Paul Wolf
@paulwolf716.bsky.social
A QDRO divorce attorney interested in political reform, open government and the rise of unaffiliated voters. Founder and President of the NY Coalition For Open Government. The views posted here are my own and not the NY Coalition For Open Government.
50% of elections across NY were uncontested
It is virtually impossible to defeat incumbents who win 90% of the time
Ways to fix this are
• Term Limits
• Reduce the number of signatures needed to run
• Elections, Not Appointments When a vacancy occurs
These can all be done at the local level
It is virtually impossible to defeat incumbents who win 90% of the time
Ways to fix this are
• Term Limits
• Reduce the number of signatures needed to run
• Elections, Not Appointments When a vacancy occurs
These can all be done at the local level
December 3, 2025 at 1:05 PM
50% of elections across NY were uncontested
It is virtually impossible to defeat incumbents who win 90% of the time
Ways to fix this are
• Term Limits
• Reduce the number of signatures needed to run
• Elections, Not Appointments When a vacancy occurs
These can all be done at the local level
It is virtually impossible to defeat incumbents who win 90% of the time
Ways to fix this are
• Term Limits
• Reduce the number of signatures needed to run
• Elections, Not Appointments When a vacancy occurs
These can all be done at the local level
Incumbents say we don’t need term limits because “we have elections.”
That’s nonsense. From 2001–2025, Erie County legislators won re-election 96% of the time.
Only places like Russia and North Korea have higher incumbent win rates.
We need term limits
www.gopetition.com/petitions/le...
That’s nonsense. From 2001–2025, Erie County legislators won re-election 96% of the time.
Only places like Russia and North Korea have higher incumbent win rates.
We need term limits
www.gopetition.com/petitions/le...
Let Erie County Voters Decide on Term Limits
We, the undersigned, support term limits for all Erie County elected positions and demand that…
www.gopetition.com
November 28, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Incumbents say we don’t need term limits because “we have elections.”
That’s nonsense. From 2001–2025, Erie County legislators won re-election 96% of the time.
Only places like Russia and North Korea have higher incumbent win rates.
We need term limits
www.gopetition.com/petitions/le...
That’s nonsense. From 2001–2025, Erie County legislators won re-election 96% of the time.
Only places like Russia and North Korea have higher incumbent win rates.
We need term limits
www.gopetition.com/petitions/le...
Dreading political talk at Thanksgiving? Here's some good news: we're not as divided as it seems.
There is 80% or more support for:
Term limits
Getting money out of politics
Stopping corporate welfare
Try steering toward these shared frustrations.
reformerie.org/guide
There is 80% or more support for:
Term limits
Getting money out of politics
Stopping corporate welfare
Try steering toward these shared frustrations.
reformerie.org/guide
Erie County Independent Voters
A coalition of independent voters in Erie County, NY committed to breaking the stranglehold that political parties have on our county.
reformerie.org
November 27, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Dreading political talk at Thanksgiving? Here's some good news: we're not as divided as it seems.
There is 80% or more support for:
Term limits
Getting money out of politics
Stopping corporate welfare
Try steering toward these shared frustrations.
reformerie.org/guide
There is 80% or more support for:
Term limits
Getting money out of politics
Stopping corporate welfare
Try steering toward these shared frustrations.
reformerie.org/guide
Erie County legislators win re-election 96% of the time.
Term limits would restore competitive elections and give voters real choice.
Support putting term limits on the ballot. Sign the petition below.
www.gopetition.com/petitions/le...
Term limits would restore competitive elections and give voters real choice.
Support putting term limits on the ballot. Sign the petition below.
www.gopetition.com/petitions/le...
Let Erie County Voters Decide on Term Limits
We, the undersigned, support term limits for all Erie County elected positions and demand that…
www.gopetition.com
November 26, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Erie County legislators win re-election 96% of the time.
Term limits would restore competitive elections and give voters real choice.
Support putting term limits on the ballot. Sign the petition below.
www.gopetition.com/petitions/le...
Term limits would restore competitive elections and give voters real choice.
Support putting term limits on the ballot. Sign the petition below.
www.gopetition.com/petitions/le...
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz has spent 14 years in office and opposes term limits
— even refusing to let voters decide.
