New York, NY (December 9, 2024) – Today, several good government groups and political club sent a letter to the New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and top Council officials expressing concern over the possible appointment of Frank Seddio, former chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, for Commissioner of Elections. Seddio has been nominated by the Brooklyn Democratic Party for a term that begins on January 1, 2025. A date for the confirmation has not been set.
In the letter, Citizens Union joined Common Cause/NY, Brooklyn Voters Alliance, Indivisible Nation BK, Lambda Independent Democrats, New Kings Democrats, Reinvent Albany, and South Central Brooklyn United for Progress to argue that appointing a former party boss would be a disservice to voters.
“Our groups believe election commissioners must have the relevant qualifications to lead an election administration agency, and be appointed based on their merits rather than their affiliation to a party, a candidate, or an elected official. To avoid conflicts of interest, there should be limitations on who can be appointed to the Board of Elections. We ask that the Council provide the necessary oversight and ensure that the NYC BOE continues its progress toward increased professionalism, transparency, and accountability and the important work of centering voters.”