 2018, but stalled in the Assembly and is still stuck in committee, state records show.

There are other proposals that could help turn the tide of corruption in New York. Gubernatorial candidate Marc Molinaro (R) has said that, if elected, he would push for the passage of the 2019 Albany Accountability Act, an ethics reform package that would close the state’s “LLC Loophole.”

The recent “Buffalo Billion” trial and prosecution of area developers is just further proof of why major reform is needed.

Executives of the Syracuse-based Cor Development, Joseph Gerardi and Steven Aiello, were convicted of wire fraud and conspiracy fraud after a jury in Manhattan found they rigged bids for state-funded contracts.

New York needs change.

Anna Henderson | Digital Design Editor

In 2016, 72 percent of eligible voters in Onondaga County, which includes Syracuse, voted in the presidential election. But in 2017, only 35 percent of eligible voters in Syracuse voted in the mayoral election.

Although it’s uncertain who will be responsible for cleaning up New York, it’s clear that something needs to change. As citizens, it’s our responsibility and civic duty to see this change through and create a better world for future generations. Voters have to turnout this November. It can’t be like 2016 or 2017. To enact real reform in Albany and fight corruption in New York, get to the polls.

Patrick Penfield is a sophomore management major. His column appears biweekly. He can be reached at fpen2021@syr.edu.

Published on August 26, 2018 at 9:29 pm