New York Note – City Legislation, Former DOB Commissioner Indicted, Queens Special Election

September 19, 2023

NYC Council Passes and Introduces Legislation

Last Thursday, the NYC Council convened a Stated meeting, where they passed and introduced multiple pieces of legislation. The Council passed legislation requiring a comprehensive exit survey from resigning and retiring municipal employees, and requiring the Parks Department to provide swimming lessons and water safety instruction to NYC public school second grade students. The Council also introduced a bill requiring DCLA to post a report with information on the department’s spending to support art and cultural organizations. You can find all of the bills that were passed and introduced here.

Former DOB Commissioner Ulrich Indicted on Bribery Charges

Last Tuesday, Eric Ulrich, a former City Councilmember and Commissioner of the Department of Buildings, was indicted on 16 felony charges, including counts of conspiracy and bribe-taking. Manhattan District Attorney said in a statement that Ulrich engaged in conduct antithetical to his oath of office “on an almost daily basis,” using his city positions to receive over $150,000, Mets season tickets, a custom suit, and cash for gambling.

Assembly Special Election in Queens

Democrat Sam Berger has won a special election for a state Assembly seat in Queens. Berger beat Republican David Hirsch, in a seat recently vacated by Daniel Rosenthal, who will be working with the UJA-Federation. Public safety and migrant shelters were top issues in the campaign, and many viewed the race as a test for upcoming Council elections and Congressional 2024 elections. Berger won with large margins in areas carried by Lee Zeldin in last year’s gubernatorial election.

Glorious Grandparents in Government

Stuart Shorenstein has been honored by City & State NY as a Glorious Grandparent in Government. Shorenstein spoke about valuing travel with his grandchildren and supporting them in their extracurriculars.

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