City Comptroller Brad Lander, who is running for mayor, distributed an office survey to New Yorkers to gather feedback on his performance as the city’s chief auditor and watchdog. The survey included information about the New York City public pension systems achieving a 10% return, which would benefit retirees and save taxpayers money. However, the gains fell short of expectations, raising concerns about the use of public resources to promote Lander’s mayoral bid.
Political consultants like Jon Reinish and Hank Sheinkopf criticized Lander for using the survey as a political gesture rather than a government initiative. Sheinkopf accused Lander of using public resources for his campaign, prompting calls for an ethics probe. The survey included questions about recent audits conducted by Lander’s office, such as the oversight of DocGo and the use of ShotSpotter technology. Residents were asked about their familiarity with these audits and their opinions on related topics.
Reinish noted that Lander is attempting to reposition himself politically, as many New Yorkers associate him with the Democratic Socialists of America and progressive left politics rather than his role as comptroller. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, considered a more moderate Democrat, is Lander’s competition. Reinish suggested that Lander is trying to shift the conversation away from his association with radical groups towards his record as comptroller, emphasizing fiscal stewardship and oversight in his campaign.
A representative for Lander dismissed the criticism as a cheap shot, highlighting the focus on pension fund returns and audits in the survey. The representative, Chloe Chik, compared the criticism to potential weekly emails from City Hall touting the mayor’s accomplishments or biased news articles. The survey aims to inform New Yorkers about Lander’s work in managing the city’s finances and ensuring accountability in government operations. The controversy surrounding the survey reflects broader debates about using public resources for political gain.
Overall, the distribution of the office survey by Brad Lander, city comptroller and mayoral candidate, has sparked concerns about the use of public resources to promote his campaign. Critics have accused Lander of using the survey as a political tool rather than a government initiative, leading to calls for an ethics probe. Lander’s attempt to reposition himself politically and emphasize his record as comptroller reflects the challenges of distancing himself from his progressive affiliations while appealing to a broader electorate in the mayoral race. The controversy underscores the fine line between government communication and political campaigning during election season.
