Scott Stringer unveils an ethics plan to challenge Mayor Eric Adams amid ongoing scandals, aiming to win over frustrated voters.
New York: So, Scott Stringer is stepping up his game against Mayor Eric Adams. He’s rolling out an ethics plan, and it’s pretty clear he’s trying to grab the attention of voters who are fed up with the scandals surrounding Adams.
Stringer, who used to be the City Comptroller, is proposing some big changes. He wants to ban political donations from anyone doing business with the city and set a one-year waiting period for lobbyists before they can take city jobs. He’s really pushing the idea that corruption is a betrayal of the people.
He’s launching his campaign with a media blitz and a fundraiser in his home area of the Upper West Side. His plan includes taking back neglected housing from landlords and hiring 3,000 more police officers. It’s interesting because he used to call for cuts to police budgets just a few years ago.
Stringer has been in politics longer than anyone else running for mayor right now. He’s got a solid ethics plan that he hopes will boost his campaign’s message of “Vision. Experience. Competence.” He’s also looking to impose strict penalties on anyone who breaks the rules regarding campaign contributions.
Currently, there are limits on how much lobbyists and contractors can donate to mayoral campaigns, but Stringer wants to tighten those rules even more. He’s also advocating for more transparency in city budgets and a quicker procurement process so that everyone can see what’s going on.
Interestingly, he’s unveiling these proposals just as Adams is set to release the city’s preliminary budget. It’s a strategic move, for sure. Stringer is also taking aim at City Comptroller Brad Lander, saying there hasn’t been enough accountability in Adams’ administration.
Stringer’s ethics plan includes a two-year lobbying ban for city employees, which is a bit controversial. Some experts think it could limit the ability of advocates to serve in government roles. Stringer insists he won’t hire any lobbyists if he becomes mayor, but he’s accepted donations from lobbyists during his campaign.
Since leaving office in 2021, Stringer has been consulting for various clients, but he hasn’t shared who they are yet. His reform platform is likely to resonate with college-educated, left-leaning voters in Manhattan, especially given the current issues surrounding Adams.
Adams is facing serious legal troubles, having been indicted on bribery and campaign finance charges. Stringer’s last campaign hit a snag due to allegations of his own, but he’s confident this time around. He believes he’s got what it takes to win in 2025.
