In the November election New Yorkers will vote on whether to have a state constitutional convention. On Tuesday, Oct. 3, at 7:30 pm, Humanists of Long Island in cooperation with the Long Island progressive network is holding a town meeting at the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island to explain the potential problems with a state constitutional convention. Panelists are Joseph Kessler, UFT District 25 representative and Dr. David Sprintzen, officer, LI Progressive Coalition. Dr. James Phair, retired principal, is moderating.
“A state constitutional convention will cost millions upon millions of dollars and could put some of our most important and fundamental rights at risk,” said Sharon Stanley, the founder of Humanists of Long Island. Ms. Stanley explains that the convention is not necessary as we can amend our Constitution with spending any money.
The state constitution protects such diverse rights as civil service appointment by competitive examination, maintenance and support of a system of free common schools wherein all the children of this state may be education, not loaning state money to private corporations, forest preservation to be kept ever wild and low rent housing and nursing home accommodations for persons of low income. As explained by the organization No New York Convention, many of these rights have come under increasing attack in recent years by corporate special interests and the wealthy elite, and a convention would give those hostile forces a direct path toward rolling back our rights.
The Ethical Humanist Society of LI is located at 38 Old County Road in Garden City between Herricks Avenue and Mineola Boulevard, next to the large water tower. Admission is free.
