NYC Mayoral Candidate to Challenge City Council's NYPD Control

Independent mayoral candidate Jim Walden, a former federal prosecutor, plans to fight the New York City Council's influence over the NYPD. He intends to initiate a voter referendum to limit the Council's power, arguing that public safety should be managed by experts, not political agendas.

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/jim-walden-caused-kerfuffle-called-101979261.jpg?w=1024" alt="Jim Walden at a mayoral debate">

Walden's proposed referendum aims to:

• Extend the mayoral review period for police-related legislation.
• Mandate public hearings with policing experts to assess legislation's impact.
• Empower the mayor to declare bills damaging to policing, requiring a two-thirds majority for passage.
• Require a three-fourths supermajority to override a mayoral veto.

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/general-view-nypd-police-car-84581014.jpg?w=1024" alt="NYPD police car">

This initiative requires gathering approximately 50,000 voter signatures—a significant undertaking. Walden believes the Council's actions, exemplified by the How Many Stops Act, create unnecessary bureaucracy and hinder effective policing. He advocates for smart policing while opposing politically motivated overregulation.

<a href="https://nypost.com/2024/12/18/opinion/how-many-stops-act-is-a-wasteful-failure-repeal-it-now/">Learn more about the How Many Stops Act.</a>

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/members-nypd-stand-poutside-tesla-100524405.jpg?w=1024" alt="NYPD officers">

This ambitious plan faces significant challenges, requiring substantial resources. The success of this referendum will depend on Walden's ability to gather the necessary support and overcome potential legal hurdles. Mayor Eric Adams, also running for reelection independently, faces a similar challenge.