Following the announcement launching a new effort in support of state law S9935/A5661, which would repeal provisions in state law that allow a mayor to misuse Charter Revision Commissions, including to block ballot proposals initiated by New Yorkers or the City Council, Speaker Adrienne Adams released the following statement.

“Charter Revision Commissions should undertake a serious, thoughtful, and inclusive process to develop proposals that improve our government, not be political weapons to undermine democracy. This state legislation is critical to protecting the rights of voters and their elected representatives to offer ballot proposals without interference by a mayor, and it can ensure basic standards for Charter Revision Commissions. By instituting these safeguards, we can protect our local democracy and the integrity of these processes from their misuse that brought us the rushed Proposals 2 – 6 from Mayor Adams’ Charter Revision Commission that could weaken checks and balances. A mayor should no longer have the power to push aside the democratic rights of voters or their representatives.”

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