To elevate the voters of New York State to their rightful place as the sovereign
rulers of the state, reducing the office holders to the servants of the people
they were intended to be;
To create a statewide political party committed to the elimination of the
electoral advantages of incumbency and the creation of a level playing field
for the candidates of all political parties;
To restore fiscally responsible government, where the state budgets to spend
only what the voters are willing to pay in taxes;
To create a political party committed to the highest standards of quality in
every aspect of the party -- representation, organization, campaigning,
elections, fund raising, and participation;
To encourage voter participation and involvement, both in the party itself and
in the political process as a whole.
The quality of a democracy is measured by the quality of participation by
ordinary citizens. Democratic values and attitudes are learned through
participation, and the highest calling of a citizen is to serve his or her fellow
citizens in office as a position of trust, enjoying the bonds of affection with the
voters for their willingness to sacrifice through public service. Our political
party is committed to every aspect of this participation, whether in our party or
in other political parties and organizations. We are thereby committed to
choice in elections, volunteerism within the parties, and citizens who are
willing to serve us as elected officials. We are equally committed to honest
debate, the forthright presentation of our values, and respect for the rights of
everyone.
