From our founding in 1897 to today, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to advancing democracy, holding government accountable, and ensuring ethical leadership at every level. This mission has never been more critical.

Last week in Washington, we saw the transfer of power to an administration with a track record of disregarding the rule of law. Meanwhile, here in New York City, we are confronting an alarming erosion of public trust in government. An analysis released by Citizens Union this month reveals an unprecedented number of ethical scandals under the current administration.

In the face of these challenges, Citizens Union will continue to be a powerful advocate for good government. With your support, we will redouble our efforts to push for meaningful reforms, expose misconduct, and empower New Yorkers to demand better from their leaders. Together, we can help restore faith in our democracy.

Thank you for standing with us as we enter this new year. Your commitment fuels our work, and I am deeply grateful for all that you do to support our mission.

Best,

Betsy Gotbaum
Executive Director, Citizens Union/Citizens Union Foundation

POLICY UPDATES

Shocking Surge in Ethical Misconduct Under Mayor Adams Administration

This month, we released an analysis revealing a disturbing trend. In just three years, Mayor Adams’ administration has seen TWICE as many senior City officials indicted or resigned under investigation than under the past four mayors combined.

Since 2022, three senior officials have been indicted, including Mayor Adams himself, making him the first sitting New York City mayor to face federal charges. Additionally, seven more officials have resigned while under investigation.

To provide context, over the 32 years prior to Adams, encompassing the administrations of Dinkins, Giuliani, Bloomberg, and de Blasio, only three senior officials were indicted, and two resigned under investigation. The current surge in ethical scandals and misconduct under Adams is unprecedented in New York City’s history.

Our analysis highlights a concerning increase in misconduct at the highest levels of City Hall. It is time for New York City to prioritize ethics and accountability. This isn’t just a political issue—it’s a democracy issue.

Read Citizens Union’s full analysis here.

Strengthening Accountability at the NYPD

This month, yet another wave of ethical scandals hit the NYPD. Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey resigned amid investigations into sexual abuse allegations, while concerns emerged that police overtime was doled out as favors. At the same time, a damning Department of Investigation report exposed unprofessional behavior among the department’s top brass on social media. For too long, a culture of impunity has eroded public trust in the NYPD. We are encouraged that newly appointed Commissioner Tisch has begun taking decisive steps to restore accountability.

To ensure accountability, Citizens Union is backing legislation to strengthen oversight of the NYPD. At a City Council oversight hearing, we testified in support of Intro. 1020-2024, sponsored by Council Member Gale Brewer. This bill would bolster the Office of the Inspector General, addressing critical issues like police transparency, investigative updates, and consistent leadership. By passing this common-sense legislation, the Council can help ensure independent oversight of the nation’s largest police force.

You can read more about our work on police accountability here.

Closing NYC’s Revolving Door: Bill Passes Lobbying Ban for Top Officials

This month, the New York City Council passed legislation we support to address the city’s “revolving door” lobbying system. Sponsored by Councilmember Lincoln Restler, the bill prohibits former senior mayoral staffers from lobbying any city agency for two years after they leave their city employment. Previously, former senior staff could only be restricted from lobbying the Mayor’s Office for one year, with no limits on lobbying other city agencies.

This law seeks to minimize potential conflicts of interest by targeting high-ranking officials who hold significant influence across various agencies. Public service should prioritize the needs of the public rather than private interests.

Read our full memorandum of support here.

Scathing DOI Report Exposes BOE Misconduct and Urgent Need for Reform

This month, the Department of Investigations released a scathing report revealing that the New York City Board of Elections (BOE) Executive Director Mike Ryan harassed employees and fostered a hostile work environment. Even more troubling, the report highlights the BOE’s failure to uphold basic standards of accountability and workplace protections.

This is yet another example of the BOE’s outdated structure– codified in state law– which is plagued by patronage, enables misconduct, and shields the BOE from meaningful oversight. The state legislature and governor should take decisive action to restructure the BOE by establishing clear accountability mechanisms, professionalizing its leadership, and ensuring the agency is no longer controlled by party bosses.

Read our full statement here.