State Constitution Debate

New York voters will decide in November whether or not to hold a convention to amend the State Constitution, and on Tuesday at 7 p.m. the East Hampton Democratic Committee will lead a deliberation on the matter at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Amagansett.

Proponents say that new rights and safeguards for democracy, such as fair campaign finance, nonpartisan redistricting, rights to clean air and water, and protection for a woman’s right to choose could be gained by a convention. Opponents argue that rights now in the State Constitution, such as free and public education, safeguards for public employee pensions, and a ban on public funding of religious schools, could be lost. 

Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers, will argue for a “no” vote, and Dick Dadey, the executive director of Citizens Union of New York City, will present the opposite view. 

The doors will open at 6:45. Refreshments will be served.