Joseph Percoco, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's former aide arrives at federal court for his corruption trial in 2018.
Opinion
Replace JCOPE with an independent body
A state constitutional amendment could clean up Albany
By ROSS BARKAN
Opinion
opinion
headshots of Joe Lentol, Helene Weinstein, David Weprin.
Opinion
Progressives should primary Assembly Democrats
The lower chamber is now standing in the way of policy progress.
By ROSS BARKAN
Opinion
opinion
Commentary
It’s time to reform New York’s machine-controlled judicial system
State Senate Democrats should lead the way in fixing how we pick judges.
By ROSS BARKAN
Opinion
opinion
security camera
Commentary
New York should regulate law enforcement use of facial recognition technology
The risk for unfairly targeting minorities or stifling free speech is high.
By ROSS BARKAN
Opinion
opinion
A sign in the subway station in New York warns of the consequences of fare evasion.
Commentary
The MTA is using fare evasion as an excuse for its failures
Ridership is declining for other reasons.
By ROSS BARKAN
Opinion
opinion
Commentary
Build a real firewall between consulting and lobbying
We’re crucifying Trump’s allies for what’s business as usual in Albany.
By ROSS BARKAN
Opinion
opinion
John Liu had been ensnared in a straw-donor scandal that led to the convictions of his campaign treasurer and fundraiser when he ran for mayor in 2013.
Commentary
Democracy vouchers: a better campaign finance reform
Seattle’s system shows how New York should publicly finance campaigns.
By ROSS BARKAN
Opinion
opinion
Department of Investigation Commissioner Mark Peters was fired after an investigation found that he had abused his power, misled the New York City Council and mistreated his employees.
Commentary
De Blasio was justified to fire Peters
The outrage doesn’t match the facts.
By ROSS BARKAN
Opinion
opinion
Public Advocate Letitia James and Senator Brad Hoylman rallied at Bryant Park before marching to Trump Tower demanding the President release his taxes.
Commentary
Make New York City’s public advocate a real job
Subpoena and voting power would grant meaningful oversight ability.
By ROSS BARKAN
Opinion
opinion
Earlier in the day four vote scanning machines reportedly broke down at the Prospect Heights location.
Commentary
Repeal and replace the NYC Board of Elections
To fix New York City’s election mess, Albany needs to create a nonpartisan body.
By ROSS BARKAN
Opinion
opinion
Ross Barkan
20200927