Senator Lavalle Seeks to Convene a Constitutional Convention
Kenneth P. LaValle
July 14, 2009
Senator Kenneth P. LaValle will introduce a measure to convene a limited constitutional convention for the sole purpose of providing a process by which a lieutenant governor is chosen in the event of a vacancy and to provide real property tax reform.
A constitutional convention is called to write a new constitution or revise an existing constitution. A limited constitutional convention is restricted to revising only the specifics named in the legal mandate establishing the convention. New York State’s next opportunity for a convention will be 2017.
“The events of the last month in Albany show an absolute need to give consideration to the process of selecting a lieutenant governor should the seat be vacated,” said Senator LaValle. “In addition, homeowners and businesses are overburdened by ever-increasing property taxes and can no longer afford to stay in New York. The bill I am introducing would convene a special constitutional convention providing a forum to specifically analyze and resolve these important issues.”