As we approach the end of the year, we reflect on the past 12 months and what has been accomplished. From our work on moving local elections to even-numbered years to addressing the problem of scaffolding in New York City, Citizens Union was extremely busy.

Voting reform is moving along in Albany as the Governor signed a number of bills into law that forced the board of elections to ease the process of voter registration and voting by mail.

We wish you a joyous holiday season and a happy new year! We look forward to continuing our work in 2024.

Best,

Betsy Gotbaum
Executive Director, Citizens Union/Citizens Union Foundation

CIVIC CONVERSATION WITH DISTRICT ATTORNEY ALVIN BRAGG

Earlier this month, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and board member John Avlon had a thought-provoking discussion about holding government officials accountable. The District Attorney discussed his plans to reduce recidivism and said that he believed a federal takeover alone would not be enough to reform Rikers. He said that a third approach is necessary to address the mental health crisis in our City beyond the criminal justice system and hospitals. Additionally, he announced his initiative to train 25 assistant district attorneys on the hate crimes statute.

Thank you to King & Spalding for hosting and sponsoring the event.

If you missed it, you can watch the Civic Conversation here.

POLICY UPDATES

Amicus Brief Argues State Ethics Commission is Constitutional

On December 15th, we submitted an amicus brief to the Third Department, Appellate Division of the NYS Supreme Court, in the case of Cuomo v. NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government. The brief emphasized the urgent need for an independent statewide ethics commission in New York. It pointed out the shortcomings of the previous ethics commission, the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) — which was dissolved in 2022—and argued that the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG) is constitutional.

New York State has experienced significant corruption and serious ethical lapses by its elected officials over the last few decades, undermining the public’s confidence in government. To address this, we need robust and effective ethics enforcement in New York. Although Citizens Union was unsuccessful in getting a fully independent commission, COELIG is still an improvement over JCOPE.

You can read the amicus brief here.

Congressional Maps Order to be Redrawn by the Independent Redistricting Commission

Earlier this month, the New York Court of Appeals ordered that Congressional district maps be redrawn by the Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) by February 28th. The current maps had been drawn by a special master after the courts found the maps drawn by the legislature unconstitutional.

This recent order adds to what has already been a chaotic and lengthy redistricting process. To avoid further confusion, IRC commissioners must cooperate to avoid gridlock and submit one map agreed upon by all the commissioners. We encourage the IRC to solicit public feedback and conduct an open and transparent map-making process, mirroring what was done in New York City’s redistricting process. This should include holding mapping deliberations in public and providing detailed explanations for their decision.

This mess has highlighted the flaws in our congressional redistricting process. We are working with other good government groups to develop a more efficient and independent process that removes partisanship from redistricting.

Sidewalk Shed Reform in New York City: Report Reviewing the Proposals To Clean Up Street Facades While Keeping People Safe

We issued a report on the mess caused by scaffolding in New York City. There are now 9,000 active sidewalk sheds in New York City, totaling 380 miles of wood and metal boxes. These structures are designed to offer temporary protection for pedestrians from falling debris. However, many remain in place for years, damaging our urban landscape by obstructing sidewalks, covering landmarked buildings, and attracting trash. Over time, many of the structures become safety risks themselves.

The report reviews the various current proposals from several elected officials and issues a series of recommendations. You can read the full report here.

Governor Should Sign Law Moving Local Elections to Even Years

We strongly urge Governor Hochul to sign S3505B/A4282 into law. This legislation would move certain county and town elections in New York to even-numbered years. This would not include municipal elections. If signed, this move would increase voter participation, save money, and enhance local democracy throughout the state.

The bill was delivered to Governor Hochul on December 12. We urge you to contact the Governor at this link and ask her to sign this bill into law today!

You’re invited: New York City Bar Panel Discussion Should NYC Municipal Elections Be Moved to Even-Numbered Years?

CU IN THE NEWS

The Daily Gazette
EDITORIAL: Shine the light on the judicial nomination process
December 4, 2023

STRAUS NEWS (Chelsea News NY, Our Town, Our Town Downtown, The Spirit)
Spirit of Shed Regs Subverted by Landlords Who Leave Them Up for Years: Report
December 11, 2024