Is it necessary? No, the constitution can be amended through the passage of individual bills to amend specific language by two separately elected state Legislatures, and then approval by voters in a high-turnout November election.

What is the cost? It is astronomical! The price tag is estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars. The legislatures would collect two salaries and earn double pension credits.

Free and public education: A right to a free public education is guaran -teed in our state constitution. This could be taken away from them. Quality public schools have proven to improve the economy, and to raise property values.

Open Space: Some of New York’s most environmentally sensitive areas—places like the Adirondacks and the Catskills— are safeguarded under the Constitution’s “forever wild” protections. During a “Politicians’ Convention”, wealthy developers could use their influence and money to undo these safeguards in order to use these valuable natural resources for their own profit.