NY1: Five candidates seeking to become the next New York City Council speaker outlined their visions this week at a public forum attended by business and civic leaders.
Over the course of the hourlong event, the contenders fielded questions about working with the real estate and business communities, as well as how they would respond to potential federal funding cuts.
Two leading candidates spoke ahead of the forum to describe their message to the business sector.
“I think this council has seen, for the last four years, what an adversarial relationship looks like between both sides of City Hall. What I’m looking to do is offer a productive working relationship with the other side of City Hall, while also holding the mayor accountable,” said Council Member Crystal Hudson, a Democrat who represents Fort Greene.
The next speaker will be chosen by the 51-member City Council, with a vote expected later this year.
“We need a leader that is going to be one that can be a coalition builder, that brings people together in a moment where there’s so much division politically within government across different audiences,” said Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, a Democrat from Far Rockaway.
“This is kind of like the nerdy walkie part of me, but I love effective leadership because I love structure. I like scheduling. I love knowing you know what’s coming next, and that really is effective to how people also get to lead in their own respective,” said Council Member Amanda Farias, a Democrat from Castle Hill.
“Reform every single facet of the City Council. Reform legislative process, how to introduce bills. Which bills get a hearing, which bills get a vote, the budget costs, which many people in this room are always frustrated about, because it seems like at the end of the cycle, we’re fighting for the most important thing,” said Council Member Christopher Marte, a Democrat who represents Two Bridges.
Whoever is ultimately selected will become the second half of the governing partnership at City Hall.
