Mike Sylvia for Congress

In the July 26 Opinion in the UticaOD “Take aim at campaign financing”, Brennan Center Executive Director Michael Waldman is quoted: “New York State's laws are among the nation's weakest — on a par with libertarian states that don't pretend to care about the role of money in politics.” As the Libertarian candidate for the 24^th Congressional district, I must make clear that I strongly oppose the flow of corporate funds into political campaigns. We must remember that corporations were created by government, and that their very existence is the product of law. Libertarians believe in free markets, whereas corporations depend on government regulations to limit access to markets. When corporations complain about their free speech rights being limited, they should be reminded that the First Amendment is a right that We the People retained for ourselves.

It should be understood there are two reasons corporations fund political campaigns. The first is to buy influence. Campaign contributions are rewarded out of the pockets of the tax payers. Second, corporations live and die by regulations. Those corporations that are not generous campaign contributors can face a difficult regulatory environment. If these activities were taking place outside of government it would be considered racketeering.

Is campaign finance an issue for the voters? I believe it is. With voter participation hovering near only 40% of registered voters, I see 60% saying that the Democrat or Republican candidate is not a choice. Common thinking says that 'third' parties cannot win. Clearly, if a candidate can move a mere 25% of registered non-voters to go out and vote, he/she can win. Is this the year that those who are fed up with the business as usual come out and make a real change?

Michael J. Sylvia III

Etna