Support term limits? Sign the petition and share.
www.gopetition.com/signatures/l...
— even refusing to let voters decide.
Support term limits? Sign the petition and share.
www.gopetition.com/signatures/l...
Let Erie County Voters Decide on Term Limits
We, the undersigned, support term limits for all Erie County elected positions and demand that…
www.gopetition.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz has spent 14 years in office and opposes term limits
— even refusing to let voters decide.
Support term limits? Sign the petition and share.
www.gopetition.com/signatures/l...
— even refusing to let voters decide.
Support term limits? Sign the petition and share.
www.gopetition.com/signatures/l...
"There are 49 other states that allow cameras in court. Only New York says no. Albany’s fear that letting the public see the courts in action will somehow corrupt their basic integrity is at this point positively absurd."
www.nydailynews.com/2025/01/12/o...
www.nydailynews.com/2025/01/12/o...
Open up the courts: Bring in the cameras and microphones to N.Y. judicial proceedings
The big news in New York County court Friday was that Donald Trump was sentenced (to no punishment) by Acting Manhattan state Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan, setting him up to be the first-ever…
www.nydailynews.com
January 12, 2025 at 2:42 PM
"There are 49 other states that allow cameras in court. Only New York says no. Albany’s fear that letting the public see the courts in action will somehow corrupt their basic integrity is at this point positively absurd."
www.nydailynews.com/2025/01/12/o...
www.nydailynews.com/2025/01/12/o...
In Vermont the public has the right to speak at meetings and they now require government officials to receive training.
We don't do either of these things in NY yet.
We need similar legislation passed in NY.
www.wcax.com/2025/01/09/o...
We don't do either of these things in NY yet.
We need similar legislation passed in NY.
www.wcax.com/2025/01/09/o...
Updates to Vermont’s Open Meeting Law require trainings
Updates to Vermont’s Open Meeting Law approved last year require new training for public officials.
www.wcax.com
January 10, 2025 at 12:19 PM
In Vermont the public has the right to speak at meetings and they now require government officials to receive training.
We don't do either of these things in NY yet.
We need similar legislation passed in NY.
www.wcax.com/2025/01/09/o...
We don't do either of these things in NY yet.
We need similar legislation passed in NY.
www.wcax.com/2025/01/09/o...
"New York is decidedly non-transparent. Time and again this year, I found myself asking for what I thought was routine information or readily-available documents, only to be told I’d have to fight to get a hold of the records."
www.investigativepost.org/2024/12/31/u...
www.investigativepost.org/2024/12/31/u...
J. Dale Shoemaker's use of FOIL to find stories in Buffalo
Despite government obstruction, J. Dale Shoemaker used the FOI Law to obtain records central to many of his investigations during 2024.
www.investigativepost.org
January 8, 2025 at 1:20 PM
"New York is decidedly non-transparent. Time and again this year, I found myself asking for what I thought was routine information or readily-available documents, only to be told I’d have to fight to get a hold of the records."
www.investigativepost.org/2024/12/31/u...
www.investigativepost.org/2024/12/31/u...
Here is another incredible example of the lengths government officials will go to avoid providing information to the public.
www.messengernewspapers.co.uk/news/nationa...
www.messengernewspapers.co.uk/news/nationa...
Ministers urged to use Post-it notes to avoid Freedom of Information
Newly-released government files show officials warned ministers to keep a grip on their departments as the FoI Act was finally implemented.
www.messengernewspapers.co.uk
January 1, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Here is another incredible example of the lengths government officials will go to avoid providing information to the public.
www.messengernewspapers.co.uk/news/nationa...
www.messengernewspapers.co.uk/news/nationa...
The NY Coalition For Open Government and 14 other organizations sent a letter to Governor Hochul
urging her to support legislation and provide funding to address Freedom of Information Law issues.
drive.google.com/file/d/1EJir...
urging her to support legislation and provide funding to address Freedom of Information Law issues.
drive.google.com/file/d/1EJir...
Letter-to-Governor-on-transparency-funding-in-budget-December-2024.pdf
drive.google.com
December 22, 2024 at 1:15 PM
The NY Coalition For Open Government and 14 other organizations sent a letter to Governor Hochul
urging her to support legislation and provide funding to address Freedom of Information Law issues.
drive.google.com/file/d/1EJir...
urging her to support legislation and provide funding to address Freedom of Information Law issues.
drive.google.com/file/d/1EJir...
