Gotbaum Bill Would Protect New York City's Watchdog Agencies

MANHATTAN—In an effort to strengthen and protect the independent watchdog agencies in New Yor government, Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum introduced legislation that would establish fixed-minimum budgets for the Office of the Public Advocate (OPA), the Conflicts of Interest Board (COIB), and the Civilian Complaints Review Board (CCRB).

Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum said, “When my budget was cut 40% this year – over six times the cut sustained by any other elected official – it confirmed my belief that the city’s budgeting process is deeply flawed. With great power to set my budget, the Mayor and Speaker were able to strike back at an office that was critical of their actions.

“If it can happen to the public advocate, it can happen to any other independent oversight agency. The bill I’m proposing will shield these agencies from political retribution or self-interest; and it will provide security for our most essential checks on city government. “

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