Based on the machinations in the state Senate over the past several weeks, and increasing frustration over “politics as usual” in Albany, some in the state are calling for a constitutional convention to try and make changes in how state government runs. Specific areas that would be addressed include campaign finance reform, term limits and budget issues.
While many readers would welcome reform in the state, most have little faith that anything will be done. They also think there is plenty of blame to be shared among elected officials and voters for letting things get so out of hand.
Here’s one reader’s take on the situation:

Reform? How about criminal charges. This cesspool of politicians has turned Albany into one big bank for themselves. This latest episode should be the straw that breaks the bank so to speak. These times call for leaders to step up now more than ever, and do right by the people.

Since we have a representative government, it is WE, the voters, who created the problem. Now we want to blame the very people we put in office.

Maybe it’s politicians are too busy protecting special interests. … Maybe it’s being spendthrifts who have only passed one or two budgets on time since the days of Cuomo. Maybe it’s the state has been deficit spending for 3+ decades. Maybe it’s the fault of Majority leaders who wield too much power over rank & file members.

Now is the time to pratice what we preach. Clean house from top to bottom, locally and in Washington. Look at the mess our country is in.

That’s all we need is a bunch of corrupt incumbents changing the constitution. If you look closely, you’ll probably see that New York’s government is already violating the constitution. What we need is some enforcement.