Port Washington Learns About Money, Injustices, Influences in Politics

The League of Women Voters of Port Washington-Manhasset held a program about the influence of money in politics titled “Democracy for Sale: Money in Politics.”

The event drew in a large and concerned crowd at the Port Washington Public Library on Thursday, March 19.

Those who came to the event learned about money in politics, including the legislative and judicial financial decisions, the injustices of the wealthy elite and moneyed interest that influence politics.

LWV program chair Allison White organized the program and introduced the panel. Event speakers included Hofstra professor Rosanna Perotti, Demos activist lawyer Liz Kennedy and Bill Mahoney, a reporter from the NYS publication “Capital.”

Here’s what the speakers had to say:

• Perotti gave historical background and spoke about legislative and judicial decisions that led up to the financial problems of today. She touched on the controversial Citizens United case, which permits large independent political contributions that aren’t directly connected to political parties or candidates.
• Kennedy spoke about the wealthy elite and how they are shaping policy and eating away the once-equal rights of ordinary citizens. She cited multiple examples of injustices, corruption and the influence of hidden money, including judges with party ties.
• Mahoney explained the new national rules that make it easier for moneyed interests to influence politics across the country. He said the rules have not adversely altered Albany politics because the state’s loose regulations have allowed the state to be ruled by the powerful few for years. As an example, he cited the influence of the state’s biggest lobby groups.

The League of Women Voters of Port Washington-Manhasset is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization – open to both men and women – which encourages citizens to participate in government and to influence policy through education and advocacy.

Photo by Vivian Moy

• Back row: (l-r) Liz Kennedy, Bill Mahoney
• Front row: (l-r) Allison White and Rosanna Perotti

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