In an unprompted moment on Thursday, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams blasted Mayor Eric Adams' recent maneuvers to block council legislation. 

What You Need To Know

  • Council Speaker Adrienne Adams in an unprompted moment on Thursday blasted Mayor Eric Adams' recent efforts to block council legislation

  • In the last six months, the mayor has stopped legislation from taking effect related to banning solitary confinement and the rental assistance voucher program known as CityFHEPS. The mayor's Charter Revision Commission was also able to block the City Council's effort to have more oversight over mayoral appointments

  • Later this month, the City Council will hold a confirmation hearing on corporation counsel nominee Randy Mastro

“Over the past few months, we’ve seen attacks against the rule of law with unprecedented disregard for laws passed by the independent legislative branch," the council speaker said.

In the last six months, the mayor has successfully blocked legislation related to the city’s rental assistance voucher program known as CityFHEPS, a law banning solitary confinement in city jails and legislation that would have increased council oversight over mayoral appointments. 

“This isn’t about a disagreement between this mayor and council, it's no longer about advice and consent. This is about our local democracy and whether we have a government that is accountable to the people of our city. This is tantamount to mayoral control,” the council speaker said on Thursday.  

The mayor's maneuvers have led to some local officials accusing him of being a “king,” including the council speaker. 

“This disregard for Democratic values and processes cannot be normalized," she said. 

The battles between both sides of City Hall have led to at least one court case. 

Last month, the mayor won a small victory in the case over CityFHEPS with a judge ruling in his favor of not implementing changes to the program. 

Meanwhile, the council speaker said on Thursday the City Council is still weighing its legal options when it comes to forcing the city to ban solitary confinement. 

“The fact is, we shouldn't be in this position in the first place to deal with this. Where the executive branch is abusing its authority to defend solitary confinement, which makes everybody less safe," she said. 

Separately, later this month, the City Council will finally have a chance to fight back against the mayor's authority. 

The City Council is set to hold a public hearing on the mayor's pick for corporation counsel, Randy Mastro, later this month. 

“The hearing will be our determining factor. Once the members have a chance to present their questions to Mr. Mastro, I think that is going to be an even greater help," the council speaker said.

However, some members of the City Council have already decided to reject Mastro’s nomination, but not the council speaker. 

The council speaker said she had a private meeting with the nominee but didn’t provide details on what was discussed. 

“Just hoping to hear more about his record, more about how collaborative energy can be used for both sides of City Hall," she said about the upcoming confirmation hearing.