On November 7, 2017, New Yorkers will get to vote on whether or not to hold a Constitutional Convention. Democratic reform of the state’s governing document may seem like a sure way to keep power in the people’s hands, but the historical trends have been marked by patronage, waste and favoritism. While reform groups and civic-minded people may be attracted to a state Constitutional Convention, the truth is a dark history exists, where special interest groups curry favor and taxpayers are left with a big bill.