New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams is making moves to shift the balance of power away from the mayor by introducing a bill that would allow the Council to create its own commission to make changes to the City Charter. This move comes as Mayor Adams faces a federal indictment and criticism over his appointees. The proposed commission would focus on improving transparency and good governance, similar to processes in other large cities.
The bill is expected to be introduced soon, and the commission would present ballot proposals to voters in 2025 or later. The commission would include appointments from the speaker, public advocate, comptroller, mayor, and all borough presidents. This action follows Mayor Adams’ establishment of a charter revision commission earlier this year amid questions about his administration’s functioning and credibility.
The speaker aims to create a model for future charter revision commissions to ensure public trust. The mayor and his charter commission have faced scrutiny, with some councilmembers criticizing the rushed process and calling it a power grab.
The Council’s previous charter revision commission led to a referendum on advice and consent for mayoral appointments, illustrating the ongoing tensions between the Council and the mayor’s office over appointments and power dynamics. Forty elected officials have urged voters to reject the mayor’s commission’s proposals.
Overall, this move by Speaker Adams reflects the ongoing power struggle within City Hall and a push for greater Council influence over key decisions affecting the city’s governance and future.
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