David Lombardo is reporting at Capitol Confidential that new legislation intended to help candidates for local office get on the ballot more easily this year is in need of some modification. State lawmakers and Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed off on a lower threshold to qualify for the ballot, essentially cutting the number of required signatures by 25 percent for local elected positions outside of New York City. Changes are pending that would close a loophole in the bill's language. The Assembly version was advanced to the floor this week, and the proposal is still in the state Senate’s committee process. Candidates could begin collecting signatures on Mar. 5, and they must be submitted by Apr. 4. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.