Julie Menin has been elected as the new speaker of the City Council, receiving unanimous support from her 50 colleagues. In her initial address, she firmly opposed a controversial bill that seeks to grant retroactive pay raises to elected officials while advocating for the public release of city records pertaining to health impacts from the World Trade Center disaster following the September 11 attacks.
Challenges to Elected Officials’ Pay Raises
Menin’s stance against the proposed retroactive pay increase is significant. She emphasized that any pay adjustments should come after an evaluation by an independent panel of experts, a process established in 1987 with the formation of the Quadrennial Advisory Commission for the Review of Compensation Levels of Elected Officials. This commission has not been convened as required since 2015, largely due to the inaction of two mayors, Bill de Blasio and Eric Adams, who failed to initiate the review in 2020 and 2024.
The new speaker criticized the current proposal, which suggests a 16% pay raise retroactive to January 1, 2024, followed by a panel review later in the year. Menin argued that this approach is misaligned with established procedures. Instead, she called for a thorough review first, followed by any potential pay increases. She has already discussed this matter with Mayor Mamdani, indicating a commitment to restoring proper protocols.
Transparency on Health Impact Records
On the more pressing issue of city records related to the World Trade Center, Menin is advocating for their full disclosure. The City Council has previously voted to instruct the Department of Investigation Commissioner, Jocelyn Strauber, to compile a report on these documents. Menin believes that the raw files must be made public to ensure accountability, especially considering the long history of health issues resulting from exposure to WTC debris, which have tragically affected many, including Menin’s own mother.
Menin urged the Council to leverage its confirmation power over Steve Banks, the nominated corporation counsel, to secure his agreement on releasing these records. The Law Department, which Banks would oversee, has kept these files under wraps for nearly 25 years, despite the significant public health implications.
Additionally, Menin called for transparency regarding the use of mayoral zoning overrides (MZOs), which allow the government to bypass local zoning regulations. The Law Department has been reticent to disclose how and when MZOs are utilized, citing attorney-client privilege. Menin recommended that the mayor waive this privilege to allow for a comprehensive review and public input on future MZO proposals.
Menin’s leadership began with a timely and organized start to the Council meeting, a notable improvement that she is encouraged to maintain. Her election comes at a pivotal time when the Council has the opportunity to exercise its newfound powers effectively, following a landmark Supreme Court decision that granted it greater authority.
In her initial remarks, Menin also hinted at potential reforms to the outdoor dining regulations, which have faced criticism under the previous Council. She expressed a desire to collaborate with the mayor’s office to address the chaos surrounding delivery e-bikes, a pressing issue that requires urgent attention and a coherent strategy moving forward.
As Menin embarks on her tenure, her focus on transparency, accountability, and collaboration signals a promising direction for the City Council and its constituents. The challenges ahead will test her leadership, but her commitment to reform offers hope for all New Yorkers.
