With a tiny budget reallocation we could hire the absolute best and brightest New Yorkers to write our city's laws. This would strengthen democracy and lead to better policy decisions.
Good post! Just sent this email to Lincoln Restler's office:
District 33 Office,
Hi! I'm Zachary, a Williamsburg resident in District 33. I want to voice support and recommend Mayor Adams should follow the law and appoint a commission to review elected officials’ salaries and propose appropriate inflation adjustments. City law [1] requires that every four years the mayor appoint a compensation review commission.
Although it may seem counterintuitive, having pay at the very least match inflation helps make sure our very best are represented in local government and races are more competitive. Let's apply some pressure here!
Thanks for letting your council member know about this important issue. At a minimum, I hope we'll be able to make sure the Mayor appoints the commission in January 2024 (which is the next time it is required by law).
Interesting idea! You are right that “compensation” can come in many forms, and that housing stipends might be more politically acceptable than cash.
The mayor, for instance, gets to live rent-free at Gracie Mansion (which also serves as a space for hosting events and somewhat eases the task for the NYPD of providing security for the mayor).
Good post! Just sent this email to Lincoln Restler's office:
District 33 Office,
Hi! I'm Zachary, a Williamsburg resident in District 33. I want to voice support and recommend Mayor Adams should follow the law and appoint a commission to review elected officials’ salaries and propose appropriate inflation adjustments. City law [1] requires that every four years the mayor appoint a compensation review commission.
Although it may seem counterintuitive, having pay at the very least match inflation helps make sure our very best are represented in local government and races are more competitive. Let's apply some pressure here!
[1] https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/newyorkcity/latest/NYCadmin/0-0-0-222983
Cheers,
ZT
Thanks for letting your council member know about this important issue. At a minimum, I hope we'll be able to make sure the Mayor appoints the commission in January 2024 (which is the next time it is required by law).
Bill deBlasio was mayor in 2020, not Bloomberg. Otherwise, an insightful and well-argued article.
Whoops! You are 100% correct. I just got my Bill and Bloomberg muddled together. Now fixed in the post. Thanks for reading!
Interesting idea! You are right that “compensation” can come in many forms, and that housing stipends might be more politically acceptable than cash.
The mayor, for instance, gets to live rent-free at Gracie Mansion (which also serves as a space for hosting events and somewhat eases the task for the NYPD of providing security for the mayor).