REMARKS
Council's role and responsibility in the Corporation Counsel nomination process
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172 sec
Council Member Adams explains the City Council's role and responsibility in evaluating the nomination for Corporation Counsel, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability.
- The Council's duty is to critically examine appointees' character, qualifications, and record
- The process is designed to ensure the best person for the job is selected
- Transparency in the process strengthens accountability and trust in government
Adrienne E. Adams
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This issue was essential concern with past, corporation councils.
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We consider the context of this history and the weight of our responsibility to strengthen democratic governance as we approach this hearing.
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Our goal today is to evaluate the nominee's record and determine whether they meet the high standards and public trust required of this critical position.
0:05:18
The due diligence taken in this process is what New Yorkers deserve and should be required for a position of such great authority.
0:05:27
This is good for democracy and good governance.
0:05:31
It is the council's responsibility to uphold these standards and for the nominee to demonstrate they meet these requirements.
0:05:40
As a council, we take this responsibility very seriously because our job is to make city governments more responsive to the needs of all New Yorkers.
0:05:52
Leadership matters, especially when city leaders are responsible for providing services that New Yorkers rely upon for their safety and well-being.
0:06:02
These decisions are too important to take place behind closed doors outside of the public view.
0:06:11
Ultimately, a transparent process like the one we're undergoing today, so strengthens accountability and trust in our government.
0:06:21
As a counsel, it is our responsibility to be good stewards of this city.
0:06:26
It is our duty to critically examine appointees, their character, their qualifications, and their record so that we can ensure we have the best person for the job.
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It is also our responsibility to ensure sure nominees records are consistent with the values of our city.
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As the city's top attorney, the corporation council must have a strong record of championing what New Yorkers hold dear, including equity and justice.
0:06:59
It's critical that they be someone the public can trust to put the people first, which means that their record of fighting for the people, for standing up, for workers' rights, and pursuing racial equality and just this must be uncompromising.
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Their commitment to working for solutions New Yorkers desperately need like affordable housing, safeguards for f for climate change and disasters.
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And protections for workers should be crystal clear.
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There is too much on the line for New Yorkers in our collective future to accept anything less.