Mamdani weaponizing $1.6M taxpayer-funded ads to push ballot questions that take power from the people: critics

The Mamdani administration is weaponizing a $1.6 million taxpayer-funded ad campaign to sway voters into passing five ballot questions that exponentially increase the socialist pol’s power under the guise of streamlining government, critics told The Post.The ballot questions before NYC voters in the Nov.3 general election – which include measures to fast-track how City Hall approves controversial outdoor dining sheds and anti-car, so-called street-safety projects — were selected by a 15-member Charter Revision Commission appointed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani.Under city law, government officials are prohibited from using public funds to advocate for or against ballot proposals.Instead, Hizzoner and the panel are “encouraging” New Yorkers through an ad blitz that includes social-media videos, text blasts and other methods to go to the polls and vote on the ballot questions, touted in glowing terms as a means to a “faster government” that cuts red tape.The ramifications of voting yes — namely, the surrender of checks and balances if the ballot questions are approved — are never mentioned.In one video released by the Mayor’s Office last month, Mamdani races around City Hall like a cartoon character to Looney Tunes-style sound effects while boasting “New Yorkers will be able to vote on how fast our government runs.”The ads violate the spirit of the law by trying to influence election results rather than simply encouraging people to vote, according to some critics. “Taxpayer dollars are supposed to be used to serve the public — not bankroll the mayor’s political agenda,” said Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Queens).“The whole thing is completely illegitimate, and we are getting closer to socialist totalitarianism every day with this administration.

These proposals want to take power away from the people and put it in the hands of bureaucrats.”Councilman Phil Wong (D-Queens) said “we’ve seen” past mayors “walk right up to the line”...