Controversy Surrounds Mayor Mamdani’s PSA

Mayor Zoran Mamdani is already facing criticism just weeks into his term due to his presence on digital kiosks across the city. His notable TikTok-style mug has been featured on 2,220 kiosks, leading some to accuse him of self-promotion.

In a public service announcement that’s running continuously, Mamdani encourages parents to enroll their kids in preschool and 3K programs. This ad can be found in various locations, including pre-kindergarten classrooms.

“Last week, we announced over $100 million in funding aimed at making 3K universal. Today is an excellent time to sign up,” he states in the ad, directed at parents in New York City.

However, some critics argue that Mamdani is misusing public resources for his own gain, launching self-praising videos early in his administration.

“If Adams had done this, people would have criticized him for using this platform for shameless self-promotion,” commented Nicole Gelinas, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute, referencing Eric Adams, Mamdani’s predecessor.

Melissa De Rosa, a senior adviser to former Governor Andrew Cuomo, added, “There are state laws against this for a reason. Taxpayer money shouldn’t be used to benefit elected officials.”

A state law implemented in 2007 prohibits elected officials from featuring in government public service announcements.

The development of Mamdani’s PSA was initially reported by a news organization.

Last year, a similar situation occurred when an advertisement linked to City Hall appeared on a LinkNYC kiosk, highlighting statistics under Adams’ administration without his direct mention in the ads.

Mamdani’s office asserts that the mayor has adhered to all legal guidelines concerning public resource use in electoral contexts.

The mayor’s spokeswoman, Dora Pekek, argued that using Mamdani’s image for promoting Pre-K is allowable under public service law, as the ads were not commercially purchased. “LinkNYC must run public service announcements per its agreement, and no tax funds are spent on this advertising,” she explained.

New York City will benefit by receiving 25% of LinkNYC’s monthly viewing hours for free through their franchise agreement.

Pekek noted that past mayors have also had public service announcements featured on TaxiTV and LinkNYC.

A spokesperson for LinkNYC corroborated the “free advertising” provision available to the city and the history of past mayors appearing in public service announcements.