This week, former New York City Buildings Commissioner and ex-City Councilman Eric Ulrich surrendered to authorities in Manhattan. District Attorney Alvin Bragg says Ulrich took over $150,000 in bribes in a multi-year scheme, providing access and official favors in exchange for cash. A former advisor to Mayor Eric Adams, Ulrich pleaded not guilty to the 16 felony counts against him. NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza, Kelly Mena and NY1 political director Bob Hardt weighed in on the inspector’s alleged crimes as well as his — and his co-conspirators’ — relationship to the mayor.

After that, in an attempt to help pay for the ever-growing costs of the migrant crisis, Adams has directed all city agencies to make immediate budget cuts of 5%. The “Off Topic/On Politics” team discussed the mayor’s directive, including exactly how it will work within the agencies which already have tight budgets. They also looked at the awkward rollout of this information from City Hall. 

Leave a message: 212-379-3440

Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com

Further reading:

Ex-NYC buildings chief charged with accepting $150K in bribes

Mayor directs every city agency to cut funding

ABOUT THE SHOW

What happens when three New York reporters sit in a (small) room and talk politics? Join the NY1 political team each week for a conversation where no topic is off-limits and everything is on the record.​