New York City’s City Council is the legislative arm of the city’s government, which plays an important role in shaping the city’s laws and budget. As such, the selection of the City Council Speaker is an important process. Last summer, Melissa Mark-Viverito stepped down as City Council speaker, leaving the search for the next leader wide open. In this article, we’ll discuss how New York City will find its next City Council Speaker.
The Role of the NYC City Council Speaker
The City Council Speaker is the leader of the New York City Council and the principal proponent of its legislation. As the second-most powerful post in the City of New York, the Speaker has significant power to shape the fate of the city’s residents. As Speaker, the Council Member is responsible for setting the agenda of the Council, appointing members of the Council committees, and using their influence to work with the mayor, the City Council, the state legislature and other parties to advance the Council’s goals.
Qualifications for a City Council Speaker
The City Council Speaker must have certain qualifications to serve in such an important role. The Speaker should have administrative experience, knowledge of the budget process, policy development experience and the ability to negotiate with various stakeholders. Additionally, the Speaker must also be a registered voter in the city, possess a good understanding of the City Council’s legislative procedures and have the confidence of other Council Members.
Selection Process
The selection process of a City Council Speaker is the result of careful deliberations and a majority vote. The Speaker is elected by a majority of the 51 City Council Members. If no candidate receives 51 votes in the first round, the Council Members can move to a second vote. There, the voting process continues until a successful nominee is identified.
Timeline
The timeline for selecting a City Council Speaker will vary depending on the competitiveness of the election and Council members’ availability for votes. Generally, the selection process takes place during the summer, fall and early winter.
Once the City Council has elected a new Speaker, the individual must be given thirty days to choose a panel of individuals who will review and evaluate the qualifications of the other members of the City Council and make recommendations on how they should be allocated to leadership and committee roles.
Potential Nominees
There are several potential nominees who could take on the role of City Council Speaker. Below are a few potential names.
• Corey Johnson – Johnson is the chairperson of the Health Committee, having first been elected to the position in 2017. He served as Speaker Pro Tempore in Melissa Mark-Viverito’s final term and was recognized for his hard work by Mayor Bill de Blasio.
• Robert E. Cornegy Jr. – Cornegy has been a member of the City Council since 2014, and he currently chairs the Civil Rights Committee. He is an outspoken advocate for police reform, affordable housing, and strong criminal justice reform.
• Mark Levine – Levine is in his third term in the City Council, having been re-elected in 2017. He is the chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Committee and the lead sponsor of several important pieces of legislation.
• Ritchie Torres – Torres has served in the City Council since 2014 and is the youngest individual to hold office in the City Council. He has been an opponent of the NYPD’s controversial “stop-and-frisk” policy, and has been a vocal proponent of affordable housing.
• Ben Kallos – Kallos is in his third term in the City Council and is the chairperson of the Land Use Committee, where he leads the charge on efforts to protect renters and preserve existing affordable housing.
• Jimmy Van Bramer – Van Bramer has served in the City Council since 2010 and is the chairperson of the Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Intergroup Relations Committee, where he has helped usher in important measures to protect the rights of immigrants and refugees.
Voting and Naming a Winner
Before a Speaker is finally chosen, council members must first consider the discussions and debates about who among the potential candidates is the best fit for the role. The following factors are usually used in assessing a candidate’s suitability for the role: leadership ability, energy level, commitment to the people of New York, understanding of how to work with the mayor and other major stakeholders, background, experience and qualifications.
Once all the necessary information is gathered and presented to the City Council, they will then proceed to vote. The nominee who receives the majority vote is then officially declared the City Council Speaker.
The selection of a new City Council Speaker is a critical process that has a significant impact on the future of New York City. Choosing the right Speaker is no small feat, and the City Council will have their work cut out for them. They will have to consider many factors before making their decision, such as the candidate’s qualifications, background and experience. Once the candidates have been selected, the Council must then select the one who receives the majority vote. Ultimately, the selection process will ensure that the residents of NYC have the best and brightest individuals representing them.
