The New York City Council is struggling to regain control in an ongoing power struggle with Mayor Eric Adams after a painful defeat in the November vote.
Lawmakers voted 49-1 on Wednesday to establish their own charter amendment commission — after voters supported four of five initiatives on the ballot this year, a Hizzoner-backed temporary panel poll called it a “sham.” .
The council’s efforts may be in vain if Adams decides to create another commission that would again nullify his efforts, in accordance with state laws.
Council President Adrienne Adams – who is not related to the mayor – dismissed the possibility of the mayor having her own panel as “political weaponization.” The mayor’s previous commission has been inactive since the ballot measure passed last week.
“The mayor’s recent Charter Amendment Commission, comprised solely of his appointees, proceeded with the process of placing two to six proposals on the ballot without any meaningful input or consideration of New Yorkers,” he said during a press briefing at City Hall on Wednesday. I hurried.”
“It would be a huge mistake for the mayor to attempt to repeat his abusive and undemocratic use of another charter amendment commission that is entirely self-serving.”
The ballot initiative came to light in November when the mayor opposed a plan introduced by the speaker that would have given the council more power to confirm leaders of city agencies.
At the time, Speaker Adams claimed that the mayor was trying Proclaim yourself the “King” of New York by proposing new mandates This will make it difficult for MPs to pass the bill,
A city spokesperson said the Mayor’s Commission gave New Yorkers an opportunity to “share their vision for a safer, more affordable city.”
More than 750 New Yorkers attended CRC meetings and more than 2,300 submitted handwritten submissions, the city confirmed.
In the November vote, all proposals except one – which would create a new role to support minority- and women-owned businesses – passed.
Measures passed in the council’s honor include a measure that would allow the Mayor’s Budget Office to issue reports on the fiscal impacts of bills under consideration and another that would give lawmakers 30 days notice on public hearings for legislation involving public safety. Will need to be given. Agencies.
Speaker Adams downplayed the results, saying that the proposals “passed by the narrowest of margins” and because voters did not have enough time to fully understand the proposals.
The council’s new temporary commission is expected to “improve transparency and accountability” and will include 17 members appointed by the speaker, the mayor, the public advocate, the comptroller and all five city presidents, Speaker Adams said.
It will also have the power to submit proposals to amend the City Charter after reviewing the submissions at least eight months before the 2025 general election and at least 20 months before the 2026 general election.
The mayor’s office did not confirm whether it would establish another commission.
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