New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin is set to announce committee chair assignments on Thursday, a move that will place key allies in positions of power while also extending an apparent gesture to a former rival.
Shifting Power Dynamics
Eric Dinowitz, Oswald Feliz, Shaun Abreu, and Shekar Krishnan are slated to lead the Education, Public Safety, Transportation, and Oversight committees, respectively. These appointments come as Menin, an Upper East Side Democrat, consolidates support after a closely contested race for the speakership.
Notably, Brooklyn Councilwoman Crystal Hudson, Menin’s main opponent in the speaker’s race, is expected to chair the General Welfare Committee, which oversees the city’s homeless shelter system and other social safety nets. This selection appears to be an effort to bridge divides following a sometimes contentious election.
Committee Changes and Implications
The changes extend beyond these key appointments. Dinowitz, a former public school teacher representing parts of the Bronx, will replace Rita Joseph as Education Committee chair. Joseph, who supported Hudson in the speaker’s race, is expected to lead the Committee on Higher Education. More than 200 parents, nonprofit heads, and education leaders recently urged Menin to retain Joseph in her role, citing her work securing funding for city schools.
Feliz, also representing the Bronx, is expected to succeed Yusef Salaam as chair of the Public Safety Committee. Salaam, a member of the Central Park “Exonerated 5,” championed police accountability legislation, including the “How Many Stops Act,” during his tenure. Abreu will take over the Transportation Committee from Selvena Brooks-Powers and will also serve as the body’s majority leader. Krishnan is set to replace Gale Brewer as chair of the Oversight and Investigations Committee.
Additional appointments expected on Thursday include Nantasha Williams as deputy speaker, Linda Lee as Finance Committee chairwoman, Kevin Riley as Land Use Committee chair, and Farah Louis as chair of the Zoning Subcommittee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What committees will be led by Menin’s allies?
Eric Dinowitz will chair the Education Committee, Oswald Feliz the Public Safety Committee, Shaun Abreu the Transportation Committee, and Shekar Krishnan the Oversight Committee.
Who is expected to chair the General Welfare Committee?
Brooklyn Councilwoman Crystal Hudson, who ran against Julie Menin for Speaker, is expected to chair the General Welfare Committee.
What legislation did Yusef Salaam help pass as Public Safety chair?
Yusef Salaam helped shepherd through significant police accountability legislation, including the “How Many Stops Act,” which placed new transparency requirements on NYPD officers.
How might these committee assignments shape the direction of the City Council in the coming months?
