FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lauren Mannerberg, lauren@anatgerstein.com, 929-553-7702
Citizens Union’s proposals to create a system to remove a sitting mayor and protect the budget of the Conflicts of Interest Board win support from commission
New York, NY (June 6, 2025) — Citizens Union today issued the following statement from Executive Director Grace Rauh in response to the updated recommendations released by the NYC Commission to Strengthen Local Democracy:
“We commend the NYC Commission to Strengthen Local Democracy for embracing two of Citizens Union’s key recommendations in their latest report: establishing a process to remove the Mayor for serious misconduct and guaranteeing a minimum budget for the Conflicts of Interest Board. These reforms, as well as additional proposals by the commission to strengthen the Department of Investigation and Civilian Complaint Review Board, are critical to ensuring accountability and integrity at the highest levels of city government.
“New York City is currently one of the only major U.S. cities without a clear mechanism to remove a mayor for misconduct. Our proposal creates a rigorous, democratic process rooted in checks and balances and public trust. We are gratified to see this concept moving forward.
“In addition, guaranteeing an independent and adequate budget for the Conflicts of Interest Board will help ensure it can fulfill its mission without political interference. Ethics enforcement should never be subject to the whims of any administration.
“We look forward to testifying further on the full report and we applaud the Commission for advancing meaningful reforms, and committing to a more accountable and transparent city government.”
In April, Citizens Union released How to Remove the New York City Mayor Over Misconduct,, a report laying out a roadmap to enhance accountability and strengthen democracy through structural reforms. Today’s developments reflect growing momentum for these ideas and a shared commitment to good governance.
About Citizens Union
For more than a century, Citizens Union has been leading the fight for reform in New York. We are a non-partisan good government group that serves as a civic watchdog to combat corruption. We are New Yorkers from diverse backgrounds and political beliefs, united in our commitment to put the public interest ahead of all special interests. We work to ensure honest and accountable government, fair and open elections, and a civically engaged public. Principled and pragmatic, Citizens Union is an independent force for constructive reform, driving policy solutions to achieve responsible and responsive government in the City and State of New York.
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