Like many of you, I was shocked to read the news that Mayor Adams has been indicted. These are truly unprecedented times for our city, as this is the first time a sitting mayor has been charged with a federal crime.
While everyone in our country is entitled to a presumption of innocence, these charges –including flouting campaign finance laws and accepting bribes – are troubling and represent a betrayal of the trust New Yorkers placed in the mayor. We will be keeping an eye on this in the days ahead. You can read Citizens Union’s full statement on the indictment here.
I hope you will join us on October 22 at the Metropolitan Club for our annual Gotham Greats Awards. The evening will recognize three extraordinary New Yorkers — Carrie Cohen, Alicia Glen, and Brendan McGuire.
You can read more about what we’ve been up to this month in this edition of The Reformer.
Best,
Betsy Gotbaum
Executive Director, Citizens Union/Citizens Union Foundation
POLICY UPDATES
NYPD Commissioner’s Resignation is an Opportunity to Restore Trust and Accountability
New York Police Commissioner Edward Caban resigned earlier this month amid a federal investigation into the department’s nightclub enforcement. This resignation is a necessary step for restoring public trust in the NYPD. The next Commissioner must prioritize transparency and accountability, particularly in the realm of police discipline.
Full cooperation with the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB), timely sharing of documents, and honoring disciplinary recommendations are essential to restore public confidence. Citizens Union remains committed to advocating for a police force that serves all New Yorkers with honesty, transparency, and accountability.
You can read our statement on Caban’s resignation here.
Citizens Union Supports Tightening the Rules on Super PACs Coordination in New York City
The New York City Campaign Finance Board recently proposed a package of rule changes to better regulate independent spending on local campaigns. Although Super PACs are prohibited by law from coordinating with candidates or campaigns, groups in recent election cycles have circumvented these restrictions by having such spending controlled and funded by immediate family members or former staff of candidates. Citizens Union has long urged that the rules be more explicitly defined to address these situations, and the Campaign Finance Board has now included this recommendation in its proposed rules.
We testified in support of this effort and submitted written comments, which you can read here.
Court Upholds Early Mail-In Voting: A Victory for Democracy
At the end of Summer, in a significant win for democracy, the New York Court of Appeals upheld a law allowing all registered voters to request an early mail ballot. This ruling reinforces the importance of expanding voter access across the state, ensuring that New Yorkers can participate in our democracy without unnecessary barriers. The ruling strengthens our democratic process, allowing more people to have their voices heard, no matter their circumstances.
Betsy wrote a letter to the editor of the NY Daily News on the importance of this rule, which you can read here.
Recent Investigation into Deputy Mayor Raises Serious Ethical Concerns
Earlier this month, the New York Times reported on a $154 million contract a firm formerly owned by Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks received from the New York City Housing Authority. First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, Banks’ brother’s fiancé, voted to approve the contract in her capacity sitting on NYCHA’s Board. It is highly inappropriate for a public official in Wright’s position to be involved in approving contracts for firms tied to family members. In this instance, Wright should have recused herself.
You can read more here.
Recap of Civic Conversation with Dan Garodnick
Thank you to everyone who attended our recent Civic Conversation with Dan Garodnick, Director of the New York City Department of City Planning and Chair of the City Planning Commission. The conversation was facilitated by our board member Ellen Baer.
Dan and Ellen discussed the City of Yes proposal, and the administration’s efforts to create affordable housing. As Dan said, “Housing is front and center of not just New York City’s agenda, but the national agenda.” He characterized the plan as a modest proposal to create housing while maintaining the character of neighborhoods. “We are trying to be respectful of neighborhoods while opening the door a crack,” he said.
Thank you to Dan and Ellen for the thoughtful and engaging conversation, and to King & Spalding for hosting and sponsoring the event. If you missed the event, you can watch it here.
Please save the date, Tuesday, October 22, for Citizens Union’s Annual Gotham Greats Celebration.
Our Gotham Greats honorees are an extraordinary group of New Yorkers who contribute their talent to strengthening our city. This year, we are excited to honor:
- Carrie Cohen – Partner, Morrison & Foerster and former Assistant US Attorney.
- Alicia Glen – Founder & Managing Partner, MSquared, former Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development.
- Brendan McGuire – Partner, Wilmer Hale and former Chief Counsel to NYC Mayor Adams.
- Randy Mastro – Partner, King & Spalding and Former Deputy Mayor, Board Chair, Citizens Union & Citizens Union Foundation.
Invitations will be mailed in September. For more information and to support the event, please visit our website.
Your contribution will allow Citizens Union to continue our fight for ethics and reform in New York City and State government, as we have done for more than 125 years.
CU IN THE NEWS
Municipal World
New York Could Save Millions Shifting Local Elections
September 25, 2024
City & State
YIMBY Moment: ‘City of Yes’ Meets City Planning Commission
September 25, 2024
WHAT WE’RE READING ELSEWHERE
The CITY: Who’s Investigating Mayor Eric Adams’ Inner Circle and Why
NY1: NY1 Investigation: Adams’ former chief of staff courts big business and big money
Vital City: Crime Rhetoric vs. Crime Realities