The Bronx's Ruben Diaz, Jr. asked for independent budgeting, more land use power, a vote on the Board of Standards and Appeals and more muscular "borough service cabinets," on which the borough chiefs of each city department are represented and aim to coordinate operations for each borough. If voters approve changes to the beeps' role, they would apply to all borough presidents.
Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer has put forward a detailed menu of proposed charter changes that would enhance the borough presidents' powers but also create new city agencies.
For his part, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio has called for his office to be given powers such as an independent budget, authority to serve as "coordinator of citywide civic engagement" and "subpoena power … to strengthen its oversight role and empowering the office to track compliance with Community Benefits Agreements."
After the issues forums run their course, the commission will hold a final round of public hearings before issuing its proposals.
