Date: 2/13/2025
To: NYC Commissioners and Agency Heads
From: New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams
Subject: Serving the City in the Mayor's Absence
When the mayor’s office is vacant, it is my responsibility as Public Advocate to temporarily step in. The charter is less clear when a mayor has seemed to abandoned much of his duty, but not his position – so it’s up to each of you, to all of us, to steward the city in that absence.
Given the directive for the mayor’s case being dropped without prejudice, he is entirely beholden to the favor of the president and his agenda. But the city simply cannot be.
It is even more important now that we don’t stand down, but stand up, stand behind the New Yorkers we serve. These are tough times, and I know you are in very difficult positions. Yet the past consequences of the mayor's dereliction of duty should help us see the need to carry on the good work of governing for the people, not the person. I and many others are there to support you in service on behalf of the public.
I know that there are many initiatives and ideologies at play in agencies across the city that we may disagree on – we did last week, and we will tomorrow. But right now, it is incumbent on all of us to show that even with a mayor unable to impartially lead in this moment, city services will continue and we will keep working to meet the needs of all New Yorkers – including our newest residents and those who have long been struggling.
In service,
Jumaane D. Williams
Public Advocate for the City of New York
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