New Yorkers Pass Measure Granting Mayor Adams More Control Over Cleaning Public Spaces

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): Beginning next year, sanitation workers will have more power to clean public spaces, according to election results published by the Associated Press. The proposal was one of five ballot questions put before city voters by Mayor Eric Adams’ Charter Revision Commission. Three other proposals, including one that affects how public safety legislation is passed, are currently leading in vote totals.

As of Wednesday morning, election totals show that city voters passed a ballot proposal that gives the mayor the power to order the sanitation department to clean all city-owned properties as well as the ability to require that all trash be put in containers, a key priority for Adams. Immigration advocates warned such a charter amendment could lead to crackdowns on street vendors.

Another contested measure requires the Council to give the public more time before passing public safety bills. Under the proposed charter change, the Council must give the mayor and agencies 30 days notice before voting before passing legislation affecting “public safety operations.” The ballot measure grew out of a protracted fight between the mayor and Council over police transparency legislation, and was called later in the morning Wednesday, along with a measure to provide more detail in capital planning projects.

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantagemag.com