The Mayor’s Ballot Questions Are a Quiet Power Grab

The Mayor’s Ballot Questions Are a Quiet Power Grab


“In the midst of a five-count federal indictment, Mayor Adams is rushing to ask New Yorkers at the ballot for more power and less oversight.”

Adi Talwar

A voter in the Bronx filling out his ballot in 2023.

In the complex ecosystem of New York City’s governance, the balance of power between the mayor’s office, City Council, and various agencies isn’t just a bureaucratic detail—it’s a fundamental component of how democracy functions at the municipal level.

Before receiving a federal indictment, Mayor Eric Adams proposed a series of revisions to the City Charter that could significantly alter this balance. These changes warrant a thorough and deliberate public examination, yet the process unfolding is shrouded in secrecy and neglects the necessary public participation.

First, let’s consider the speed of these developments. The Charter Revision Commission was formed on May 21 of this year, and by July 25, it had published its final report. Two months to propose significant changes to the city’s constitution—a document that underpins the governance of over eight million people—is alarmingly swift.

This compressed timeline leaves New Yorkers with only a few months to learn about, understand, and debate proposals that could have long-lasting impacts on the city’s democratic structures. Rushing such fundamental changes—especially as federal investigations into Mayor Adams’ administration escalate—undermines the very democratic principles the Charter is supposed to uphold. 





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