Scott M. Stringer
[African American History Month]
I have always been inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King’s call to action – what he called “the fierce of urgency of now.”
There are some who say that New York City can’t afford to tackle the problems of inequality and poverty. As Comptroller, the City’s chief fiscal officer, I say we can’t afford not to.
My office is focused on the programs, initiatives and agencies that impact New York City’s black population–ranging from a top to bottom audit of the New York City Housing Authority to corporate governance initiatives that will urge companies to improve their diversity policies, from the factory floor to the board room.
One of my top priorities as Comptroller will be to increase the involvement of Minority and Women-Owned Businesses (M/WBEs) doing business with the city and our pension system.
As Manhattan Borough President, I issued a first of its kind survey and report on M/WBEs, showing the barriers these businesses face and the importance of growing and diversifying our City’s economy while recommending how the City contracting process can meet its M/WBE goals.
Now, as Comptroller, it is my duty and mission to ensure that all of those who want to do business in and with New York City are given a fair and equal opportunity.
I believe strongly that a commitment to progressive governance – educating all of our children, sheltering the homeless, raising New York City’s minimum wage, building affordable housing and creating good, middle class jobs—goes hand in hand with vigilantly protecting our City’s fiscal health. We can and must do both.
That’s how you ensure a sound economic future which lifts up all New Yorkers and guarantees a more just society for all people. Let African-American History Month be a reminder that these are not simply words – they’re a call to action for all of us.
Stringer is Comptroller of New York City
