POLITICS
Corey Johnson Launches Comptroller Campaign
Out gay speaker sets sights on another citywide offi ce
BY DEAN MOSES
With little more than
three months to go
before the June 22
primary, City Council
Speaker Corey Johnson offi -
cially threw his hat into the city
comptroller’s race — and a serious
wrench into the overall campaign.
On March 9, Johnson made
his offi cial announcement on
the southwest corner of Madison
Square Park, months after he
pulled out of the mayoral election.
His entrance into the comptroller
race has been anticipated for
weeks.
Johnson says he has but “one
mission” for the offi ce, if elected:
“to better the lives of New Yorkers.”
“I promise to be your voice when
you are knocked down and can’t
speak. To be the champion for the
most vulnerable because I’ve been
Council Speaker Corey Johnson kicks off his bid for comptroller.
there. I’ve lived it,” he added.
Johnson’s pitch for comptroller
heavily involved his track record
of accomplishments and work as
Speaker for City Council, emphasizing
that he has led the City
Council through budget and oversight
work. He says that he will be
the watchdog of city agencies.
“I will be a strong and independent
comptroller who uses all
of the powers of the offi ce to kick
start New York’s recovery. I’m going
to make sure that every single
dollar that we get for COVID relief
is targeted directly to our recovery
and to New Yorkers who need it the
most,” Johnson said.
Despite his late entry into the
comptroller campaign, Johnson
had already secured the support
of numerous colleagues in government
who were on hand for his announcement.
“Now that we are leaving the
City Council at the end of this year,
and in the next few months, the
voters of the City of New York will
have an opportunity to vote for a
new administration,” Bronx Councilmember
Vanessa Gibson said. “A
new mayor, a new public advocate
running for reelection, and equally
as important a comptroller for the
City of New York. It is my honor and
privilege to fully and fi rmly endorse
my good friend, Corey Johnson to
become the next comptroller of the
City of New York.”
Johnson’s supporters listed his
previous work on reducing overcrowding
in the public school system,
investing in infrastructure,
building and providing sustainable
DEAN MOSES
housing, and more.
“Corey Johnson embodies the
spirit of New York. There is no one
who works harder for the people of
this city,” Brooklyn Councilmember
Mark Treyger said, explaining
that prior to the pandemic Johnson
was always looking out for the best
interest of New Yorkers. “Doing the
most good for those who need the
most help,” Treyger said.
Other supporters included
Councilmember Helen Rosenthal
and HTC President Rich Maroko.
Comptroller Scott Stringer has
held the seat since 2014, but is now
seeking to become the next mayor
of New York. The city comptroller
oversees city agencies, monitoring
their spending and performance.
Johnson joins a crowded fi eld
of candidates for city comptroller,
which include Manhattan
state Senator Brian Benjamin,
former journalist Michelle Caruso
Cabrera, Brooklyn City Councilmember
Brad Lander, Brooklyn
state Senator Kevin Parker and
Queens Assemblymember David
Weprin.
Currently, Johnson represents
New York City Council District 3,
which consists of Greenwich Village,
Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, Flatiron,
West SoHo, Hudson Square,
the Meatpacking District, Columbus
Circle, Times Square, the Theater
District, the Garment District
and part of the Upper West Side.
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