Today's Poll: Should all State Senators resign immediately?

People typically like their own representative even as they say things like "they should all resign". That accomplishes almost nothing. Well, if you think they should all resign, start by contacting your own Senator and explicitly urge him to do so. Here are their names, the ones in our area: George Maziarz Michael Ranzenhofer Dale Volker You could begin by asking them if they believe they have really deserved their paychecks during the past month. If they are unwilling to resign, maybe they can be shamed into turning back their paychecks at least. That's not such a big demand. If I acted like this at my job I'd be fired.

If it comes to this, that a Senator is considered to be doing a good job by supporting a coup d'etat (a sheer power grab in the guise of "reform" - a word that his party did not know for forty years until they lost power) and the subsequent gridlock, then by all means keep paying him. This is the problem with calling for mass resignations. Everyone thinks their own Senator is not the problem.

I say hit um where it hurts, in their pocket, cause as far as I'm concerned they are all extortionists. They have been sucking the taxpayers dry for far to long. They have been allowed to conduct themselves like fools, while raking in the doe. Reform is definately needed in the Senate. Make them all pay us back, for every day they wasted our time, and money. Kinda like the bailout money, make them give it back. Only then will they feel the pinch, that we do every day. No lavish vacations, big boats, mansions, cars, take it all. Only then will they quit their childish nonsence. They are lucky Im not the governor. I'd can all their *sses, without pay, and send them running home to mama, with their tail between their legs

I would say that it would do nothing but put us even farther behind if all the state senators resigned. We would have to spend the time re-electing new senators, which would just end up being a waste of time anyways.

Thanks Laura, I just wish Patterson would grow some kyoonees, and exersize the power, he has been given. Chris I like your idea about fines, for Senators who choose to act like selfish idiots. I have a feeling this is just the tip of the iceburg. I also think the Senate could use an audit. I would love to see how deep the corruption, and byoffs go. I would also be interested to see how much moneys were spent on dinner parties, vacation meetings, and all the extra, unneeded spending.

Jim, I am writing all 3 senators today and I will ask each to resign. Party affiliation aside, the whole thing is broke and needs bipartisan fixing. If they feel they are doing a good job, they should have no problem in being part of the solution, not an obstacle to it. Thank you for the suggestion sir!

The one advantage of the current situation is that as long as the state senate is not in session, they can do no harm. We are in much greater danger when they are in session and have the capability of creating new legislation. Seriously though, what a crying shame it is that partisan politics can descend to such a level. There are no "good guys" here. The current NYS government is the single most dysfunctional government I have ever seen. while I am sure that there are some honorable men and women who serve in the NYS senate, the body as a whole needs to be replaced. I have a hard time understanding why anyone would choose to belong to either the republican or democratic party. I see no evidence that either party's first concern is the people of NYS. They need us more than we need them and still they act like spoiled children. Sweeping changes are needed.

Those changes are only going to come from elected officials and its very rare that independents are placed in power. Dysfunction is our Function. Until you can turnover the entire chamber in one fowl swoop, you won't be able to fix it without some sort of coup. Does a Lieutenant Governor have the power to break ties like the VP does in the US Senate? If so then this is a unique situation that we are in since we have no LG. Blame Spitzer! :)

In NY, the Lt. Gov does break tie votes, but we do not have one. In NY, when the Lt. Gov moves up to replace a Governor, there is no method to replace the Lt. Gov. Don't know why, but you can bet they never saw this coming.

John, I think I saw something on TV a few nights ago that mentioned that Patterson could appoint a judge to act as the L.G. in case of a tie vote. Frankly, I was getting ready to go out and only half listened to it. But, if I got the gist of it right, there is a plan in place if needed. Now, if they would only get a real plan in place to get back to work, I'd be thrilled.

Ranzenhofer has been pretty ineffective, his own website shows the most scant of accomplishments.

"the days of antiquity in which the current rules were made have long sense passed. " Should we rewrite the US Constitution as well since it is 222 years old? Just because something is old does not mean it is useless or outdated. The bicameral legislature is good. Counties with cities will most likely be poorly represented by just one representative in their government. But by having representatives and senators, the people from the suburbs can fight off the mass of people with different interests in the city. If anything more representatives and senators are the answer to increase the accuracy of the representation of the constituents and to bring more accountability to the people for who is elected and sent to Albany.