Interesting article by John Opdycke the President of Open Primaries, a national election reform organization
"The Democratic Party hates independent thinking, independent organizations, independent voters and independent reform"
thehill.com/opinion/camp...
"The Democratic Party hates independent thinking, independent organizations, independent voters and independent reform"
thehill.com/opinion/camp...
thehill.com
December 21, 2024 at 4:50 PM
Interesting article by John Opdycke the President of Open Primaries, a national election reform organization
"The Democratic Party hates independent thinking, independent organizations, independent voters and independent reform"
thehill.com/opinion/camp...
"The Democratic Party hates independent thinking, independent organizations, independent voters and independent reform"
thehill.com/opinion/camp...
Just like Santa the New York Coalition For Open Government keeps a Naughty & Nice list.
spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/buffalo/...
spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/buffalo/...
New York open government group releases 2024 'naughty and nice lists'
Santa Claus isn't the only one making naughty and nice lists this time of year. The NY Coalition for Open Government released its own lists Thursday.
spectrumlocalnews.com
December 20, 2024 at 11:47 AM
Just like Santa the New York Coalition For Open Government keeps a Naughty & Nice list.
spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/buffalo/...
spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/buffalo/...
"Counsel for the New York State Unified Court System told the state transparency watchdog Wednesday it has no obligation to release judges' and court officials' financial disclosure data under public records law."
www.law360.com/pulse/courts...
www.law360.com/pulse/courts...
NY Courts Defy Watchdog, Won't Release Judicial Ethics Data - Law360 Pulse
Counsel for the New York State Unified Court System told the state transparency watchdog Wednesday it has no obligation to release judges' and court officials' financial disclosure data under public r...
www.law360.com
December 18, 2024 at 11:28 AM
"Counsel for the New York State Unified Court System told the state transparency watchdog Wednesday it has no obligation to release judges' and court officials' financial disclosure data under public records law."
www.law360.com/pulse/courts...
www.law360.com/pulse/courts...
“There is no good reason for the Executive Chamber’s significant delay in releasing Gov. Hochul’s daily schedule," said Heather Murray, the associate director of the Cornell Law School First Amendment Clinic"
nyc.streetsblog.org/2024/12/16/g...
nyc.streetsblog.org/2024/12/16/g...
Gov. Hochul Won't Reveal Public Schedule For Period When She Flopped on Congestion Pricing - Streetsblog New York City
The gridlock governor won't give us her public schedule. Advocates urged her to come clean.
nyc.streetsblog.org
December 17, 2024 at 1:04 PM
“There is no good reason for the Executive Chamber’s significant delay in releasing Gov. Hochul’s daily schedule," said Heather Murray, the associate director of the Cornell Law School First Amendment Clinic"
nyc.streetsblog.org/2024/12/16/g...
nyc.streetsblog.org/2024/12/16/g...
The NYPD responded to a FOIL request stating they could “neither confirm nor deny” whether such records existed
using a rare secrecy loophole known as a “Glomar response”
A New York Supreme Court judge ruled that the NYPD use of a Glomar response was impermissible
www.nyclu.org/press-releas...
using a rare secrecy loophole known as a “Glomar response”
A New York Supreme Court judge ruled that the NYPD use of a Glomar response was impermissible
www.nyclu.org/press-releas...
Court Rejects Secrecy Loophole, Rules NYPD Must Respond To Records Request Regarding Surveillance of Protesters - NYCLU
www.nyclu.org
December 16, 2024 at 11:58 AM
The NYPD responded to a FOIL request stating they could “neither confirm nor deny” whether such records existed
using a rare secrecy loophole known as a “Glomar response”
A New York Supreme Court judge ruled that the NYPD use of a Glomar response was impermissible
www.nyclu.org/press-releas...
using a rare secrecy loophole known as a “Glomar response”
A New York Supreme Court judge ruled that the NYPD use of a Glomar response was impermissible
www.nyclu.org/press-releas...
“The records requested by the Empire Center are unquestionably public ...” said Bill Hammond, the Empire Center’s Senior Fellow for Health Policy.
