**NYC Bill to Eliminate Mayor Adams’ Controversial Form for Elected Officials**
New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ controversial policy requiring other elected officials to fill out a multipage online form to interact with members of his administration and request certain resources from city agencies could soon be a thing of the past. City Councilmember Lincoln Restler, representing parts of North Brooklyn and chairing the City Council’s government operations committee, introduced legislation on Friday that aims to block the mayor’s protocol altogether if passed.
Restler’s bill seeks to put an immediate stop to what he perceives as Mayor Adams’ attempt to politicize the process of city agencies working with elected officials. According to Restler, the city charter mandates that agencies collaborate with all elected officials without any intermediary interference. The introduction of the online form by Mayor Adams has raised concerns among council members, who argue that it disrupts the normal functioning of city agencies and creates unnecessary hurdles for elected officials in their interactions with the administration.
**Council Pushback and Public Outcry**
The standoff between Mayor Adams and local lawmakers, particularly members of the City Council, began earlier this year when the controversial form was first implemented in April. Over 60 elected officials signed a letter calling for the policy to be abandoned, citing concerns over transparency and efficiency in government operations. Tensions escalated further when some council members engaged in heated exchanges with one of the mayor’s senior advisers during a Council hearing at City Hall.
Several elected officials have openly expressed their refusal to comply with the form, opting to communicate with city agencies and their leaders through traditional channels. However, a Gothamist analysis revealed that administration staff had started filling out the form on behalf of elected officials who declined to do so themselves, raising questions about the true impact of the policy on the day-to-day operations of city government.
**Legislative Solution Proposed by Restler**
Councilmember Restler’s proposed legislation seeks to amend the city charter to clarify that forms and paperwork are not prerequisites for agency heads and elected officials to engage in discussions or seek assistance. The bill aims to streamline the communication process between elected officials and city agencies, removing any unnecessary barriers that may hinder effective governance. Restler emphasizes that advice and support from agencies should be readily available without the need for prior approval from any other elected official, specifically the mayor.
Restler’s stance is supported by Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, who has also criticized the use of the form since its inception. Both council members have had requests submitted in their names without their knowledge or consent, further highlighting the contentious nature of the mayor’s policy. The proposed legislation represents a significant step towards restoring a more collaborative and transparent relationship between elected officials and city agencies.
**Response from Mayor Adams’ Office**
In response to the criticism surrounding the online form, a spokesperson for Mayor Adams defended its use, stating that it has been a longstanding practice dating back to his tenure as borough president. The spokesperson emphasized the efficiency of the form in managing inquiries, events, and meetings within the administration, ultimately serving the best interests of New Yorkers. Despite the pushback from some council members, the mayor’s office remains grateful to those who have embraced the form as a means of facilitating communication and coordination across different levels of government.
As the debate over Mayor Adams’ policy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the proposed legislation by Councilmember Restler will be received by the City Council and ultimately, the mayor himself. The outcome of this legislative battle will not only impact the dynamics of governance in New York City but also set a precedent for how elected officials interact with city agencies in the future. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as it unfolds in the coming weeks.