Bay Ridge Democrats meet tonight in support of fair elections, against big money in campaign finance

On the same day that Occupy Wall Street protestors stage a May Day general strike, the Bay Ridge Democrats, Brooklyn Chapter of the Working Families Party, Citizens Action NY, Common Cause, and MoveOn Brooklyn will meet at Longbow Pub & Pantry to kick-off a month-long push for “Fair Elections” – public financing of campaigns, lower campaign contribution limits and an end to pay-to-play politics – in New York State.

The Bay Ridge Democrats want to push the state government to adopt a similar public campaign finance system as the city – a candidate gets $6 in public money for every $1 raised, up to $175 per donor – to encourage more candidates, more small donors and more public interest in elections. In a press release, the Bay Ridge Democrats stated 37% of the contributions to participating city candidates are for $250 or less – whereas only 5% of state donors give less than $250.

“Now is the time to take our democracy back,” said Justin Brannan, President of the Bay Ridge Democrats. “The current system is just not working. We need to ensure that the voice of all New Yorkers is heard – not just the voices of the rich or the well-connected.  It’s time to give the power back to the people and put our priorities first.”

The meeting starts at 7:30pm. Longbow Pub & Pantry is located at 7316 3rd Avenue.