Mayor Adams Announces New Charter Revision Commission to Create a More Inclusive, Thriving Democracy

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the appointment of a Charter Revision Commission (CRC) that will be tasked with reviewing the New York City Charter and determining how to make New York City’s municipal government more responsive and transparent to the city’s residents. More specifically, the CRC — led by Chair Martin Connor, former New York state senator — will examine whether open primaries and non-partisan elections will make New York City’s municipal government more inclusive, accessible, and democratic. The CRC announced today follows two previous CRCs convened by Mayor Adams which proposed successful ballot initiatives to protect public safety, create cleaner streets, transform the city’s approach to housing, and more.

“New Yorkers deserve a city government that listens to every voice, hears every concern, and embraces every community. This historic commission will bring together trailblazing leaders from across the five boroughs to examine our city’s charter and explore ways to create a more inclusive, democratic city government,” said Mayor Adams. “I want to personally thank the men and women who are stepping up to serve on this commission, including Chair Martin Connor and I look forward to hearing their ideas for creating a city government that works better for all New Yorkers.”

“Making sure every voter has an equal say in our city's governance is a goal that is always worth pursuing. I am looking forward to hearing from every corner of New York about the best way to achieve this,” said prominent election lawyer Martin Connor, former State Senate Minority Leader, who will co-chair this commission.

Martin Connor (Chair)

Martin Connor is a former minority leader of the New York State Senate, representing Brooklyn, New York. He was first elected to the State Senate in a special election in 1978 and served in the body until 2008. While serving in office, Connor advocated for progressive causes to create a more transparent, accessible state government. Connor also serves as an election lawyer and has represented candidates at every level of government, including local, state, congressional, and presidential campaigns. He received a B.A. in politics from the Catholic University of America and a J.D. from the Catholic University of America School of Law.

Pastor Tashyra Ayers

Pastor Tashyra Ayers serves as a corporate liaison, business owner, and communications strategist, working with executives, entrepreneurs, and employees on professional communications. In 2023, Ayers production company, The House of Genesis, was recognized by JP Morgan Chase’s Entrepreneurship program. At The House of Genesis, Ayers’ team has worked with Campbell’s Soup, Nike, Suzuki, iHeart Media, KIPP Charter Schools, the New York Academy of Medicine, and more. Ayers studied communications at Delaware State University and Rowan College. She holds an A.A. in Communications and a B.A. in Biblical Studies and in Community Transformation & Social Engagement.

Ramone S. Buford, a/k/a Shams DaBaron

Shams DaBaron is a visionary leader, writer, and changemaker dedicated to redefining homelessness and housing solutions in New York City. Having experienced homelessness as a child after being discharged from the foster care system at age 12, DaBaron has emerged as a powerful voice for his community and beyond. He gained widespread recognition during the public debate over the Lucerne Hotel, a temporary shelter where he lived during the pandemic, and has since led efforts to tackle housing and homelessness across the city. Drawing from his lived experience, DaBaron collaborates with impacted individuals, elected officials, faith leaders, and other stakeholders to champion policies and services that uplift vulnerable New Yorkers. His vision is to create a more inclusive, equitable, and vibrant New York City for all. DaBaron previously served as a commissioner on the 2025 Charter Revision Commission.

Bishop Ismael Claudio

Bishop Dr. Ismael Claudio is a distinguished faith leader, community advocate, and bridge builder whose career spans more than three decades of service across ministry, civic engagement, and international leadership. He currently serves as the senior faith liaison for the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs, where he strengthens partnerships between Houses of Worship and the City of New York, and has also supported the mayor as a Spanish-language translator.

Since 2022, Bishop Claudio has served as clergy liaison to the NYPD. His commitment to unity also guided his work as founder and CEO of the Uniting Clergy Community and Police Coalition, where he advanced citywide collaboration between faith institutions, community centers, and the NYPD. A lifelong minister, Bishop Claudio has served as senior pastor of his congregation since 1996 and holds extensive leadership roles within the International Pentecostal Churches of Jesus. He holds advanced theological and humanitarian degrees, including a Doctorate of Humanity.

Alfred Curtis

Alfred B. Curtis Jr. previously served as president and CEO of the United Nations Development Corporation, a multi-million public benefit corporation established by the New York State Legislature to develop and operate facilities for the United Nations community in New York City. Curtis also served as commissioner of the New York City Department of Youth & Community Development/New York City Department of Youth Services — the first African American from Staten Island appointed commissioner of a New York City agency — and served as executive director of the city’s Inter-Agency Coordinating Council on Youth. Before entering public service, Curtis worked as an executive at Chemical Bank/JP Morgan Chase. He graduated from the College of Staten Island with degrees in Economics and Business Administration.

Betsy Gotbaum

Betsy Gotbaum has led a distinguished career in both the private and public sectors, serving two terms as New York City public advocate. In that role, Gotbaum led on major policy areas, including hunger, housing, child welfare, education, and women’s issues. Gotbaum also served as an advisor to three mayors, a financial executive developing capital for start-up entrepreneurial firms, commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, and president of the prestigious New-York Historical Society. A native New Yorker, Gotbaum attended Barnard College and received her B.A. from George Washington University in 1961.

