SENATOR SERRANO INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO LOCALIZE ROOSEVELT ISLAND GOVERNANCE

Senator Serrano recently introduced a bill in the Senate, S7114, that would require the next President of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) to be a resident of Roosevelt Island within six months of appointment. The legislation which was originally drafted and introduced in the Legislature by Assembly Member Seawright,is designed to make sure the President of RIOC better understands the ins and outs of the community. The bill would also empower the RIOC board of directors to be in charge of appointing the president, as well as determining the term of office, the compensation, and the duties and responsibilities.

"It is important that Roosevelt Island continues to move towards greater self-governance in order to become truly representative of Roosevelt Island residents. By requiring the President of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) to be a resident of the Island, we are taking a big step towards making sure that RIOC is self-sustainable and better aligned with unique needs of the Island. Many thanks to my colleague Assembly Member Seawright for creating this legislation and continuing to work tirelessly to ensure that Roosevelt Island operates in a transparent and democratic fashion."