News: POLITICO New York Playbook: Judge upholds August primary as eyes turn to Bath

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

POLITICO New York Playbook: Judge upholds August primary as eyes turn to Bath

May 11, 2022

By Erin Durkin, Anna Gronewold and Deanna Garcia

Democrats have lost their last, not-quite-best-but-it's-all-we-got hope of keeping their redistricting plan alive, as a federal judge signed off on moving New York's congressional and state Senate primaries to August.

The ruling comes as little surprise, given that a judge openly mocked the Democrats' "hail Mary" case at a hearing last week. After seeing their lines thrown out by the state's highest court for gerrymandering, national Democrats turned to federal court to argue the primary must stay in June so overseas voters would get their ballots on time. But a court on Tuesday said that wouldn't be an obstacle and allowed the primary to be moved to give an outside expert time to draw new maps. (Assembly maps are now subject to a separate challenge, but a judge voiced skepticism Tuesday of throwing them out.)

As the redistricting process moves to the next phase — drawing the new set of maps — let our Bill Mahoney show you around Bath, the town of 12,000 people that will take on outsized importance in determining New York's political future.

Republicans filed their case there because it's friendly territory and scored an unexpected win from the state's highest court on appeal, so the fate of the lines now rests with Justice Patrick McAllister. "I've always believed that there's a lot to be said for a good old country lawyer and common sense," said state Sen. Tom O'Mara, a Republican who represents the area.

Residents of the town, which has struggled economically since a light bulb plant shut down a decade ago, are a bit surprised at its turn in the spotlight, and not necessarily eager boosters. "This town stinks!" one told Bill when she spotted him taking a picture. "You don't want any photos."

Democrats already smarting from the ruling were further miffed that the only public hearing was held in Bath, a five-hour drive from New York City with scant public transportation options. "How that is fair in a state like New York which prides itself on its diversity of opinion, thought and expression is totally unclear to me," said Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, who is running ads attacking the process. Then again, the exclusion is a familiar feeling for people from parts of the state like Bath, said former state Sen. George Winner: "How would people in Steuben County have felt if they had to go to New York City?"

IT'S WEDNESDAY. Got tips, suggestions or thoughts? Let us know ... By email: EDurkin@politico.com and agronewold@politico.com, or on Twitter: @erinmdurkin and @annagronewold

WHERE'S KATHY? In Albany with no public events scheduled.

WHERE'S ERIC? Speaking at an Office of Emergency Management graduation and a New York Building Congress lunch, making an announcement at NYPD headquarters, and holding a roundtable with members of the Dominican community.

STEP INSIDE THE WEST WING: What's really happening in West Wing offices? Find out who's up, who's down, and who really has the president's ear in our West Wing Playbook newsletter, the insider's guide to the Biden White House and Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details that you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today.

What City Hall's reading

"Brooklyn DA 'looking into' appointments of dead, unwitting people to borough's Democratic Party," by New York Daily News' Chris Sommerfeldt: "Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez's office is scrutinizing revelations that dead and unwitting people have been appointed to positions in the borough's Democratic Party, a spokesman for the DA told the Daily News on Tuesday. The eyebrow-raising appointments to the party's county committee first came to light last week, and the spokesman, Oren Yaniv, said the DA's office is reviewing whether there's grounds for an investigation. 'We are looking into this,' Yaniv said."

" City threatens summertime closures on popular stretch of Rockaway Beach," by Gothamist's Jake Offenhartz: "A popular stretch of Rockaway Beach may close to the public this summer as federal contractors move ahead with a major resiliency project that aims to protect the coastline from further erosion. Multiple Rockaway business owners said they were briefed by city officials on the looming closure this week, which could affect beach access between Beach 90th Street and Beach 116th Street through at least July — a prime stretch for one of the city's most popular summertime destinations."

" Harlem lawmaker slams '11th hour breadcrumbs' from developer of controversial One45 project," by WNYC's Gwynne Hogan: "Developers of a controversial 31-story complex in Central Harlem said they would add an additional 150 rent-subsidized apartments to the sprawling complex they want to build on West 145th Street and Lenox Ave, including an additional 90 apartments for the lowest income New Yorkers, ahead of the City Council hearing Tuesday morning. Still, Harlem-based Councilmember Kristin Richardson Jordan slammed the last-minute changes to the plan as '11th hour breadcrumbs,' urging her colleagues in the Council to block the proposal and imploring the developers to go back to the drawing board."

"Council looks to expand sanitation budget as complaints about trash mount," by NY1's Ari Ephraim Feldman: "City Council members pressed sanitation department officials in a budget hearing Tuesday on millions of dollars worth of programs they want to see added into its spending plan for the coming fiscal year, highlighting missing dollars for picking up corner wastebaskets, fighting rat infestations and recycling e-waste. The hearing came as the city has become, to most residents, much dirtier, owing in part to reduced alternate-side street sweeping, said Jessica Tisch, the sanitation department's commissioner."