“New Yorkers should not have to sue to get timely public information out of their own government.”
www.empirecenter.org/publications...
“New Yorkers should not have to sue to get timely public information out of their own government.”
www.empirecenter.org/publications...
Empire Center Sues Health Department for Records on CDPAP and Medicaid - Empire Center for Public Policy
The Empire Center filed a pair of lawsuits this week charging the state Health Department with improperly withholding public records....
www.empirecenter.org
December 12, 2024 at 1:29 PM
“The records requested by the Empire Center are unquestionably public ...” said Bill Hammond, the Empire Center’s Senior Fellow for Health Policy.
“New Yorkers should not have to sue to get timely public information out of their own government.”
www.empirecenter.org/publications...
“New Yorkers should not have to sue to get timely public information out of their own government.”
www.empirecenter.org/publications...
“The Freedom of Information Law [FOIL] system in NY is broken,” said Paul Wolf, president of the New York Coalition for Open Government.
“All over the state FOIL requests are being improperly delayed or denied.
drive.google.com/file/d/1Pqo1...
“All over the state FOIL requests are being improperly delayed or denied.
drive.google.com/file/d/1Pqo1...
dailygazette.com-Saratoga Springs to review records request process.pdf
drive.google.com
December 11, 2024 at 11:35 AM
“The Freedom of Information Law [FOIL] system in NY is broken,” said Paul Wolf, president of the New York Coalition for Open Government.
“All over the state FOIL requests are being improperly delayed or denied.
drive.google.com/file/d/1Pqo1...
“All over the state FOIL requests are being improperly delayed or denied.
drive.google.com/file/d/1Pqo1...
A new report from California Common Cause
finds that remote public participation options at city council meetings
are feasible for cities to offer and help expand public participation in local government.
www.commoncause.org/resources/ne...
finds that remote public participation options at city council meetings
are feasible for cities to offer and help expand public participation in local government.
www.commoncause.org/resources/ne...
Remote Public Participation at City Council Meetings Is Feasible, Strengthens Local Democracy
www.commoncause.org
December 10, 2024 at 12:57 PM
A new report from California Common Cause
finds that remote public participation options at city council meetings
are feasible for cities to offer and help expand public participation in local government.
www.commoncause.org/resources/ne...
finds that remote public participation options at city council meetings
are feasible for cities to offer and help expand public participation in local government.
www.commoncause.org/resources/ne...
“If you’re getting public subsidies, that discussion should occur in public"
“If you want to operate privately, well, then don’t stick your hand out for public subsidies.”
www.investigativepost.org/2024/12/06/s...
“If you want to operate privately, well, then don’t stick your hand out for public subsidies.”
www.investigativepost.org/2024/12/06/s...
State board doubles down on secrecy
Public Subsidy Board continues to operate as though Freedom of Information and Open Meetings laws don't apply to them.
www.investigativepost.org
December 8, 2024 at 3:21 PM
“If you’re getting public subsidies, that discussion should occur in public"
“If you want to operate privately, well, then don’t stick your hand out for public subsidies.”
www.investigativepost.org/2024/12/06/s...
“If you want to operate privately, well, then don’t stick your hand out for public subsidies.”
www.investigativepost.org/2024/12/06/s...
I disagree with the statement below
"I can think of no bigger waste of taxpayer money than to spend it on political campaigns.."
The only way to break the stranglehold of wealthy special interests buying politicians is public financing of elections
buffalonews.com/news/local/g...
"I can think of no bigger waste of taxpayer money than to spend it on political campaigns.."
The only way to break the stranglehold of wealthy special interests buying politicians is public financing of elections
buffalonews.com/news/local/g...
Public financing key in Chludzinski's Assembly upset over Wallace
Assembly Member-elect Patrick Chludzinski said last month that without public campaign financing, it would have been impossible for him to successfully run for office against an incumbent who had hund...
buffalonews.com
December 7, 2024 at 4:27 PM
I disagree with the statement below
"I can think of no bigger waste of taxpayer money than to spend it on political campaigns.."
The only way to break the stranglehold of wealthy special interests buying politicians is public financing of elections
buffalonews.com/news/local/g...
"I can think of no bigger waste of taxpayer money than to spend it on political campaigns.."
