New York, NY (March 20, 2026) – Citizens Union today released the following statement from Executive Director Grace Rauh in response to Mayor Mamdani’s appointment of Carl Weisbrod, Lilliam Barrios-Paoli, and Larian Angelo to the Quadrennial Advisory Commission, which will review compensation for New York City elected officials:

“Citizens Union applauds Mayor Mamdani’s selection of Carl Weisbrod, Lilliam Barrios-Paoli, and Larian Angelo to lead the Quadrennial Advisory Commission. These New Yorkers bring deep experience and credibility to this endeavor, and we are confident they will approach this responsibility with the independence and seriousness it demands.

“For more than fifty years, New York City has relied on independent commissions to review compensation for elected officials — a process that ensures decisions are made transparently, fairly, and in the public interest. Convening this commission is an important step toward restoring that longstanding practice and reinforcing public trust, and we look forward to monitoring and supporting the Commission’s work.”

More on this topic:

• Citizens Union Commends City Council for Advancing Compensation Review Through Independent Commission, Says Bill Leaves Mayoral Appointment Loophole Unresolved
• Testimony in Support of Council Legislation Establishing a One-time Compensation Commission
• Watchdog Groups Oppose Rushed Council Pay Hike: Electeds Should Receive Fair Raise Through Outside Review Process 
• Testimony to the City Council: Legislation to Increase Compensation Levels for New York City Elected Officials 
• Explainer: How to Increase Elected Officials’ Salaries in New York City