REMARKS
Council Member Lincoln Restler introduces hearing on charter revision commission
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3 min
Council Member Lincoln Restler, chair of the committee on governmental operations, introduces a hearing on Introduction 1088, which would create a charter revision commission. He explains the importance of the city charter, the history of charter revisions, and the current need for reform given recent scandals in city government.
- Restler praises Speaker Adams for initiating this effort to improve government accountability and transparency.
- He outlines the proposed composition of the commission, which would include appointees from various city officials.
- Restler emphasizes the potential for this commission to recalibrate the balance of power and restore faith in city government.
Lincoln Restler
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Good afternoon.
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My name is Captain member Lincoln wrestler, and I have the privilege of being the chair of the committee on governmental operations, state and federal legislations.
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It is an honor to be joined by our speaker.
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Today, we'll be hearing a bill that she has introduced, introduction 1088, which would create a charter revision commission empowered to revise the city charter.
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The New York City charter is the framework for how our city is governed.
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It defines how our city how our city government operates and the balance of power between our elected officials.
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The charter review commission is an opportunity to conduct a thorough comprehensive review of the structure of our government and for everyday New Yorkers to have a say in how our city is governed.
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Since the adoption of the city's first charter way back in 18 97, the charter has been revised countless times.
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Charter revisions have been particularly important in moments of crisis.
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Our last major charter review was in 1989, following one of the worst corruption scandals in our city's history during the Koch administration.
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The 89 commission implemented sweeping reforms to restructure how city government works eliminating the board of estimate and creating a strong melody.
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These reforms were essential to preventing corruption and ensuring integrity and accountability in our city government.
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35 years later, Our city is once again in a moment of crisis.
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We're facing a series of deeply troubling allegations with the mayor under indictment and the first deputy mayor, the school's chancellor, the police commissioner, and the deputy mayor for public safety, all forced to resign amid ongoing investigations.
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It is clear that the mayor's ability to serve our city is compromised, and the exodus of senior officials is unprecedented.
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This scandal ridden administration and their ability to function begs the question of whether we currently have the right balance of power in city government.
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And I am grateful.
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I'm deeply grateful that Speaker Adams is spearheading the effort to bring experienced New Yorkers together to think about how we can improve the operations and efficacy of city government and restore confidence in the public sector.
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Our speaker is a wise leader.
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She's prepared to make what I would say is the unusual choice to spend her political capital on achieving long term goals that will benefit future generations of New Yorkers.
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Her commitment to strengthening checks and balances and enhancing accountability in our city government will over time provide more New Yorkers the help they deserve and better and ensure that our government operates honestly.
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I also admire and share her deep pride in the institution of the city council.
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This charter revision commission created by the speaker's legislation will consist of members appointed by the speaker, the mayor, the controller, the public advocate, and each bureau president.
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All the elect all the key elected officials in our government.
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They will come together with ample time, opportunity, and commitment to solicit meaningful input from New Yorkers across the city.
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When we improve the structure of city government, we can deliver better outcomes for New Yorkers.
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This moment in our city's history requires us to advance transparency, accountability, and integrity.
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Just as the 89 charter division commission created the structure and framework for our city government to thrive over the ensuing decades, I am hopeful that this new undertaking by Speaker Adams will recalibrate the balance of power, ensure real accountability of elected officials, and restore faith in our government.
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This is the right deliberate path forward.
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I'm eager to hear from members of the public who have joined us today to share their expertise on how we can conduct a thoughtful review of our charter.
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I want to thank our committee counsel, Jays Reganopathy and Erica Cohen.
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For their hard work in putting the hearing together today.
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I'd also like to thank my communications director, NiMooney, and my chief of staff, Molly Haley, who is extraordinary.
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I'd like to recognize council member Lynn Schulman and council member Vicky Paladino.
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Queens is in the house.
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And now, I would like to turn it over to our fine speaker, Adrienne Adams.
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Thank you.
