New York to decide whether to revise state constitution

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Many New Yorkers have lost faith in a state government that's been embroiled in one corruption scandal after another. But instead of merely complaining, they'll soon have a chance to tear it all down and start over.

Voters will be asked in 2017 whether the state should hold a constitutional convention to consider fundamental changes to its 121-year-old state Constitution.

It's a question that's automatically on the ballot every 20 years as a way for the public to circumvent lawmakers, and backers say it's notable that the latest opportunity comes amid a crisis of confidence in state government.

"When the stars align, it can be a very powerful moment," Gerald Benjamin, a political scientist at SUNY-New Paltz, said recently at a Bar Association forum to begin a public dialogue on the question.

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