With assistance from Shawn Ness
New from New York
Happening now:
- Mayor Eric Adams discussed the rationale behind ending the protests on college campuses.
- New York’s new secretary of state nominee requires approval from the state Senate.
- New York City’s budget is experiencing significant growth.
- Attorney General Tish James and her associates are suing the NCAA.
DEMS DEFEND CAMPUS CRACKDOWN: Mayor Eric Adams defended the NYPD’s actions in dispersing the protests on Manhattan college campuses, stating that it was necessary to protect “children” from “outside agitators.” He emphasized the global influence on young people by radical individuals and vowed to prevent such radicalization in New York City.
Adams refrained from providing details on the agitators’ identities, despite acknowledging that some of the protesters were not students. The NYPD’s evidence, including the use of thick bike locks by protesters, was met with mockery online.
The police response marked the largest mobilization by the NYPD in response to recent pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses. Adams highlighted that both Columbia University and City College requested the NYPD’s assistance in handling the protests.
173 individuals were arrested at City College, while 109 were arrested at Columbia on Tuesday night.
Prominent Democrats, such as Governor Kathy Hochul and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, supported the police’s actions.
While Hochul commended the NYPD’s response, New York Civil Liberties Union Executive Director Donna Lieberman criticized the police for their tactics, deeming them counterproductive and dangerous.
“While other campuses across the country have engaged demonstrators in productive dialogue, at Columbia and City College last night the NYPD responded instead with intimidation and violence.” — Jeff Coltin
SENDING OUT AN SOS: Former Assemblymember Walter Mosley has been nominated by Governor Hochul to serve as the next secretary of state in New York. Hochul praised Mosley’s leadership skills and experience, highlighting his public service in the New York State Assembly.
If confirmed by the state Senate, Mosley will succeed Robert Rodriguez in the role. Rodriguez was recently nominated to lead the state Dormitory Authority.
“I am deeply honored to be chosen by Governor Hochul to serve as Secretary of State,” Mosley expressed. “My career has been focused on finding ways to make government work for the people, and I am thrilled to take on this pivotal role in state government.” — Nick Reisman
BUDGET WATCHERS: The Citizens Budget Commission published a report highlighting the significant increase in New York City’s spending under the Adams administration.
The city’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year is projected to raise spending by over 6 percent compared to the current year. The report also noted that the city’s spending has surged by 26 percent since 2020, outpacing inflation by more than 43 percent.
Even excluding migrant spending, the report found that overall spending growth would still be up by 21 percent over the same period. — Shawn Ness
ELECTION TURNOUT TROUBLES: A recent report from the New York City Campaign Finance Board revealed that less than 13 percent of registered voters in New York City participated in the elections.
The report proposed two policies to boost turnout, including hosting local elections in even-numbered years and establishing a civic engagement fellowship program to enhance voter outreach.
While New York has a law to shift most local elections to even years, excluding New York City, legal challenges have delayed its implementation.
The aim is to increase voter participation, although Republicans argue that it could further disadvantage the GOP in a state dominated by Democrats.
“New York City’s democracy is only as strong as the share of the city that participates. Even with 82 percent of eligible New Yorkers registered to vote, we have a long way to go until voting and full civic participation are accessible to every single New Yorker,” stated Paul Ryan, the executive director of the board.
In the most recent elections, only a small percentage of voters took part, despite a high registration rate. — Shawn Ness
JAMES SUES NCAA: The New York State Attorney General’s Office is teaming up with a multistate coalition to sue the NCAA over policies that restrict student-athletes from benefiting from their “name, image, and likeness.” Attorney General Tish James criticized the policy for limiting student-athletes’ potential and hindering fair competition among universities.
“The NCAA’s NIL rule limits college athletes’ potential and restricts competition among universities — that’s not fair game. Student athletes should be able to call the shots on their career fairly and evenly.” — Katelyn Cordero
On the campaign trail
HOCHUL FUNDRAISING FOR LASHER: Governor Hochul is set to attend a fundraiser for Assembly candidate Micah Lasher on the Upper West Side. The event, hosted by former Bloomberg deputy mayor Dan Doctoroff, aims to support Lasher’s campaign.
Lasher, a former policy adviser to Hochul, is facing a competitive primary, with public defender Eli Northrup as a strong challenger. The 69th District seat, currently held by Assemblymember Danny O’Donnell, is up for grabs as O’Donnell plans to retire after two decades in office.
While Lasher has garnered endorsements from prominent figures, O’Donnell has yet to announce support for any candidate in the race. Lasher commented on the unrest at Columbia University, expressing hope for a resolution within the community.
Northrup criticized Lasher for his ties to big money and special interests, emphasizing the need for elected officials accountable to the community.
The fundraiser tickets range from $1,000 to $3,000, with Lasher expressing gratitude for the support from Hochul and Doctoroff.
“I couldn’t be more honored to have two of my former bosses, Dan Doctoroff and Governor Hochul, along with Alisa Doctoroff, teaming up to give our campaign a boost as we enter the home stretch,” Lasher stated.
Northrup condemned Lasher’s association with big money and special interests, advocating for elected officials aligned with the community’s needs. — Jason Beeferman
— Protesters gathered outside NYPD headquarters after they arrested nearly 300 protesters at Columbia University and CUNY College Tuesday evening. (State of Politics)
— The Department of Investigations probe of an Adams adviser is now expanding to include his role with NYPD personnel and promotional matters. (Daily News)
— Students at SUNY Stony Brook’s encampment were warned they might have to move to another location. (Newsday)
