Queens Councilmember Joann Ariola was elected to be the Metropolis Council’s minority chief in a vote on Friday — the caucus’s second strive at elevating a member to the position.
The vote comes after an influence battle between two Council Republicans that splintered the six-member coalition. Half of the members didn’t attend the preliminary vote in January, after which challenged Staten Island Councilman David Carr’s election to the minority chief position on the premise that the assembly had not reached a quorum.
“We had a majority of members here, and I was honored that they trusted me with voting for me for as minority leader,” Ariola stated in an interview.
Queens member Vickie Paladino was appointed minority whip.
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Metropolis Councilwoman Vickie Paladino. (Barry Williams for New York Day by day Information)
The Republican caucus feud kicked off with the resignation of Staten Island Councilman Joe Borelli, who beforehand held the management position. He held the vote throughout his final week in an effort to elect his successor.
Solely Borelli, Carr and Brooklyn Councilwoman Inna Vernikov, who all voted for Carr to take the put up, have been current for the primary vote.
After that vote, Ariola and Paladino, together with Bronx Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato, in a proper grievance, requested Council Speaker Adrienne Adams to reject the election outcomes.
Metropolis Councilwoman Joann Ariola. (Luiz C. Ribeiro for New York Day by day Information)
The Council speaker’s legal professionals sided with Ariola.
“I continue to believe that decision to be gravely wrong, and in contravention of our bylaws,” Carr stated in an announcement shortly earlier than the second vote. “My constituents in Staten Island and Brooklyn are my first priority, and with the budget process underway, I want to give them all my focus rather than prolonging an already too-protracted battle over an 11-month leadership term.”
Ariola’s position will probably be licensed by the Council and acknowledged at its subsequent acknowledged assembly.
“This is politics, and it’s the business that we’re in,” Ariola stated. “People run against each other, and then they work together. I had a conversation with Councilmember Carr last night; we ended on a positive note, and I have no reason to believe that we won’t work together moving forward.”
Initially Printed: February 7, 2025 at 4:59 PM EST
