Politics

Mayor, UFT React to Retirement of Schools Chancellor David Banks amid Federal Probe & City Hall Storm

By SÍLE MOLONEY
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, the United Teachers Federation (UFT), and others have shared their reactions to the announcement on Tuesday, Sept. 24, by New York Public Schools Commissioner David Banks that he will be retiring effective Dec. 31, this year. The news comes on the back of a slew of other resignations by top Adams administration officials as the mayor gears up for a second term in office, and as he battles to retain the confidence of New Yorkers and strives to maintain calm amid the latest political storm.

Former Bronx Assemblyman is CEO of Newly Launched New York Apartment Association

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The New York Apartment Association (NYAA) officially launched in early September, led by former New York Assemblyman for A.D. 85 Kenny Burgos, who will serve as the organization’s CEO. According to its website, NYAA is the largest trade organization representing private multifamily building owners in the country. “NYAA will promote responsible housing policies to preserve affordable housing for future generations of New Yorkers, and represents the vital role these buildings serve in New York’s city and state economy,” an extract from the launch announcement read. 

Robert Tucker Sworn in as 35th Fire Commissioner of New York City

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Robert Tucker was appointed as the new fire commissioner of the FDNY and was sworn in on Aug. 12. He is the 35th person to hold the position. City officials said, previously, Tucker worked for the Queens DA’s office and was CEO of a private security and cyber intelligence company, T&M Protection Resources. They said he also worked at the FDNY, though never as a firefighter, served as secretary of the FDNY Foundation, and was also a past honorary fire commissioner. “I can think of no higher calling than serving as the fire commissioner for the City of New York,” he said.

Bronx District Leader & BOE Employee Charged with Bribery, Extortion, Fraud, and Identity Theft

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Nicole Torres, 33, of The Bronx, an elected district leader in the borough, and an employee of the New York City Board of Elections (BOE) has been charged  with illegally demanding payments from Bronx residents to herself and a local organization (the “Bronx organization”) in exchange for selecting those individuals as poll workers, federal prosecutors announced on Aug. 28.