Plugged In @ Hinman Straub
September 27, 2024
What’s Inside
- NYC Mayor Indicted
- NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG) Appointments & Nomination
- NYS Democratic Committee Chair Re-Elected
- Governor Secures Major Disaster Declaration from President
- In the News
- Coming Up
NYC Mayor Indicted
On Wednesday night New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted following a federal corruption investigation. The indictment was unsealed on Thursday morning, revealing that Mayor Adams is being charged with alleged bribery conspiracy, fraud and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations. The indictment can be found here. Mayor Adams immediately issued a video statement, claiming that he is innocent of all the claims made against him, which can be watched here.
Before the Mayor’s indictment, his administration experienced several resignations including Edward A. Caban, the police commissioner, Lisa Zornberg, the mayor’s counsel and chief legal adviser, and Dr. Ashwin Vasan, the health commissioner, David C. Banks, the schools’ chancellor.
On Thursday, a press conference was held with Damian Williams, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, James E. Dennehy, FBI New York Assistant in Charge, and Jocelyn E. Strauber, DOI Commissioner. During the press conference, the details of the indictment were discussed. Watch the full press conference here.
Calls for Mayor Adams to resign have started, notably from the New York Times Editorial Board, which can be read here.
Following her review of the indictment released by the United States Department of Justice, Governor Kathy Hochul issued the following statement:
I have carefully reviewed the indictment released by the United States Department of Justice. This indictment is the latest in a disturbing pattern of events that has, understandably, contributed to a sense of unease among many New Yorkers.
Our judicial system is based on the foundational principle that all of us are presumed innocent until proven otherwise. Yet those of us who have chosen a career in elected office know that we’re held to a higher standard. Given the responsibilities we hold as public servants, that’s entirely appropriate.
New Yorkers deserve to know that their municipal government is working effectively, ethically and in the best interests of the people – driving down crime, educating our kids and ensuring basic city services continue unabated. It’s now up to Mayor Adams to show the City that he is able to lead in that manner.
My focus is on protecting the people of New York and ensuring stability in the City. While I review my options and obligations as the Governor of New York, I expect the Mayor to take the next few days to review the situation and find an appropriate path forward to ensure the people of New York City are being well-served by their leaders. We must give New Yorkers confidence that there is steady, responsible leadership at every level of government.
NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG) Appointments & Nomination
The New York State Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG) appointed Appellate Division Justice Leonard B. Austin as Chair of the Commission, as well as Ava Ayers as the Commission’s new Vice Chair.
Commissioner Frederick A. Davie, who served as Chair/Interim Chair for two years, is leaving the Commission to focus on other endeavors and stepped down as Chair at September’s Commission meeting. In addition, Governor Kathy Hochul appointed James Caras to the Commission following the approval of his nomination by the Independent Review Committee of law deans (IRC), which also approved the renomination of incumbent Commissioner Michael A. Cardozo to a full four-year term.
More information can be found here.
Additionally, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie announced this week that he intends to renominate Dolly Caraballo to the Commission as well. Caraballo has served as a commissioner since 2022. She is a managing member of the law firm Caraballo & Mandell, LLC. She is a civil litigator who has tried cases in many forums including U.S. District Courts, New York State Supreme and Surrogate Courts, and New York City Civil Courts.
NYS Democratic Party Chair Re-Elected
This week, the New York State Democratic Party re-elected Chairman Jay S. Jacobs to a sixth term by the newly-elected State Committee Members, Executive Committee Members and Officers. Jacobs served as Party Chair from 2009 to 2012 and returned in 2019.
The executive leadership includes the following:
- Chairman Jay S. Jacobs
- Executive Committee Chair Christine Quinn
- First Vice Chair Pamela Hunter
- Secretary Latrice Walker
- Assistant Secretary Jason Clark
- Treasurer Kenneth Jenkins
- Assistant Treasurer Lynne Boecher
- Sergeant-at-Arms Michael Reich
- Policy Co-Chairs Michaelle Solages and Shawn Hogan
- Labor Representative Stuart Appelbaum
Chairman Jacobs said:
Governor Hochul said:
Governor Secures Major Disaster Declaration from President
Governor Hochul has announced that President Biden has approved her request for a Major Disaster Declaration to provide federal assistance to communities impacted by Tropical Storm Debby on August 8-10. This declaration allows for federal financial assistance to support public infrastructure reconstruction efforts in Allegany, Broome, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Ontario, Steuben, St. Lawrence and Yates counties.
As part of the declaration, New York was also granted access to FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs. Following a Presidential disaster declaration, FEMA provides funding for states to administer grant programs supporting local hazard mitigation planning and long-term hazard mitigation measures to reduce the loss of life and to improve property damaged by natural disasters. Local governments and certain non-profits that perform government-like functions are eligible to apply for these grants. All counties in the State will have the ability to apply for this funding. More information will become available in the coming months.
More information can be found in the Governor’s press release here.
In The News
City & State NY’s weekly Winners and Losers of this week here.
How Hochul and N.Y. politics could be rocked by Eric Adams’ ouster.
Hochul examining dormant power to remove a New York City Mayor.
Public Advocate discusses succession plans amid Adams’ indictment.
Calls grow for N.Y. to bid Medicaid program contract with care.
Nurse practitioners working for New York allege gender discrimination.
State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal defends ‘Equal Rights Amendment’ from right-wing attacks.
New York lawmakers vow to revisit Child Victims Act despite insurer noncompliance.
Report: Electric school buses could cost more than $8 billion.
Fahy fires back at attack ad over bail reform in 46th.
The battle for New York’s Legislature falls out of the spotlight.
State Assemblymember Edward A. Flood, who is seeking 2nd term, disbarred for misconduct, appellate judge rules.
Eric Adams has been indicted. Who is calling on him to resign?
With Eric Adams indicted, what happens next?
Andrew Cuomo: The wild card in the 2025 mayoral race. Will he run? Can he win?
Voters in NY House swing districts sour on Governor Hochul: new polls.
Republicans pick up unlikely allies in key House races: unions.
Amid recruitment challenges, New York bill would adjust upper age limit for police.
Ex Governor Cuomo ‘inappropriately influenced’ witness in text message as House probed COVID deaths: memo.
Western Regional Off-Track Betting board approves Byron Brown’s contract.
Adams’ top campaign fundraiser Brianna Suggs, close aide Winnie Greco expected to be named in bombshell indictment.
As Adams faces calls to resign, Jumaane Williams may play a pivotal role.
‘Keep your distance’ from scandal-ridden Mayor Adams, experts advise Hochul.
Coming Up
The New York State Board of Regents will hold its next meeting on October 7 and 8.
The NYS Assembly will hold a public hearing to examine the impact and effectiveness of economic development programs funded in the enacted 2024-25 State Budget on October 8.
The NYS Assembly will hold a public hearing to examine the administration of the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment on October 9