— Sanitation estimates that more than 50 percent of Big Apple drivers have stopped moving their cars altogether after alternate side parking was scaled back.

"Public school arts funding needs a big boost from the mayor, advocates and lawmakers say ," by Gothamist's Jessica Gould: "Lawmakers, artists and educators are calling on Mayor Eric Adams to boost funding for arts in schools, arguing the pandemic has made it even more vital for students to be able to express themselves through dance, music and visual art. Last summer, the Department of Education recommended principals allocate $79.62 per student on arts programming. But the per-pupil funding is not required; principals can allocate those funds as they see fit. Many administrators enthusiastically devote those resources to the arts, but some don't. According to the NYC Arts in Education Roundtable, 67% of principals said arts funding is insufficient. Now, New York City Council members want to see the arts funding increased to $100 per pupil, and they want the funding to be dedicated to the arts, not simply recommended."

WHAT ALBANY'S READING

"Critics slam Eric Adams' Albany efforts on NYC priorities," by New York Post's Nolan Hicks and Bernadette Hogan: "Major Big Apple initiatives that rely on Albany, such as mayoral control of schools, are in limbo because of a dysfunctional outreach effort by the new regime in City Hall, multiple sources tell The Post. More than a dozen lawmakers, lobbyists and veteran operatives described how Mayor Eric Adams and officials in his administration attempted to cajole action through press briefings or rallies in New York City — but then often failed to follow through in the halls of the state Capitol. The efforts made by Team Adams have been hampered by what sources described as a lack of experience in the mayor's Albany operation and a 'befuddling' command structure, which has as many as a half-dozen people involved in the decision making."

"New York to provide $35M to abortion providers, Hochul says," by WNYC's Jon Campbell: "But the $25 million in grants and reimbursements for providers will come from the state Department of Health's 'emergency fund,' which has already been allocated and is not subject to further legislative approval, according to Hochul. 'I would consider this an emergency,' she said. As it stands, that fund — which is for 'services and expenses ... related to emergency assistance distributions as designated by the commissioner of health' — has only $2.9 million in it. But Shams Tarek, a spokesperson for the state Division of the Budget, said the division will grant authority to move additional money in, though he didn't immediately say where that money would be coming from. The $10 million in security funding, meanwhile, will come from the state Division of Criminal Justice Services, according to Hochul's office."

"New York lawmakers: Block campaign money for disgraced ex-officeholders," by Spectrum's Nick Reisman: "The measure would block the use of campaign funds by the former elected officials for political purposes and require them to close the account within two years. The proposal is meant to address former elected officials who still have access to the war chest they had amassed while in office. At a news conference on Tuesday in Albany, the lawmakers backing the bill — state Sen. Alessandra Biaggi and Assemblyman Phil Steck — pointed to former Gov. Andrew Cuomo as the most recent example. Cuomo has tapped into the millions of dollars he raised while in office to fund TV ads that sought to refute the sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct allegations leveled against him. But the lawmakers insisted the bill was not meant to directly target Cuomo specifically."

FIRST IN PLAYBOOK — #VOTEPROCHOICE is endorsing Ana Maria Archila for lieutenant governor. Archila, the running mate of New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, is running against Gov. Kathy Hochul's pick Antonio Delgado, who she selected after her first lieutenant governor Brian Benjamin was indicted. "With Roe in jeopardy, states like New York will become paramount in providing access to safe abortions to those seeking care across the country. Ana María Archila is a long-time champion who has put herself on the line to defend reproductive rights. She is the type of independent leader New York needs as lieutenant governor," said the group's co-founder Heidi Sieck.

#UpstateAmerica: The Lake George island mansion of your dreams has dropped to $8.4 million, nearly half its previous price.

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FROM THE DELEGATION

Tom Reed resigns, setting up a second special House election in New York, by POLITICO's Bill Mahoney: New York Rep. Tom Reed announced his immediate retirement from Congress on Tuesday, seven months before his final term was due to conclude. The resignation means that New York will soon have two special elections on the ballot for congressional districts that are currently being redrawn. "After almost 12 years in Congress, today is my last day," Reed, a Republican, announced on the House floor. As recently as March 2021, Reed has been a frontrunner for the GOP nomination in the 2022 gubernatorial race. But after he faced allegations of sexual misconduct, he announced he would soon end his political career.

"Sen. Schumer downplays peaceful protests targeting anti-abortion Supreme Court judges: 'That's the American way,"' by New York Daily News' Michael McCauliff and Dave Goldiner: "Another day, another protest outside Sen. Schumer's home in Brooklyn. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) shrugged off conservative handwringing over pro-choice protests targeting Supreme Court justices who are poised to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade decision. 'That's the American way, to peacefully protest is OK,' Schumer said. … Schumer said that's an everyday thing in liberal brownstone Brooklyn, where everyone has an opinion about everything. Schumer said he is regularly the target of protesters who gather outside his apartment building on Prospect Park West in Park Slope to object to one stance or another that he has taken."

