Albany sponsors modify consolidation bill

After reading "Bill would gum up consolidation law" [Editorial, May 12], we set out to refine our bill based on your suggestions.

We agree with your assessment that the original legislation, which was intended to streamline the consolidation and dissolution of local governments, needs clarification.

The new law set no time limit on filing petition signatures. You say that our legislation sets too tight a deadline. We have changed the bill by doubling the petition completion deadline to 120 days. Currently, we know of no other law that requires a petition to have a filing deadline that exceeds 60 days.

A finite filing deadline for a petition allows people to review and verify the authenticity of signatures within a reasonable time. A finite petition time frame will ensure accountability, given that people can be transient.

Similarly, we have reduced the amount of time for the governmental entity to craft a plan for dissolution or consolidation. The crux of our amendments is that people must have a plan and an informed vote.

We hope that our changes are consistent with the direction your editorial board urged.

Sen. Jack Martins

7th Senatorial District

Assemb. Michelle Schimel

16th Assembly District