The Weekly Watchdog
Welcome to Week 4 of the Weekly Watchdog! We’re growing up so fast. This week, we have the full assortment of stories within our wheelhouse. The Mayor’s race? Check. Important news in NYC government? Check. Corruption? Check. More corruption? Of course.
News Worth Clicking
| The News Eric Adams charges should be dropped permanently, court-appointed lawyer tells judge Politico By Erica Orden |
Paul Clement, the court-appointed lawyer who was asked to provide independent arguments regarding the DOJ’s decision to dismiss Mayor Eric Adams’ corruption charges, recommended that the charges be dropped but with prejudice. Such action would mean that the charges could not be brought against Adams again, thus ridding critics’ arguments that the Mayor and the City would be held hostage by President Trump and his administration. Somewhat separately, the DOJ also published internal documents from the Southern District’s Office that they say prove the prosecution was politically motivated. |
| Not-So-Good-Gov How Adams Insiders Scored a Traffic Technology Tryout for a Favored Company The CITY By Greg Smith |
Anti-corruption reformers: prepare to be enraged after reading this story. We here at Citizens Union know that pay-to-play rules need to be strengthened within our City, and this investigation by the CITY demonstrates another reason why. Moreover, this article also reminds us why conflicts of interest laws also need reform, which we just testified on in front of both Charter Revision Commissions. |
| The Reform that Never Was Patronage Never Left: New York Courts Still Favor the Politically Connected New York Focus By Chris Bragg |
Ah, the New York’s court system, where political insiders aren’t just picking judges, they’re cashing in on them. A New York Focus investigation reveals how well-connected lawyers and party officials manage to land cushy court appointments from the very individuals they helped place on the bench, with millions of dollars to benefit. Shouldn’t there be rules against that? (Spoiler alert: there are) |
| Can you do the budget dance? NYC’s budget process was going to be tough. Experts say Trump and Musk are making it tougher. Gothamist By Michelle Bocanegra |
Welp, this was largely expected, but as the budget tango starts, everyone is acknowledging that whatever levers President Trump and Elon Musk decide to pull in terms of federal funding will certainly have a large impact on the City. Gothamist has the details with some great input from the Independent Budget Office, Citizens Budget Commission, and the Mayor’s Budget Director. |
| Affordability is all the rage Cuomo’s first policy proposals Politico New York By Jason Beeferman Brad Lander Would Declare Housing Emergency if Elected N.Y.C. Mayor Myrie floats pricey plan to make after-school care free for all |
There were several policy proposals rolled out this week from mayoral candidates, and there was a similar theme amongst all three of them: affordability. New Yorkers know living here isn’t cheap and all of the candidates are seemingly trying to address that. Read on and see if you can spot the policy differences that will sway your vote. |
| The Rise of Jessica Tisch Commish Tisch to the Rescue New York Magazine By Noah Shachtman |
Last week, we highlighted several profiles of candidates seeking your vote, so this week, we thought we’d give you a profile of someone already serving you in government, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. The former NYPD official turned Sanitation Commissioner was appointed back to the NYPD, in its top job, in late November after former Commissioner Eddie Caban resigned. She’s been on a tear in her short time there, cleaning house of multiple scandal-ridden officials and reorganizing the department. |
| Commentary Which Andrew Cuomo Will New Yorkers Remember? New York Magazine By Errol Louis |
As hinted in an interesting poll last week, which Andrew Cuomo will voters choose? Many clearly remember his scandals, but many also remember his ability to govern. Errol Louis makes back-to-back appearances in the Weekly Watchdog and lays out both sides for you to catch up on. What do you think? |
| How’d we get here? How Eric Adams Lost New York The New York Times Magazine By Matt Flegenheimer & Dana Rubinstein |
If you’re looking around and wondering how our City’s mayor got to this point,
facing a reelection year with a 20% approval rating, you’re probably not alone. Following his journey is a lot to keep up with (trust us, we’re trying too) and the information overload can sometimes seem like too much. Well, if you’re looking for a reminder, the New York Times Magazine has a great rundown, from back to Adams’ days as a State Senator through his unfolding corruption case to his recent relationship with President Trump, and how it all fits in with the City’s issues in the background.
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