NYC Public Advocate Petitions SEC to Reverse Citizen United Ruling

Public Advocate Bill de Blasio has organized a petition to reverse the Supreme Court's "Citizens United" decision which provides corporations a loop hole to pump millions of dollars anonymously into political campaigns. Can anyone tell me how this ability helps "Unite" citizens? Then they wonder why people are frustrated and occupying public spaces.

Gregory

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Dear Friends:

Tomorrow marks the unfortunate two-year anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling that opened the floodgates for secret corporate spending in our elections. I need you to help me close these gates by demanding that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) use its power to mandate full disclosure of corporate political spending.

> Click here to take action

The Supreme Court's ruling, known as Citizens United, has transformed campaigns and elections in this country, threatening the fabric of our democracy. Corporations now have the ability to secretly funnel unlimited amounts of cash to influence elections without disclosing a penny.

We must not sit idly as corporations and shadowy donors attempt to buy the Oval Office right out from under our noses. We must seize this opportunity and let it be known that our democracy is not for sale to the highest bidder!

> Join me in calling on the SEC to end secret corporate spending in elections

The 2010 midterm elections provided the first glimpse of the potential impact of the Citizens United ruling, and this year’s Presidential election could set new records for secret corporate spending. I ask that you join me, members of the City Council Progressive Caucus, Common Cause, Citizen Action, Make the Road, and all our allies in saying enough is enough!

To hold the SEC’s feet to the fire and get results, we need your help. Please tell your friends on Facebook and Twitter to visitwww.SaveOurElections.com and sign on to our letter. Last night at midnight, I launched a 24-hour tweet-a-thon to help raise awareness about this campaign, I invite you to join in the conversation with the hashtag #SaveOurElections or follow me (@BilldeBlasio) on Twitter for updates.

Thank you for joining me in this effort,

Bill de Blasio
NYC Public Advocate

Public Advocate Bill De Blasio Releases Report and Seeks Citizen Input on Cutting Red Tape in City Government

Do you have your own red tape horror story? If so our Public Advocate, Bill de Blasio, wants to hear about it. In an effort to streamline city government our Public Advocate wants your input on how NYC could increase its efficiency and save tax payer dollars by eliminating red tape. I am sure we have all been frustrated at times with how NYC works. Here is you opportunity to be heard, make NYC more efficient and help save NYC tax dollars.

Blasio recently released the first in a series of Red Tape Reports, aimed at eliminating needless bureaucracy. To view the first report and or submit your suggestions for future reductions of red tape please review the following web address.

http://advocate.nyc.gov/redtape

Gregory