Brooklyn lawmaker Alexa Avilés’ office meeting with Democratic Socialists raises ethics concerns

Metropolis Councilwoman Alexa Avilés might have violated metropolis regulation by internet hosting members of the Democratic Socialists of America for a gathering in her district workplace.
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A Brooklyn lawmaker not too long ago turned her council workplace into an outpost for activists with the Democratic Socialists of America, a transfer critics say might have violated metropolis regulation.

Metropolis Councilwoman Alexa Avilés met with DSA members from southern Brooklyn at her Sundown Park district workplace.

The DSA, whose main voices embody Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, endorsed Avilés’ profitable bid for council final yr.

State Assemblywoman Marcela Mitaynes — who identifies as a democratic socialist, as does Avilés — tweeted Saturday about the assembly and included a photograph with DSA members. Mitaynes attended the gathering in Aviles’ workplace.

“With @alexaforcouncil & members of the South Brooklyn DSA department reimagining function Socialist electeds can play to materially enhance and uplift the situations of all working-class folks in Sundown Park, Crimson Hook and Bay Ridge,” Mitaynes wrote.

“@sbkDSA 🌹Brooklyn – we're able to combat for you.”

With @alexaforcouncil & members of the South Brooklyn DSA department reimagining function Socialist electeds can play to materially enhance and uplift the situations of all working-class folks in Sundown Park, Crimson Hook and Bay Ridge. @sbkDSA

🌹Brooklyn – we're able to combat for you pic.twitter.com/rmsb19TzJx

— Marcela Mitaynes #FundExcludedWorkers 瑪切拉 米坦斯 (@marcelaforny) February 5, 2022

The town Battle of Curiosity Board regulation states, “Metropolis workers might not use any Metropolis time or Metropolis assets (together with a Metropolis pc, e mail account or telephone) for any political objective.”

A Metropolis Corridor supply claimed the assembly violated the regulation.

“It might be like working your re-election marketing campaign out of your authorities workplace. You possibly can’t do this,” the supply mentioned. “Ethics guidelines say you want to preserve politics and authorities separate.”

Avilés claimed in a press release that the assembly didn’t violate the regulation as a result of they solely mentioned coverage points.

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Avilés issued a press release dismissing the assertion. She insisted that she and the group mentioned coverage points, not campaigning.

“I take the Metropolis’s conflicts guidelines very significantly and would by no means conduct electoral marketing campaign actions from my district workplace,” Avilés wrote.

“A gathering of native residents who're of like-mind or adherents to a political philosophy shouldn't be a violation of Chapter 68. Neither is it a violation if such conferences concern organizing round central points, insurance policies and companies for the group.”