New York, NY (April 15, 2026) – Citizens Union today released the following statement from Executive Director Grace Rauh regarding the City Council’s consideration of Nadia Shihata as Commissioner of the Department of Investigation:

“The Commissioner of the Department of Investigation is a key appointment in New York City government. The department conducts investigations into corruption, from rank-and-file public employees to the upper echelons of government, and supervises dozens of inspectors general. The Council has the authority to advise on the nominee and decide whether to consent to the appointment.

“We appreciate council members’ focus on independence from City Hall for this role. Members have raised questions about whether the nominee, Nadia Shihata, is too closely connected to City Hall, particularly to the mayor’s chief counsel. In the wake of Mayor Adams’ corruption scandals, there is real urgency to demonstrate that city government has a strong and independent watchdog.

“However, given that the mayor is responsible for nominating the Commissioner of Investigation, the current situation is not unusual. Historically, appointees have often been recommended by individuals within the mayor’s office or by those with ties to City Hall. Individuals are appointed with an expectation that they will act independently and with integrity. Nadia Shihata’s professional background indicates that she is qualified for this position. She has had a long career as a prosecutor in an office typically considered independent, has experience handling public integrity cases, and testified under oath that she would maintain that independence.

“Lost in this debate is a critical issue. While both sides argue over this appointee, they seem content to starve the Department of Investigation of the resources it needs to do its job. The mayor’s budget proposal continues cuts from the Adams administration, and the City Council’s response does nothing to make up the gap. An independent and effective anti-corruption watchdog must first have the capacity to fulfill its mission.”

“If we are truly to turn the page on the ethical misconduct of the previous administration, both the administration and the Council must pair real investment in the Department of Investigation with tangible, concrete reforms related to conflicts of interest, lobbying regulation, and campaign finance.”