News From Councilman and candidate for Lt. Governor Jumaane Williams

WILLIAMS' STATEMENT RE: CORRUPTION TRIAL VERDICT

  "Today is a sad and unfortunate day for those of us in government and public service. Each time a government official is found guilty of corruption, it erodes the confidence of our citizenry. The truth is, there are far many more in government who serve with honor and professionalism each and every day than the few who lose their way. Effective governance by honorable public servants relies on maintaining public trust, and that trust has been greatly diminished in our state."

"The jury has spoken, and I don't believe this is an opportunity to score cheap political points at the expense of someone else's pain. However, I will say there are some lessons to learn from this far-too-long season of corruption that assails our government. There is a culture of corruption in Albany that has become too acceptable. The discussion regarding progressive government reform, transparency and accountability must continue with the sense of urgency it demands."

"I am reminded of the ancient Roman emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelis, who was reported to have a servant whisper 'just a man' when he received adulation and applause. It is a cautionary lesson that each elected official would do well to take to heart."

GOVERNOR CUOMO TOURS NYCHA HOUSING

  "I am glad that the Governor was finally able to see a NYCHA development. Still, what NYCHA tenants who are struggling everyday need is not a photo op, it is crucial funding from the state. Touring a  NYCHA complex for the first time in recent memory, after seven years in office, he spoke today of the 'neglect' toward the housing, and it is certainly clear that NYCHA has been neglected. It is clear that the city's performance has been substandard, with many questions unanswered. It is also clear that for years, the state could have been a better partner and provided much needed support. NYCHA desperately needs the financial support of state government to provide relief for thousands of New Yorkers who are living in abhorrent and unsafe conditions. It does not need political games and one-upsmanship- in all of the jockeying for position, tenants in need are left behind. This is a course that must be corrected for the safety, well-being, and dignity of New Yorkers." 

"Here in New York City and across the state, we are facing an affordable housing and homelessness crisis, and meaningful solutions which provide homes with satisfactory living conditions will require a level of investment that the Governor has been unwilling to commit in the past. There are real, concrete steps that the state can take, including releasing millions in allocated funds, and expediting work on projects that have already been funded, or simply allowing the use of design build. New York State can and must be a real partner in improving NYCHA, but NYCHA funding directly from the state has fallen significantly under this Governor. I truly hope that the next time an elected official takes a publicity tour, they also bring with them a check."

EDITOR'S NOTE: 

While Councilman Williams seems to be minding the business of one former aide to the Governor, and questioning the Governor's intent towards NYCHA, we must remind Councilman Williams that he should be worried about the city with a mayor who is now traveling across the country to bolster his political ambitions on the backs of the NYC taxpayers. We also did not hear anything form Councilman Williams during that period where the 'Agents of the City' were being investigated, with the former U.S. Attorney stating that there was not enough evidence to indict the current mayor of NYC. 

As for the Governor's visit to a NYCHA complex in the Bronx, we wonder why there was no mention of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. While the mayor and Councilman Williams ignore the NYCHA problems in the Bronx, BP Diaz Jr. is trying to get the much needed help for the Bronx NYCHA tenants.