The CFB publishes the New York City Voter Guide in order to provide information to the public about local elections and candidates. This part describes the five local offices covered by this Guide.
Mayor
The Mayor is the chief executive officer of the City of New York,
responsible for the effectiveness and integrity of city government operations.
Some of the many duties of the Mayor include appointing and removing agency heads
and commissioners for mayoral agencies, appointing members to many public authorities,
commissions, and boards, and proposing a budget for New York City. In addition, the Mayor
has the power to veto the City Council’s legislation and land-use decisions. The Mayor
earns an annual salary of $195,000.
Public Advocate
As the City’s “ombudsman”, the job of the Public Advocate includes monitoring the operation
of the public information and service complaint programs of City agencies and receiving,
investigating, and trying to resolve complaints about many City services. In the case of a
vacancy in the Mayor’s office, or in the Mayor’s absence, the Public Advocate acts as the Mayor.
The Public Advocate is also responsible for presiding over City Council meetings and voting in
the case of a tie in the City Council. The Public Advocate earns an annual salary of $150,000.
Comptroller
The Comptroller is the City’s chief financial officer. The Comptroller’s responsibilities
include: keeping the Mayor and the City Council informed about the City’s financial condition;
making recommendations about the operations, fiscal policies, and financial transactions of the
City; auditing City agencies and investigating all matters concerning the City’s finances;
registering and auditing contracts; issuing and selling City bonds; managing the City-held
sinking funds and other trust and pension funds; and performing analyses to eliminate waste and
fraud in City operations. The Comptroller earns an annual salary of $160,000.
Borough President
The Borough Presidents are the chief executives of each borough. They have the power, for their
boroughs, to consult with the Mayor in the preparation of the annual executive budget; to make
recommendations on budget priorities, capital projects, and other matters; to review land-use
decisions and proposed sites for City facilities; to monitor the delivery of City services and
the performance of contracts; and to introduce legislation in the City Council. Borough Presidents
earn an annual salary of $135,000.
City Council Member
The City Council is the legislative, or law-making, branch of City government. The City Council
is responsible for passing local laws for New York City, making decisions about land use,
investigating and overseeing City agencies, and approving the City’s budget. Each Council member
represents one of the 51 New York City Council districts. Council members receive an annual base
salary of $90,000. Council leaders and chairs of committees receive additional pay. Council members
may hold other jobs in addition to their council seats.
|