Mayor Bill de Blasio has threatened to lay off or furlough front-line workers because of the budget crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic — but in the last several weeks, he’s made nearly $2 million in hirings or promotions of at least 10 people, including several communications jobs and a records director position.
“The unfettered spending and deception from the de Blasio administration never stops, even during a financial crisis,” fumed Councilman Robert Holden (D-Queens).
“While Office of Management and Budget Director Melanie Hartzog claims that the city is in a hiring freeze, we see nothing but high-paying hirings and promotions as the mayor talks about potentially laying off or furloughing essential workers. This is a disgrace,” he said.
Hartzog clarified during a City Council budget hearing last week that there is an exception for hirings related to COVID-19, health or safety.
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