Biden and the Boroughs

Top Biden-tied connected firm cuts ties with Starbucks amid union outcry, by POLITICO's Hailey Fuchs: A top Democratic consulting firm with deep ties to the Biden administration was working on behalf of Starbucks until last month, even as the coffee giant was pushing back against union efforts at several of its locations. SKDK, a public affairs and political consulting shop co-founded by longtime White House adviser Anita Dunn, has listed Starbucks as a client for years. More recently, it was part of a larger campaign, including Starbucks and other entities, to invest in Black-owned businesses and close the racial wealth gap. The firm's recent work coincided with Starbucks' efforts to fight back against employees trying to create a union in various locations — and with the president's increasingly vocal advocacy for workers seeking to unionize.

AROUND NEW YORK

— An appeals court dismissed Attorney General Tish James' lawsuit against Amazon over its coronavirus safety protocols.

— A NYPD officer was shot in the arm in the Bronx after a shootout, which Adams said this case is a prime example of why he's pushing for reforms, including including changes to the state's bail laws.

— The city Department of Education has spent an additional $500 million in federal Covid-19 stimulus funds for the fiscal year 2022 in the last two months.

— Andy Warhol's famous portrait of Marilyn Monroe has sold for $195 million.

— The city will have its first parade celebrating Japanese heritage this weekend.

— One person was killed and eight injured in a massive fire in the Bronx.

— The 92nd Street Y wants to be called 92NY now.

— A "Succession" actor glued his hand to a Manhattan Starbucks counter to protest the chain's plan to charge extra for plant-based milk.

— Albany County would require employers to post salary ranges under a new proposal in the county legislature.

— A diner in Cambridge planned a "Cowboys and Indians" costume party as the town awaits a court decision about Cambridge's school mascot.

— A bill proposed in Albany would give sex workers immunity from prosecution when they report crimes or seek medical care.

SOCIAL DATA BY DANIEL LIPPMAN

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: WSJ's Daniel Nasaw … NBCUniversal's Alex Roberts … Ian Gray … NBC's Jo Ling Kent … Olivia Waxman … Loren Robinson Abede … Ali Adkins … Brandon Lorenz … former Rep. Harold Ford Jr. (D-Tenn.)

MEDIAWATCH — Brooks Brunson is joining WNYC as audience engagement editor. She was formerly the manager of audience development at The New Yorker… New York Times Metro editor James Dao will depart to become the editorial page editor of the Boston Globe.

MAKING MOVES — Kate Cusick is joining Brunswick Group as a partner and global head of marketing. She was most recently senior partner and global chief marketing officer at Porter Novelli. … Matilda Bress is now senior executive writer at American Bridge. She previously was comms director for Rep. Antonio Delgado (D-N.Y.), is a Harley Rouda alum.

ENGAGED — Greig Fields, senior associate of revenue operations at Nitro Inc., recently proposed to Mishell Perez-Acosta, who works in recruiting. Pic

WEEKEND WEDDING — Adam Finkelman, founder of Yorkwood Co. and sales associate at New Western Acquisitions, this weekend married Nikki Robelen, a textile and soft home designer.

Real Estate

"NYCHA Wrongly Sent Thousands of Tenants Terrifying Termination Letters," by The City's Greg B. Smith : "The letter arrived at the Rev. Roberto Feliciano's Brooklyn apartment alongside the usual collection of bills and junk mail, but when he opened it, he got a punch in the gut. The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) was informing him that the monthly Section 8 rental subsidy he received that had allowed him to live in his Sunset Park apartment for 20 years was now officially terminated."

" Money Managers Are Swooping In to Fill Manhattan's Office Void," by Bloomberg's Natalie Wong and Hema Parmar: "Hedge funds and investment firms are coming out of the pandemic embracing an out-of-favor asset: Manhattan office space. Blackstone Inc. and Citadel are on the hunt for new locations. Boston's Wellington Management, a $1.3 trillion asset manager, last month signed a letter of intent for its first New York office. Hedge fund Verition Fund Management recently relocated on Park Avenue in a massive expansion, while Sculptor Capital Management is scoping out space. At a time when New York towers are struggling with high vacancies and many workers are still remote, money managers are seeking to accommodate growing staff and encourage in-person collaboration with trendier digs."

"At Two Sides of Bridge, One Neighborhood Gets Park, Other Gets Wait," by The City's Gabriel Sandoval: "Residents of Maspeth who were promised some green space instead got a bridge to nowhere. In late 2008, as part of a project to reconstruct the Kosciuszko Bridge between Brooklyn and Queens, state officials determined a park could be built at the base of each side. Initial projections said it would be done by 2020. The state Department of Transportation completed the $873 million renovation of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway's span over Newtown Creek in 2019. Last year, officials cut the ribbon on the Under the K Bridge Park in Greenpoint, on the Brooklyn side of the suspension bridge. But nearly 14 years after transportation officials identified a space for recreation in the Queens neighborhood of Maspeth, they're not even close to completing a park there."

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