As someone whose success might not have been possible without nonpartisan elections, I applaud Barry's work for its critical analysis of issues at the core of our evolving government. What will it take for us to be a robust, inclusive democracy with the highest levels of participation? Barry's insightful book helps us understand our past and points to the promise of our future.
~Cory Booker, Mayor, Newark
Finally, the real story of political reform in New York--and it's not what you think. The Scandal of Reform should be a wake-up call for Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike. If everyone who cares about the health of our nation's democracy reads this book, there may be hope for reform yet.
~Michael R. Bloomberg,, Mayor, New York City
The Scandal of Reform will change your understanding of New York's political history and challenge your view of modern urban elections. Francis Barry presents an insightful and clear-headed re-evaluation of the reform movement and its effects on the democratic process, slaying sacred cows--and sparing no party--as he goes. There are lessons here for every city in America.
~Jonathan Capehart, Washington Post
Political observers who shook their heads in skepticism at the recent Tom Golisano-brokered ôcoalition of reformö in Albany have a provocative summer read to look forward to in Francis S. BarryÆs The Scandal of Reform.
~City Hall News
A valuable contextual profile of 19th-century reform and reformers in New York, replete with durable observations by contemporary politicians. Barry skewers the notion that todayÆs local elections are truly competitive and makes a convincing argument to re-examine some orthodoxies that led a number of reform groups to oppose past efforts to hold a state constitutional convention.
~New York Times
Barry's work is full of wisdom about local politics. His well-written history of the machine/reform dynamic over the last 150 years is balanced and fair. He casts a critical eye on the city's campaign finance system, arguing that it has not increased political competition.
~Gotham Gazette
Barry's readable narrative fills a major gap in New York political history, a history too often glorifying the intentions and good spirits of reformers, but rarely addressing the results, especially the unintended consequences.
~New York Law Journal
Barry makes a compelling case for the adoption of nonpartisan municipal elections in New York City. In a careful, jargon-free review of the academic literature, Barry explodes many of the myths that political scientists hold dear about the virtues of political parties. Barry offers a very readable story about party politics in New York City since the era of Boss Tweed. Recommended.
~Choice
