Chairperson Adrienne Adams of the NYC Council, along with her colleagues, is reportedly squandering millions of taxpayer dollars on a politically charged committee that seems more focused on undercutting the mayor’s authority than on tangible governance reforms.
The so-called “NYC Committee to Strengthen Local Democracy” is currently seeking public opinions on how to overhaul governmental operations. One notable aim is to reduce the mayor’s veto power while enhancing the legislature’s role through the appointment of an esteemed institution, though many view these goals as largely outdated.
This initiative stands in stark contrast to the efforts of Mayor Eric Adams, who formed his own Charter Amendment Committee in December to explore solutions for the city’s housing crisis and other pressing issues, albeit this committee is perceived as her political rival.
According to the City Election Rules, if both committees propose changes, only those from the mayoral committee will feature on the November ballot.
The speaker’s committee can postpone asking voters about any amendments for a year, but this could merely give the mayor another opportunity to thwart these changes.
Nonetheless, the council proceeded to establish a 17-member committee in January.
The council has begun efforts to recruit 16 professionals, including lawyers and public relations experts, posting a legal notice for these roles.
The anticipated salary range for these positions is between $1,972,400 and $2,187,330. $250,000 has been designated for this venture, including funding for the speaker and her committee; details will be publicly available.
Daniel Castaldi Micca has been named as the executive director of the committee, following his previous role as deputy chief of staff in the council. While the salary range for this position hasn’t been disclosed, it’s suggested that it exceeds the $186,000 he earned annually in his previous role.
“This is just a waste of funds,” remarked a democratic councillor who typically supports the speaker. “We’re in the midst of budget deliberations. Why squander everyone’s time when it’s clear this charter committee will go nowhere?”
A source within City Hall expressed skepticism, characterizing the committee as an extravagant vanity project for Adrienne Adams, filled with excessive salaries.
Most of the roles filled are going to democratic operatives, with several positions still unfilled.
Among those recruited is Casie Addison, who resigned as Chief of Staff for Councillor Crystal Hudson (D-Brooklyn) to join the committee as a deputy director and senior advisor. Others include James Dezel, previously a spokesperson for state legislator Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Bronx), now the communications director for the commission.
Addison’s new role reportedly offers a salary between $175,000 and $200,000, while the communications director position pays between $145,600 and $155,600.
Unlike Adams, who has established two charter revision committees without hiring outside help, relying instead on city hall staff, this new committee is diverse in its political connections, including co-chairs Henry Galid and Alba Rice.
Galid leads District Council 37, the largest local government union that backs Mayor Adams, while Rice is a former head of the Private Complaint Review Board, who left her post after a notable clash with the mayor.
Despite concerns over the committee’s financial indulgence, council communications director Julia Agos defended the committee’s existence, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a bipartisan rapport with the Republican Party.
“If our city’s integrity is being attacked, we don’t require a Charter Amendment Committee that just focuses on strengthening local democracy,” she stated.
