One proposal you should vote yes

To the editor:

This November, voters have the opportunity to amend the New York City charter to allow for more public financing and lower maximum contributions in city campaigns for participants in New York City’s campaign finance program.

We strongly favor the proposed changes to the city’s campaign finance program.

At its core, New York’s matching funds program is about having more open elections and allowing the average resident to have a greater impact on a campaign. Maximizing the impact of small dollar donations incentivizes candidates to spend more time talking to everyday community members, rather than only to those with deep pockets.

The new proposal would allow every dollar contributed up to $175 to be matched 8-to-1 (up from 6-to-1), making a $175 check actually worth $1,575. The lower ceiling on maximum contributions also limits the impact one individual or a small group of people can have on a campaign.

We are all tired of seeing our government controlled by the elite few and represented only by well-to-do individuals with wealthy friends. We need a government to stand up for everybody, particularly the most vulnerable among us.

In the era of Trump, we are looking for more and more ways to support candidates that represent our values.

With small-dollar contributions and matching funds, supporters can have a more meaningful impact on a city campaign.

We encourage all voters to vote yes on Proposal 1 this November.

Randi Martos
Eric Dinowitz

The authors are Democratic district leaders for the 81st Assembly District.