Bestocracy

The political process in Albany has been dysfunctional and corrupt for years. The press and public have railed against the system for years. Yet reform has not come.

Anyone choosing to tackle the daunting issue of reforming New York State government needs to have a solid idea why their efforts will not just be more voices in the wind.

The difference between the Bestocracy project and recent cries to reform Albany lies in a combination of factors. First, Bestocracy aims to be a dedicated, open public effort with only one goal: improving the functioning of government in New York. Persistence and focus will be key to any successful reform effort. Second, Bestocracy is both media platform and activist organization. The combination of writes, researcher, and on the ground organizers will set Bestocracy apart from traditional media outlets. Third, Bestocracy will be focused on the systematic repair of the institutional processes that allow dysfunction to persist in Albany.

Government reform cannot be accomplished overnight. A soundly functioning government is a continual work in progress. Many unsavory practices are built into the legislative structure in Albany. These practices can be highlighted and fixed one by one. The fact that New York State government is so corrupt leaves participants in that government very sensitive to claims of corruption. So when an unsavory practice is brought to light, politicians in Albany feel obligated to reform this practice. However, layer upon layer of skewed practices exist in Albany, so that any one reform can only have a superficial impact. By patiently and persistently attacking the pillars of dysfunction in Albany, the entire structure of poor governance can be undermined until it comes crashing down.

The press and public are eager for change. Many politicians in Albany are eager for change. The number of people who benefit from New York’s broken system is relatively small. All that is needed is a way to focus and coordinate the vast talents and energy of the people in New York who are committed to change. The people of New York have reformed vastly more corrupt governments in the past. The challenge now before us is comparatively simple.

The functioning of government in New York State is an embarrassment to the people of New York. The fundamental mechanisms of government are broken in this state.  The problems with state government in New York are well documented, yet the traditional media does not have the ability to catalyze coordinated action to tackle the problems facing our state.  Albany has become the place where good ideas go to die.  We deserve more from the government of this great state.

Reforming the functioning of the New York State government will require a dedicated community of citizens with perseverance and determination.  I know many such people in New York.  Aaron Naparstek and I have been meaning to launch Bestocracy for several months.  We intend for Bestocracy to include a blog, as well as, a suite of matching online tools.  The base technology exists to support this community. What we need now are people who are committed to improving the governance of New York State.

Bestocracy is looking to recruit writers who are smart, passionate, and can think strategically about government reform.  We can use people who are interested in writing and researching full time, as well as, contributors who only occasionally submit content.  If you are interested in helping, please contact Vanessa Hamer at vhamer at openplans dot org, or join this group and pitch in however you think best.

The time to start reforming Albany is now.