Denis M. Hughes

Denis Hughes is chairman and class c director of the New York Federal Reserve Board, as well as former president of the 2.5-million-member New York State AFL-CIO. In 2003, Hughes was elected to the board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and currently serves as chair of the Management and Budget Committee. He is also a member of the Audit Committee of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. He joined the New York State AFL-CIO staff in 1985 as a political director, and in February 1990 was appointed to the position of executive assistant to the president. He received his B.S. from the State University of New York, Empire State College.

Peter Koo

Peter Koo currently serves as a deputy commissioner in the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit. Previously, he served as a senior advisor to the deputy mayor for public safety and as a member of the New York City Council, representing Queen’s 20^th District for over 10 years. A former pharmacist, Koo received a B.S. from the University of New Mexico, College of Pharmacy and a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Hawaii.

Fernando Mateo

Fernando Mateo is a businessman and community activist. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New York City, Mateo founded the Mateo Institute to teach trades to non-violent offenders at Rikers Island. For his work, Mateo was awarded the Points of Light Award in 1991 by President George H.W. Bush. In 1993, Mateo founded the “Toys for Guns” program to remove guns from the streets and served as president of the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers. Mateo also helped found the United Bodegas of America.

Kayla Mamelak Altus

Kayla Mamelak Altus most recently served as press secretary to Mayor Adams. Before that, she served as a deputy press secretary to Mayor Adams. Before her stint in public service, Mamelak Altus was an on-air TV reporter at Fox5 New York, as well as other local outlets. Mamelak Altus received her B.A. from Boston University.

Pastor Gilford Monrose

Pastor Gilford Monrose currently serves as the executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships. He is also the lead pastor of Mt. Zion Church of God 7^th Day and founder of two Brooklyn-based nonprofit organizations, The 67^th Precinct Clergy Council Inc. — also known as “The GodSquad” — fighting to end gun violence as well as the Brooklyn Center for Quality Life. Pastor Monrose received his B.A. from Alliance University.

Sheikh Musa Drammeh

Sheikh Musa Drammeh is the founder of Muslim Media Corporation that publishes Muslim Parrot, New York Parrot, Africa Parrot, Senegambia Times, the Bronx Post, and Parkchester Times Newspapers. He is also the founder of Lifestyle Lifespan that coordinates New York Healthy Lifestyle campaign, which was adopted by New York City Public Schools in the Bronx in 2020, and the designation of October as Healthy Lifestyle Month in the state of New York by legislators in 2022. He and his wife founded and managed the first and only full-time parochial Islamic K-12 school in the Bronx since 2001. He led the founding of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Diversity, Unity and Peace Institute, Inc. He founded the investment banking firm Sahara Associates, executive produces the Muslim Community Report and Public Emergency Management Adherence television shows on Bronxnet Television, and created Adopt-A-Friend, Inc.   

Menashe Shapiro

Menashe Shapiro has over a decade of campaign and government experience focused mainly on New York City and surrounding areas. Most recently, Shapiro served as deputy chief of staff and senior advisor to Mayor Adams, where he focused on intergovernmental and external affairs, housing and economic development, and New York City’s response to the asylum seeker crisis. Prior to that, Shapiro served as a campaign consultant to many state and municipal candidates, including Eric Adams and Michael Bloomberg’s mayoral elections, as well as issue based 501©4 campaigns. Shapiro earned a B.A. cum laude in economics from Yeshiva University, and a J.D. from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. 

Robert S. Tucker

With over 30 years of experience in public service and security consulting, Robert Tucker previously served as commissioner of the Fire Department of the City of New York and as CEO of T&M USA, LLC, a New York City-based global provider of premium protection and investigative services. Tucker is also an engaged and active philanthropist, serving on the boards of several organizations that support public safety, education, and health care. He is passionate about making a positive impact on his community and society through his work and leadership. Tucker has been honored by the New York Board of Rabbis and the Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City. He is a graduate of The George Washington University and Pace University School of Law.

Jackie Rowe Adams

Jackie Rowe Adams is a life-long resident of Harlem, New York. Rowe Adams has worked with the Police Athletic League and the City of New York Parks and Recreation Department. She has served on numerous community boards, including Community Board 10, Community Board 12, and the Civic Association Serving Harlem. She has been president of the District 5 School Board, president of Local 299, vice president of District Council 37, and former Board chairperson of New York Health + Hospital/Gotham Health – Sydenham Community Advisory Board, where currently she is the chair of Sydenham’s Patient Liaison Committee and co-chair of the Legislative Committee. She is also on the boards of the Addicts Rehabilitation Center, Harlem Week, Inc., and Project Harmony, and is a member of the Mid-Manhattan NAACP. Rowe-Adams has also been appointed to several political boards, including the COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Task Force, New York County District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s Public Safety and Justice Transition Committee, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ Public Safety and Justice Transition Committee. She previously served on the 2024 Charter Revision Commission.

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