NYC Common Sense released the following statement in response to the Mayor’s decision to not send a representative to the City Council hearing on the rollout of the pied-à-terre tax:
“Thousands of permanent New York City residents who owe nothing under this surcharge have been left confused, exposed, and forced to spend their own time and money trying to defend themselves because this administration couldn’t be bothered to follow the law – all to make a political point. That is not responsible government.
The fact is that City Hall rushed this surcharge into place, badly botched the process, and refuses to own up to its mistakes. Adding insult to injury, the administration is now thumbing its nose at both the Council and the Mayor’s own constituents.
That’s not only disappointing, but it’s also a clear failure of leadership. New Yorkers deserve to know why they were targeted, how the City came up with its pied-a-terre list, and why it blatantly declined to cross-reference existing data – as the statute requires – to determine who actually owes the surcharge and who doesn’t.
Refusing to answer basic questions before the City Council about the failed rollout is not good government, and it’s not transparent. New Yorkers need answers, and City Hall has a responsibility to show up and provide them.”
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