GOOD GOVERNMENT REFORM
Restoring Trust, Accountability, and Democracy
As a lifelong public interest lawyer and tenant organizer, I’ve seen firsthand how concentrated power in City Hall breeds dysfunction, corruption, and policies that ignore the needs of working New Yorkers. Our city deserves a government that answers to the people—not just to one person in Gracie Mansion. It’s time to reimagine municipal democracy from the ground up, strengthen oversight, and empower our communities. That’s why I’m advancing a vigorous six-point good government reform platform that will decentralize mayoral authority, expand City Council’s oversight role, and give New Yorkers a stronger voice in their own government.
Empowering New Yorkers to Hold the Mayor Accountable
We need a mechanism for the people of New York City to hold our mayor accountable when they abuse power or abandon the public good. I support legislation that would give our city the legal authority to remove a sitting mayor through a democratic and transparent process. No one should be above the public trust—not even the mayor. This reform ensures that New Yorkers have a last-resort tool when leadership fails and prevents long-term damage from unchecked executive power.
2. Expand City Council Oversight of Mayoral Appointments
Too many critical decisions about public education, policing, housing, and health are made by appointees loyal only to the mayor. The City Council must have the power to confirm or reject more of these appointments—just as the U.S. Senate confirms federal officials. It’s a basic check-and-balance that every healthy democracy needs. This would bring sunshine into the selection process and prevent the stacking of agencies and commissions with political loyalists rather than public servants.
3. Require City Council Approval of Rent Guidelines Board Members
Tenants across our city are subject to decisions made by the Rent Guidelines Board, yet those decisions are often skewed by members appointed solely by the mayor. We must require City Council approval of all appointments to the Rent Guidelines Board to ensure a fair, transparent, and balanced process. When rents rise, families suffer. This change would give renters a real seat at the table and guard against backroom deals that benefit landlords over working people.
4. Move City Elections to Align with State Elections
Voter turnout in municipal elections is abysmally low—and that’s no accident. By moving city elections to the same year as state elections, we can increase participation, reduce voter fatigue, and save taxpayer money. This simple shift will amplify the voices of everyday New Yorkers, especially in low-income communities, and reduce the power of special interests who thrive in low-turnout elections.
5. Let the People Decide: Charter Reforms Shouldn’t Be Blocked by the Mayor
Our City Charter belongs to the people, not the mayor. When the public or City Council proposes a charter amendment, it should go before the voters—even if the mayor has their own competing proposal. We must eliminate the rule that allows the mayor’s version to knock others off the ballot. This is about democratic fairness. If multiple visions for reform exist, let the voters choose—not a single gatekeeper.
6. Real Oversight of Mayoral Agencies
From NYPD to the Department of Homeless Services, too many mayoral agencies operate behind closed doors, shielded from real accountability. I will push for new laws that expand the City Council’s investigatory powers, require public reporting on agency performance, and establish independent oversight where appropriate. New Yorkers deserve to know how their tax dollars are spent—and deserve recourse when city agencies fail them.
Democracy Doesn’t Work Without Accountability
New York City government is not working for the people because it’s not answerable to the people. These reforms are not radical. They’re common sense. By balancing power, strengthening oversight, and empowering the public, we can build a City Hall that reflects our values: equity, transparency, and justice. Together, we will create a government that serves—not rules—its people.