He will also continue to oversee an effort to close Rikers Island, the infamous New York City jail complex that has long been the subject of outrage and controversy for its poor conditions and mistreatment of inmates.
De Blasio vowed earlier this year to shutter the complex – a process he said could take about 10 years. He will have left office by the time it’s completely closed down, because New York City mayors are only permitted to serve two terms in office.
On the campaign trail, de Blasio won the endorsements of prominent national political figures, including Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), a progressive firebrand who has applauded de Blasio’s proposal to raise taxes on wealthy New Yorkers to pay for subway improvements and repairs.
But while de Blasio consistently held a commanding lead in the polls, he faced criticism on the campaign trail after Jona Rechnitz, a wealthy real estate developer, testified in an unrelated case in Federal District Court in Manhattan last month that he was able to essentially buy access to City Hall with political donations.
De Blasio has waved off the allegations, calling the man a “liar.” Federal prosecutors have said they will not bring charges against the mayor.
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