Says Governor Is Giving Socialist Mayor ‘Sweeping Power’
By Hank Russell
Republican gubernatorial candidate and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman today blasted Governor Kathy Hochul for vetoing legislation designed to restore checks and balances on New York City’s mayoral authority, warning that her decision “puts public safety at risk by giving sweeping power to the incoming socialist, anti-police mayor.”
Hochul vetoed a bill sponsored by Assemblymember Tony Simone (D-Chelsea) and state Senator Liz Kreuger (D,WF-Midtown Manhattan) that would repeal parts of the Municipal Home Rule Law, according to both bills, and “[provide] limitations including prohibition on submission by local law, ordinance, resolution or petition of a question to the qualified electors of a city when any question is submitted by a charter commission.”
“I support the goal of enhancing democratic decision-making by local governments and value thoughtful efforts at municipal charter and governance reform, which are essential to achieving that goal,” Hochul wrote in her veto message to the Assembly. “This bill – seemingly prompted by concerns regarding New York City’s charter revision process-could reshape the relationship between the branches of government in cities throughout the state. Moreover, it does so without considering how that balance differs among the 62 cities in the state, as well as their individual needs, which can differ significantly. Furthermore, the bill could undermine [the] efficacy of the existing charter revision processes.”
Blakeman said that, by vetoing this legislation, Hochul preserved a loophole that allows New York City’s mayor to override the City Council and citizen-backed proposals — expanding executive power just weeks before Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, a self-described socialist, takes office.
Although there were some issues that she disagreed with Mamdani on, she nevertheless endorsed Mamdani for mayor, bypassing her predecessor, Andrew Cuomo. She has differed with Mamdani on raising taxes to fund some of his pet projects, such as universal child care and free bus rides, in the past, but she has since warmed up to the idea.
Mamdani, who has been a longstanding critic of the New York Police Department — even repeating calls to “defund the police” — has since apologized for his anti-police comments and announced that he will keep Jessica Tisch on as police commissioner. However, that news has been overshadowed by the fact that he has been adding militant anti-cop activists to his staff.
“Let me be clear: Kathy Hochul just cleared the path for a mayor who wants to push dangerous policies that threaten New Yorkers’ safety,” Blakeman said. “At a time when our streets and schools need protection, she handed more power to Zohran Mamdani, someone who has openly supported defunding the police and weakening law enforcement.”
The vetoed legislation would have stopped mayors from using charter revision commissions to block reforms they oppose, a tactic widely criticized as undemocratic by lawmakers across the political spectrum, according to the GOP candidate. After Mamdani’s win, Blakeman announced he would have cameras and security technology installed on the Nassau-Queens border — including license plate readers and facial recognition — and add 100 police officers.
Blakeman warned the veto could accelerate far-left policies that endanger public safety and put taxpayers on the hook.
“This veto allows a socialist mayor to push policies that will jeopardize neighborhood safety, defund law enforcement, and put New Yorkers at risk — all while shutting out citizens and local lawmakers from having any input,” he said. “We simply cannot afford to have a socialist mayor wielding unchecked power.”
Long Island Life & Politics reached out to the governor’s office. They said they were “[n]ot going to provide additional comment,” instead referring this reporter to the governor’s veto statement. LILP also reached out to the Nassau County Democratic Committee, but did not hear back as of press time.
We don’t need a governor who enables an anti-police agenda,” Blakeman said. “We need decisive leadership that stops it. That’s exactly why I am running for Governor of New York.”