Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.

TESTIMONY

Testimony by Ben Weinberg from Citizens Union on even-year elections and a mayoral removal process

2:03:44

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3 min

Ben Weinberg from Citizens Union reiterates support for moving city elections to even-numbered years, presenting polling data showing strong, cross-partisan voter approval locally and nationally, and highlighting the success of similar ballot measures in other cities.

He then details Citizens Union's new proposal for a mayoral removal process triggered only by severe misconduct, involving high supermajority council votes (70% to initiate, 80% to recommend after a hearing) followed by a final decision by voters in a special removal election, aiming for accountability while preventing partisan abuse and prolonged disruption.

  • Even-year elections poll strongly with NYC, NYS, and US voters across party lines.
  • Similar ballot measures passed 36 out of 37 times in other US cities recently.
  • Proposes a hybrid mayoral removal process: Council investigates/recommends (with high thresholds), voters decide.
  • Process triggered only by misconduct, includes due process hearing, capped at 67 days.
  • Also advocates reforming the governor's currently broad power to remove mayors.