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New Yorkers with
Disabilities Want a Seat at the Table
By Susan Cohen
On October 19,
2005, the New York State Independent Living Council, Inc. (NYSILC) filed an
Article 78 action with State Supreme Court demanding that the New York State
Board of Elections (NYSBOE) comply with section 1A of the Election Reform and
Modernization Act of 2005 under NYS Election Law. This law mandates the
inclusion of four members of disability rights organizations on the
Citizen’s Election Modernization Advisory Committee, including a specific
appointment of a NYSILC representative.
NYSILC
attempted to contact BOE in numerous ways and occasions since mid-August
regarding the NYSILC appointment before the necessity to file an Article
78,” said Brad Williams, executive director of NYSILC.
As a result of
this action, Acting State Supreme Court Judge Thomas McNamara signed an
“Order to Show Cause” that enjoined the NYSBOE from taking any
official action with the Citizen’s Election Modernization Advisory
Committee until NYSILC’s appointment was addressed per state statute. A
follow up hearing was subsequently scheduled for November 18th if the issue is
not resolved beforehand.
The action
directly impacted the first meeting of the Citizen’s Election
Modernization Advisory Committee on October 20th. Frank Pennisi, NYSILC’s
desired appointee, was allowed to sit at the table for the meeting, although he
was not given voting privileges until an appointment is finalized. NYSBOE made
an introductory statement at the start of the meeting to inform members that
they could not conduct official business, including voting or setting a date
for the next meeting, until the scheduled hearing on November 18th. However,
NYSBOE did state an intention to settle the matter out of court. UPDATES TO
FOLLOW…
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What’s Inside?
- New Yorkers with Disabilities
Want a Seat at the Table (Pg1).
- NCIL Principles on Housing
Policy in Light of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (Pg 2) FROM THE IL Net…(Pg
3.).
- BEST PRACTICE: Auburn Passes
Local Visitability Ordinance (Pg3).
- “Advocacy
Matters”-SSAN Best Practice Workshop a Big Success (Pg 4.).
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