After months of searches and FBI investigations, Mayor Adams was finally indicted on federal charges of corruption and fraud. Many New Yorkers may feel helpless in the face of a stubborn mayor who refuses to restore some semblance of order by resigning. But we will have the power to use our vote in the November election to stop the damage the mayor is trying to inflict on our city.
The charges against Adams show his contempt for the democratic process. The accusations depict a mayor willing to accept illegal donations to stay in power. So it’s no surprise that the mayor recently rammed through a series of ballot measures that would consolidate his power over the legislative process. If approved by voters, these undemocratic changes would be enshrined in our City Charter.
Charter revisions are a big problem. This is why, historically, the charter review process has been a careful and deliberate exercise, during which, for almost a year, people from all walks of life had the opportunity to comment on the constitutional amendment of our city.
This was not the case under Adams. Over the past four months, the mayor has rushed through five ballot measure questions (Propositions 2-6) that together would shift the balance of power in his direction – and that of any mayor. The issues were approved in a rushed process by a charter review commission filled with his own donors and friends who rubber-stamped the mayor’s desired list of changes.
These proposals may seem innocent, but they are actually dangerous changes that stem from the mayor’s disregard for the legislative process and meaningful reforms.
Take for example CityFHEPS, a program that serves as a critical backstop to protect New Yorkers from homelessness. Last year, led by Make the Road NY and dozens of other organizations, the City Council overrode the mayor and expanded the program so that vouchers could be used not only by those already unhoused , but also on the verge of being thrown away. of their apartments. It makes sense, right? It pays to keep someone in stable housing before they are in crisis.
Unhappy with a crushing loss, the mayor refused to enforce it, then went to court to defend his position that he should not be forced to follow the laws passed by the Council. Although this case is still ongoing, the consequences go beyond specific policy. The mayor is co-opting the justice system to marginalize the city council and become the last word on whether New Yorkers can access social services in the future. Propositions 2 to 6 are just another part of this attempt.
We can also focus on public safety, which is one of the mayor’s most egregious proposals. Here the Mayor, once again upset by the Council overriding his veto of the stop count law, proposes that we treat the NYPD and Department of Correction differently than every other city agency by granting them special uncontrolled rights and power in the legislative process.
Accountability and transparency for these departments is difficult enough. They fight tooth and nail to avoid even the most basic forms of surveillance, with devastating consequences for too many families. The mayor now wants to make it even easier for them to act with impunity.
These examples show the mayor’s contempt for democracy and his thirst for power. Under Adams’ charter revisions, New Yorkers will suffer from unilateral, unfettered power in the hands of a single politician.
Mayor Adams has proven that he cannot be trusted to run this city. It has failed to improve the lives of immigrants and workers of color; his goal has always been to enrich those around him and concentrate power in the hands of those who are well-connected. We cannot allow this takeover to become the status quo for our city. Whether Eric Adams is mayor or not, we must reject his ploy and reject Proposals 2-6.
Not all of this year’s ballot measures are bad. For example, Proposition 1, the Equal Rights Amendment, is a statewide measure that we will also vote on in November. But the measure went through a careful democratic process and would protect New Yorkers from discrimination. It has support from Make the Road NY and hundreds of other groups.
If we want protections against discrimination and an end to undemocratic power grabs, we must vote yes on Proposition 1 and no on Proposals 2-6.
New York residents can have the final say on what kind of city they want.
Oshiro isexecutive director of Make the Road Action.
