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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2002
PR-100-02
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG SIGNS BILL ALLOWING CITY TO RECEIVE "FAIR MARKET VALUE" ON CHAIRS SOLD TO COUNCILMEMBERS

Remarks by Mayor Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Laws

"The bill before me today is Introductory Number 68, sponsored by Speaker Miller and Councilmembers Addabbo Jr., Comrie, Diaz, Fidler, Gennaro, Jackson, Jennings, McMahon, Moskowitz, Nelson, Perkins, Quinn, Recchia and Rivera. This bill changes the purchase value of the chairs Councilmembers used during their time in office. The chairs in question are the ones in the Council Chambers used by Councilmembers during City Council meetings. Currently, if Councilmembers wish to purchase their chairs when they leave office, they are only required to pay a flat fee of $35.00. This bill would allow the City to receive the "fair market value" of the chair as determined by the Commissioner of Citywide Administrative Services.

"This is a positive reform to change an outdated practice of the City. Perception is an important component of good government. During a time when the City faces a large budget deficit, this bill is an important step, although it may seem minor, to ensure that elected officials act responsibly with taxpayer monies. By requiring Councilmembers to pay the "fair market value" for their chairs, the City benefits because the public is assured that these chairs are purchased at a price more in line with their original cost to the City."

www.nyc.gov

Contact: Ed Skyler / Jordan Barowitz
(212) 788-2958