The only way to break the stranglehold of wealthy special interests buying politicians is public financing of elections
buffalonews.com/news/local/g...
Thanks to the closed primary system
New York City and New York State,
have “some of the least competitive elections in the country.”
openprimaries.org/dc_lesson_fo...
New York City and New York State,
have “some of the least competitive elections in the country.”
openprimaries.org/dc_lesson_fo...
DC_Lesson_for_NY - OPEN-PRIMARIES
Last week, voters in Washington, D.C. voted overwhelmingly to open primary elections to independent voters, while similar ballot initiatives fell short in a half-dozen other states.
openprimaries.org
December 6, 2024 at 7:26 PM
Thanks to the closed primary system
New York City and New York State,
have “some of the least competitive elections in the country.”
openprimaries.org/dc_lesson_fo...
New York City and New York State,
have “some of the least competitive elections in the country.”
openprimaries.org/dc_lesson_fo...
The Power Broker by Robert Caro is an awesome 1,200 page book about NY politics.
Reading the book due to it's length is an undertaking
I recently discovered the podcast below, which has done a series on the book.
It features some interesting guests such as Conan O'Brien
99percentinvisible.org
Reading the book due to it's length is an undertaking
I recently discovered the podcast below, which has done a series on the book.
It features some interesting guests such as Conan O'Brien
99percentinvisible.org
99% Invisible
99% Invisible with Roman Mars is a tiny radio show about design, architecture & the ninety-nine percent invisible activity that shapes our world.
99percentinvisible.org
December 5, 2024 at 12:57 PM
The Power Broker by Robert Caro is an awesome 1,200 page book about NY politics.
Reading the book due to it's length is an undertaking
I recently discovered the podcast below, which has done a series on the book.
It features some interesting guests such as Conan O'Brien
99percentinvisible.org
Reading the book due to it's length is an undertaking
I recently discovered the podcast below, which has done a series on the book.
It features some interesting guests such as Conan O'Brien
99percentinvisible.org
An example of why we need public financing of elections
This story of a wealthy individual seeking to buy influence
occurs every where
nysfocus.com/2024/11/25/m...
This story of a wealthy individual seeking to buy influence
occurs every where
nysfocus.com/2024/11/25/m...
Why’s a Finance Titan Dropping $1 Million on Bronx Elections?
The whole thing is just — weird.
nysfocus.com
December 3, 2024 at 1:11 PM
An example of why we need public financing of elections
This story of a wealthy individual seeking to buy influence
occurs every where
nysfocus.com/2024/11/25/m...
This story of a wealthy individual seeking to buy influence
occurs every where
nysfocus.com/2024/11/25/m...
The public is way ahead of politicians in terms of democracy reforms
75% of New Yorkers support term limits
70% support having citizen ballot initiative
60% support non-partisan open primaries
50% support ranked choice voting
nystateofpolitics.com/state-of-pol...
75% of New Yorkers support term limits
70% support having citizen ballot initiative
60% support non-partisan open primaries
50% support ranked choice voting
nystateofpolitics.com/state-of-pol...
Unite NY poll shows New Yorkers support term limits and citizen referendum
Timothy Dunn joins "Capital Tonight."
nystateofpolitics.com
December 2, 2024 at 12:20 PM
The public is way ahead of politicians in terms of democracy reforms
75% of New Yorkers support term limits
70% support having citizen ballot initiative
60% support non-partisan open primaries
50% support ranked choice voting
nystateofpolitics.com/state-of-pol...
75% of New Yorkers support term limits
70% support having citizen ballot initiative
60% support non-partisan open primaries
50% support ranked choice voting
nystateofpolitics.com/state-of-pol...
People in power don't like to be questioned or criticized
The interesting history behind the federal and NY Freedom of Information Laws.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwyT...
The interesting history behind the federal and NY Freedom of Information Laws.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwyT...
Intro Paul Wolf: 50 Years of Freedom of Information Law Forum in Buffalo, NY
YouTube video by New York Coalition for Open Government
www.youtube.com
November 30, 2024 at 2:00 PM
People in power don't like to be questioned or criticized
The interesting history behind the federal and NY Freedom of Information Laws.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwyT...
The interesting history behind the federal and NY Freedom of Information Laws.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwyT...