Borough president
Encyclopedia
Borough President is an elective office in each of the five boroughs
of New York City
.
and the Bronx
. On that date, Boroughs of Brooklyn
, Queens
, Manhattan, the Bronx and Richmond (Staten Island
) were created. Brooklyn was coterminous with Kings County, the Boroughs of Manhattan and the Bronx with New York County, and the Borough of Richmond with Richmond County. Queens County included the borough of Queens together with all of what today is known as Nassau County
. The boroughs assumed most county functions, but did not replace them.
The offices of borough president were created by charter in 1898 with the formation of the City of Greater New York
, to preserve (in a later writer's words) “local pride and affection for the old municipalities” after consolidation.
On January 1, 1899, Queens County was partitioned. The easternmost three towns, with an area of 280 square miles (725.2 km²), were transferred to form Nassau County.
On April 19, 1912, the New York State Legislature separated the County of Bronx (which began separate activity in January 1914) from the County of New York, which now became coextensive with the Borough of Manhattan.
, which was responsible for creating and approving the city's budget and proposals for land use. The Board of Estimate consisted of the Mayor
, the Comptroller
and the President of the New York City Council
, each of whom were elected citywide and had two votes, and the five Borough presidents, each having one vote.
In 1989, the Supreme Court of the United States
, in Board of Estimate of City of New York v. Morris
(489 U.S. 688) declared the New York City Board of Estimate unconstitutional on the grounds that the city's most populous borough (Brooklyn
) had no greater effective representation on the board than the city's least populous borough (Staten Island
), this arrangement being an unconstitutional violation of the Fourteenth Amendment's
Equal Protection Clause
pursuant to the high court's 1964 "one man, one vote" decision
.
The city charter was revised in 1990 and the Board of Estimate was abolished. The Office of Borough President was retained but with greatly reduced power. The borough budget reverted to the mayor or the New York City Council
. A Borough President has a small discretionary budget to spend on projects within the borough. The last significant power of the borough presidents—to appoint a member of the New York City Board of Education
—was abolished, with the board, on June 30, 2002.
The two major remaining appointments of a Borough President are one member of the city Planning Commission and one member of the Panel for Educational Policy. Borough Presidents generally adopt specific projects to promote while in office; but, since 1990, Borough Presidents have been seen mainly as the ceremonial leaders of their boroughs. Officially, they advise the Mayor on issues relating to each borough, comment on all land-use items in their borough, advocate borough needs in the annual municipal budget process, appoint Community Boards, chair the Borough Boards, and serve as ex officio members of various boards and committees They generally act as advocates of their boroughs at the mayoral agencies, the city council, the New York State government
, public corporations
and private businesses.
Borough presidents are elected to four-year terms.
As of 2009, the borough presidents are:
, 1902–1905. Bird S. Coler
was the first New York City Comptroller
after consolidation, 1898–1901; unsuccessful Democratic candidate for Governor of New York in 1902
.
was President of the Board of Aldermen of the City of New York (first in succession to the Mayoralty), 1914–1916; New York City Comptroller
, 1933. Frank Dowling was President of the Board of Aldermen, 1917. Andrew Stein
was the last President of the New York City Council (the office that replaced the President of the Board of Aldermen and preceded the New York City Public Advocate as first in succession to the Mayoralty) 1986–1993. Robert F. Wagner, Jr.
was Mayor of New York City
, 1954–1965. David Dinkins was Mayor of New York City, 1990–1993. Constance Baker Motley
was Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
, 1966–2005.
Notes:
Notes:
. Guy V. Molinari was a Member of the United States House of Representatives
, 1981–1989
Borough (New York City)
New York City, one of the largest cities in the world, is composed of five boroughs. Each borough now has the same boundaries as the county it is in. County governments were dissolved when the city consolidated in 1898, along with all city, town, and village governments within each county...
of New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
.
Reasons for establishment
Prior to January 1, 1898, the city was coterminous with New York County, which at that time comprised ManhattanManhattan
Manhattan is the oldest and the most densely populated of the five boroughs of New York City. Located primarily on the island of Manhattan at the mouth of the Hudson River, the boundaries of the borough are identical to those of New York County, an original county of the state of New York...
and the Bronx
The Bronx
The Bronx is the northernmost of the five boroughs of New York City. It is also known as Bronx County, the last of the 62 counties of New York State to be incorporated...
. On that date, Boroughs of Brooklyn
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs, with nearly 2.6 million residents, and the second-largest in area. Since 1896, Brooklyn has had the same boundaries as Kings County, which is now the most populous county in New York State and the second-most densely populated...
, Queens
Queens
Queens is the easternmost of the five boroughs of New York City. The largest borough in area and the second-largest in population, it is coextensive with Queens County, an administrative division of New York state, in the United States....
, Manhattan, the Bronx and Richmond (Staten Island
Staten Island
Staten Island is a borough of New York City, New York, United States, located in the southwest part of the city. Staten Island is separated from New Jersey by the Arthur Kill and the Kill Van Kull, and from the rest of New York by New York Bay...
) were created. Brooklyn was coterminous with Kings County, the Boroughs of Manhattan and the Bronx with New York County, and the Borough of Richmond with Richmond County. Queens County included the borough of Queens together with all of what today is known as Nassau County
Nassau County, New York
Nassau County is a suburban county on Long Island, east of New York City in the U.S. state of New York, within the New York Metropolitan Area. As of the 2010 census, the population was 1,339,532...
. The boroughs assumed most county functions, but did not replace them.
The offices of borough president were created by charter in 1898 with the formation of the City of Greater New York
City of Greater New York
The City of Greater New York was a term commonly used originally to refer to the expanded city created on January 1, 1898 by the incorporation into the city of Richmond County, Kings County, Queens County, and the eastern part of what is now called The Bronx...
, to preserve (in a later writer's words) “local pride and affection for the old municipalities” after consolidation.
On April 19, 1912, the New York State Legislature separated the County of Bronx (which began separate activity in January 1914) from the County of New York, which now became coextensive with the Borough of Manhattan.
Role
To balance local authority along with the centralization of government, the Office of Borough President was established with a functional administrative role derived by having a vote on the New York City Board of EstimateNew York City Board of Estimate
The New York City Board of Estimate was a governmental body in New York City, responsible for budget and land-use decisions. Under the charter of the newly amalgamated City of Greater New York the Board of Estimate and Apportionment was composed of eight ex officio members: the Mayor of New York...
, which was responsible for creating and approving the city's budget and proposals for land use. The Board of Estimate consisted of the Mayor
Mayor of New York City
The Mayor of the City of New York is head of the executive branch of New York City's government. The mayor's office administers all city services, public property, police and fire protection, most public agencies, and enforces all city and state laws within New York City.The budget overseen by the...
, the Comptroller
New York City Comptroller
The Office of Comptroller of New York City is the chief fiscal officer and chief auditing officer of the city. The comptroller is elected, citywide, to a four-year term and can hold office for three consecutive terms. The current comptroller is Democrat John Liu, formerly a member of the New York...
and the President of the New York City Council
New York City Council
The New York City Council is the lawmaking body of the City of New York. It has 51 members from 51 council districts throughout the five boroughs. The Council serves as a check against the mayor in a "strong" mayor-council government model. The council monitors performance of city agencies and...
, each of whom were elected citywide and had two votes, and the five Borough presidents, each having one vote.
In 1989, the Supreme Court of the United States
Supreme Court of the United States
The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the United States. It has ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all state and federal courts, and original jurisdiction over a small range of cases...
, in Board of Estimate of City of New York v. Morris
Board of Estimate of City of New York v. Morris
Board of Estimate of City of New York v. Morris, 489 U.S. 688 , was a case argued before the United States Supreme Court regarding the structure of the New York City Board of Estimate....
(489 U.S. 688) declared the New York City Board of Estimate unconstitutional on the grounds that the city's most populous borough (Brooklyn
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs, with nearly 2.6 million residents, and the second-largest in area. Since 1896, Brooklyn has had the same boundaries as Kings County, which is now the most populous county in New York State and the second-most densely populated...
) had no greater effective representation on the board than the city's least populous borough (Staten Island
Staten Island
Staten Island is a borough of New York City, New York, United States, located in the southwest part of the city. Staten Island is separated from New Jersey by the Arthur Kill and the Kill Van Kull, and from the rest of New York by New York Bay...
), this arrangement being an unconstitutional violation of the Fourteenth Amendment's
Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution
The Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was adopted on July 9, 1868, as one of the Reconstruction Amendments.Its Citizenship Clause provides a broad definition of citizenship that overruled the Dred Scott v...
Equal Protection Clause
Equal Protection Clause
The Equal Protection Clause, part of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, provides that "no state shall ... deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws"...
pursuant to the high court's 1964 "one man, one vote" decision
Reynolds v. Sims
Reynolds v. Sims, 377 U.S. 533 was a United States Supreme Court case that ruled that state legislature districts had to be roughly equal in population.-Facts:...
.
The city charter was revised in 1990 and the Board of Estimate was abolished. The Office of Borough President was retained but with greatly reduced power. The borough budget reverted to the mayor or the New York City Council
New York City Council
The New York City Council is the lawmaking body of the City of New York. It has 51 members from 51 council districts throughout the five boroughs. The Council serves as a check against the mayor in a "strong" mayor-council government model. The council monitors performance of city agencies and...
. A Borough President has a small discretionary budget to spend on projects within the borough. The last significant power of the borough presidents—to appoint a member of the New York City Board of Education
New York City Board of Education
The New York City Board of Education is the governing body of the New York City Department of Education. The members of the board are appointed by the mayor and by the five borough presidents.-Rise, fall and return of Mayoral Control:...
—was abolished, with the board, on June 30, 2002.
The two major remaining appointments of a Borough President are one member of the city Planning Commission and one member of the Panel for Educational Policy. Borough Presidents generally adopt specific projects to promote while in office; but, since 1990, Borough Presidents have been seen mainly as the ceremonial leaders of their boroughs. Officially, they advise the Mayor on issues relating to each borough, comment on all land-use items in their borough, advocate borough needs in the annual municipal budget process, appoint Community Boards, chair the Borough Boards, and serve as ex officio members of various boards and committees They generally act as advocates of their boroughs at the mayoral agencies, the city council, the New York State government
Government of New York
As in all 50 states, the head of the executive branch of the government of New York is a Governor. The legislative branch is called the Legislature and consists of a Senate and an Assembly. Unlike most states, New York electoral law permits electoral fusion; thus New York ballots tend to show a...
, public corporations
New York State public benefit corporations
New York State public benefit corporations and authorities operate like quasi-private corporations, with boards of directors appointed by elected officials. Public authorities share characteristics with government agencies, but they are exempt from many state and local regulations...
and private businesses.
Borough presidents are elected to four-year terms.
As of 2009, the borough presidents are:
| Borough | President | Party |
|---|---|---|
| The Bronx The Bronx The Bronx is the northernmost of the five boroughs of New York City. It is also known as Bronx County, the last of the 62 counties of New York State to be incorporated... |
Ruben Diaz Jr. Ruben Diaz Jr. Rubén Díaz Jr. is the current President of the Borough of the Bronx in New York City. Borough President Díaz was elected in April 2009 and previously served in the New York State Assembly.-Early Life:... |
Democratic Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... |
| Brooklyn Brooklyn Brooklyn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs, with nearly 2.6 million residents, and the second-largest in area. Since 1896, Brooklyn has had the same boundaries as Kings County, which is now the most populous county in New York State and the second-most densely populated... |
Marty Markowitz Marty Markowitz Marty Markowitz is the Borough President of Brooklyn, New York City, the most populous borough in New York City with nearly 2.6 million residents. Markowitz was first elected borough president in 2001 after serving 23 years as a New York State Senator... |
Democratic |
| Manhattan Manhattan Manhattan is the oldest and the most densely populated of the five boroughs of New York City. Located primarily on the island of Manhattan at the mouth of the Hudson River, the boundaries of the borough are identical to those of New York County, an original county of the state of New York... |
Scott Stringer Scott Stringer Scott M. Stringer is a New York Democratic politician and currently the 26th Borough President of Manhattan.-Life and career:... |
Democratic |
| Queens Queens Queens is the easternmost of the five boroughs of New York City. The largest borough in area and the second-largest in population, it is coextensive with Queens County, an administrative division of New York state, in the United States.... |
Helen Marshall Helen Marshall Helen M. Marshall is the 18th Borough President of Queens, first elected in November 2001, to succeed the term-limited Claire Shulman... |
Democratic |
| Staten Island Staten Island Staten Island is a borough of New York City, New York, United States, located in the southwest part of the city. Staten Island is separated from New Jersey by the Arthur Kill and the Kill Van Kull, and from the rest of New York by New York Bay... |
James Molinaro James Molinaro James Molinaro is the current Borough President of Staten Island. He was born in the Lower East Side of Manhattan of Italian immigrants. He was one of six children, four brothers and two sisters.... |
Conservative/Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
Borough Boards
Each Borough has a Borough Board consisting of the Borough President, the City Council members from the borough, and the chair of each of the borough's Community Boards. The Borough Boards meet monthly to serve the needs of the local communities. They may hold public hearings, make inquiries into the performance of public services, and make recommendations about city owned land use and sales within the borough.Community Boards
New York City is divided into 59 administrative districts, each served by a Community Board. Community Boards are local representative bodies that serve as advocates for New York City residents and communities. Each board has up to 50 voting members, with one half of the membership appointed each year for two-year terms; there are no term limits. Additionally, all city council members whose council districts cover part of a community district are ex-officio board members and may participate in all board activities. However, council members may not vote on board issues. Borough presidents appoint the voting Community Board members, with half of the appointees nominated by council members representing the district in proportion to the percentage of the community board's population they represent. Broadly assigned by the city charter to "Consider the needs of the district which it serves," the boards have been limited in their ability by ineffective local communication channels, minuscule budgets and archaic technology. As a result, many residents have concluded that they have little impact on the operation of their communities or their lives. The BeyondVoting Wiki and the Community-Based Planning Task Force have begun to address the limitations. See Queens Community Board 3's website for an example of a typical board's operation and efforts to improvement neighborhoods.Bronx Borough Presidents
| # | Name with years of birth & death when known |
Party | TermTerms begin and end in January where the month is not specified. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Louis F. Haffen (1854–1935) | Democratic | 1898-Aug. 1909 |
| 2 | John F. Murray (1862–1928) | Democratic | Aug. 1909–1910 |
| 3 | Cyrus C. Miller Cyrus C. Miller Cyrus C. Miller was an American lacrosse player. He played college lacrosse as an undergraduate at New York University and served as the team captain. Miller later played with the amateur organizations, the Staten Island Athletic Club and the Crescent Athletic Club... (?1867–1956) |
Democratic | 1910–1914 |
| 4 | Douglas Mathewson (?1870–1948) | Republican/Fusion | 1914–1918 |
| 5 | Henry Bruckner Henry Bruckner Henry Bruckner was a United States Representative from New York. Born in New York City, he attended the common and high schools in New York and became engaged in the manufacture of mineral waters in 1892... (1871–1942) |
Democratic | 1918–1934 |
| 6 | James J. Lyons James J. Lyons James J. Lyons was an American Democratic Party politician, who served as Borough President of the Bronx from 1934-1962.-Early life:... (1890–1966) |
Democratic | 1934–1962 |
| 7 | Joseph F. Periconi Joseph F. Periconi Joseph F. Periconi was a former New York State Senator from the Bronx and Bronx Borough President. Periconi was the last Republican elected Bronx Borough President.... (1910–1994) |
Republican/Liberal Liberal Party of New York The Liberal Party of New York is a minor American political party that has been active only in the state of New York. Its platform supports a standard set of social liberal policies: it supports right to abortion, increased spending on education, and universal health care.As of 2007, the Liberal... |
1962–1966 |
| 8 | Herman Badillo Herman Badillo Herman Badillo is a Bronx, New York politician who has been a borough president, United States Representative, and candidate for Mayor of New York City. He was the first Puerto Rican to be elected to these posts and be a mayoral candidate in the continental United States.-Early years:Badillo was... (born 1929) |
Democratic | 1966–1970 |
| 9 | Robert Abrams Robert Abrams Robert Abrams is an American lawyer and politician.-Life and career:He graduated from Columbia College and the New York University School of Law. He is considered a member of the reform wing of the Democratic Party.Abrams was a member of the New York State Assembly representing the Bronx from 1966... (born 1938) |
Democratic | 1970–1979 |
| 10 | Stanley Simon | Democratic | 1979 - Apr. 1987 |
| 11 | Fernando Ferrer Fernando Ferrer Fernando James "Freddy" Ferrer was the Borough President of The Bronx from 1987 to 2001, and was a candidate for Mayor of New York in 2001 and the Democratic Party nominee for Mayor in 2005.- Background :... (born 1950) |
Democratic | Apr. 1987 - 2002 |
| 12 | Adolfo Carrión, Jr. (born 1961) | Democratic | 2002 - Feb. 2009 |
| 13 | Ruben Diaz, Jr. (born 1973) | Democratic | Apr. 2009 - |
Brooklyn Borough Presidents
Edward M. Grout was the second Comptroller of the post-consolidation City of New YorkCity of Greater New York
The City of Greater New York was a term commonly used originally to refer to the expanded city created on January 1, 1898 by the incorporation into the city of Richmond County, Kings County, Queens County, and the eastern part of what is now called The Bronx...
, 1902–1905. Bird S. Coler
Bird Sim Coler
Bird Sim Coler was an American politician. He established himself as a stockbroker in New York City, became prominent in municipal and State politics, and served as first Comptroller of Greater New York in 1897-1901. In 1902, he was the Democratic nominee for Governor of New York, but lost to...
was the first New York City Comptroller
New York City Comptroller
The Office of Comptroller of New York City is the chief fiscal officer and chief auditing officer of the city. The comptroller is elected, citywide, to a four-year term and can hold office for three consecutive terms. The current comptroller is Democrat John Liu, formerly a member of the New York...
after consolidation, 1898–1901; unsuccessful Democratic candidate for Governor of New York in 1902
New York gubernatorial election, 1902
The 1902 New York state election was held on November 4, 1902, to elect the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Secretary of State, the State Comptroller, the Attorney General, the State Treasurer, the State Engineer and a judge of the New York Court of Appeals, as well as all members of the New...
.
| # | Name with years of birth & death when known |
Party | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Edward M. Grout (1861–1931) | Democratic | 1898–1901 |
| 2 | Edward J. Swanstrom (1853–1911) | Fusion | 1902–1903 |
| 3 | Martin W. Littleton Martin W. Littleton Martin Wiley Littleton was a United States Representative from New York. Born near Kingston in Roane County, Tennessee, he moved to Texas in 1881 with his parents, who settled in Dallas. He attended the common schools, studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1891 and commenced practice in Dallas... (1872–1934) |
Democratic/Independent | 1904–1905 |
| 4 | Bird S. Coler Bird Sim Coler Bird Sim Coler was an American politician. He established himself as a stockbroker in New York City, became prominent in municipal and State politics, and served as first Comptroller of Greater New York in 1897-1901. In 1902, he was the Democratic nominee for Governor of New York, but lost to... (1867–1941) |
Municipal Ownership League Municipal Ownership League The Municipal Ownership League was an American third party formed in 1904 by controversial newspaper magnate and Congressman William Randolph Hearst for the purpose of contesting elections in New York City.... |
1906–1909 |
| 5 | Alfred E. Steers (c. 1861–1948) | Democratic/Independent | 1910–1913 |
| 6 | Lewis H. Pounds Lewis H. Pounds Lewis Humphrey Pounds was an American businessman and politician.-Life:... (1861–1947) |
Republican/Fusion | 1913–1917 |
| 7 | Edward J. Riegelmann Edward J. Riegelmann Edward J. Riegelmann was an American Democratic politician from Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, best remembered for the Riegelmann Boardwalk.... (1870–1941) |
Democratic | 1918–1924 |
| 8 | Joseph A. Guider (1870–1926) | Democratic | 1925–1926 |
| 9 | James J. Byrne (1863–1930) | Democratic | 1926–1930 |
| 10 | Henry Hesterberg (c. 1882–1950) | Democratic | 1930–1933 |
| 11 | Raymond V. Ingersoll (1875–1940) | Democratic/Fusion | 1934–1940 |
| 12 | John Cashmore John Cashmore John Cashmore was an American politician from New York City who served as borough president of Brooklyn from 1940 to 1961. He was the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senator from New York in 1952, losing to the incumbent Republican Irving McNeil Ives... (1895–1961) |
Democratic | 1940–1961 |
| 13 | John F. Hayes John F. Hayes John F. Hayes was an American politician who served as the Borough President of Brooklyn in 1961.-References:... (1915–2001) |
Democratic | 1961 |
| 14 | Abe Stark Abe Stark Abe Stark was a Jewish-American businessman and politician. Born in New York City, he became a tailor and owned a clothing store at 1514 Pitkin Avenue in the East New York section of Brooklyn.... (1894–1972) |
Democratic | 1962–1970 |
| 15 | Sebastian Leone Sebastian Leone Sebastian Leone was borough president of Brooklyn from 1970 to 1976.In January 1977 Sebastian Leone was elected to the New York Supreme Court. He served in that capacity until he retired in January 2001.He continues to reside in Brooklyn, New York.... |
Democratic | 1970–1976 |
| 16 | Howard Golden Howard Golden Howard Golden was the long-time Democratic borough president of Brooklyn serving from 1977 to December 31, 2001. Prior to becoming Brooklyn Borough President, Golden served as City Councilman for the Borough Park section of Brooklyn... |
Democratic | 1977–2002 |
| 17 | Marty Markowitz Marty Markowitz Marty Markowitz is the Borough President of Brooklyn, New York City, the most populous borough in New York City with nearly 2.6 million residents. Markowitz was first elected borough president in 2001 after serving 23 years as a New York State Senator... (born 1945) |
Democratic | since 2002 |
Manhattan Borough Presidents
Before 1874, when it annexed part of the Bronx, New York City was no greater in extent than the present Borough of Manhattan. George McAnenyGeorge McAneny
George McAneny was Manhattan Borough President from 1910 to 1913.-Biography:He was born in 1869 in Greenville, New Jersey and attended Jersey City High School and worked as a journalist after graduation. He became executive secretary of the New York Civil Service Commission then secretary of the...
was President of the Board of Aldermen of the City of New York (first in succession to the Mayoralty), 1914–1916; New York City Comptroller
New York City Comptroller
The Office of Comptroller of New York City is the chief fiscal officer and chief auditing officer of the city. The comptroller is elected, citywide, to a four-year term and can hold office for three consecutive terms. The current comptroller is Democrat John Liu, formerly a member of the New York...
, 1933. Frank Dowling was President of the Board of Aldermen, 1917. Andrew Stein
Andrew Stein
Andrew Stein was a Democratic politician who served on the New York City Council and was its last President, and as Manhattan Borough President. Stein's father is Jerry Finkelstein, the retired multi-millionaire publisher of the New York Law Journal, among other publications...
was the last President of the New York City Council (the office that replaced the President of the Board of Aldermen and preceded the New York City Public Advocate as first in succession to the Mayoralty) 1986–1993. Robert F. Wagner, Jr.
Robert F. Wagner, Jr.
Robert Ferdinand Wagner II, usually known as Robert F. Wagner, Jr. served three terms as the mayor of New York City, from 1954 through 1965.-Biography:...
was Mayor of New York City
Mayor of New York City
The Mayor of the City of New York is head of the executive branch of New York City's government. The mayor's office administers all city services, public property, police and fire protection, most public agencies, and enforces all city and state laws within New York City.The budget overseen by the...
, 1954–1965. David Dinkins was Mayor of New York City, 1990–1993. Constance Baker Motley
Constance Baker Motley
Constance Baker Motley was an African American civil rights activist, lawyer, judge, state senator, and President of Manhattan, New York City.-Early Life and Academics:...
was Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
The United States District Court for the Southern District of New York is a federal district court. Appeals from the Southern District of New York are taken to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit The United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (in case...
, 1966–2005.
| # | Name with years of birth & death when known |
Party | TermTerms begin in January and end in December where not otherwise indicated. | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Augustus Peters | Democratic | 1898–1899 | official |
| 2 | James J. Coogan James J. Coogan James Jay Coogan was the Borough president of Manhattan, New York from 1899 to 1901. He was a graduate of New York University School of Law and a successful merchant and real estate owner.... (1845–1915) |
Democratic | 1899–1901 | |
| 3 | Jacob A. Cantor Jacob A. Cantor Jacob Aaron Cantor was an American lawyer and politician from New York. He was a United States Representative from 1913 to 1915.-Life:... (1854–1921) |
Democratic | 1902–1903 | |
| 4 | John Ahearn (1853–1920) | Democratic | 1904–1909 | |
| 5 | John Cloughen (died 1911) | Democratic | Dec. 1909 (4 days) | acting |
| 6 | George McAneny George McAneny George McAneny was Manhattan Borough President from 1910 to 1913.-Biography:He was born in 1869 in Greenville, New Jersey and attended Jersey City High School and worked as a journalist after graduation. He became executive secretary of the New York Civil Service Commission then secretary of the... (1869–1953) |
Fusion/Democratic | 1910–1913 | official |
| 7 | Marcus M. Marks Marcus M. Marks Marcus M. Marks was president of the Daylight Saving Association, president of the Clothier's Association, and Manhattan Borough President from 1914 to 1917.-Biography:He was born on March 18, 1858 in Schenectady, New York... (1858–1934) |
Republican | 1914–1917 | |
| 8 | Frank Dowling (c.1865–1919) | Democratic | 1918–1919 | |
| 9 | Edward F. Boyle (c.1876–1943) | Democratic | 1919 | |
| 10 | Michael Loughman (c.1867–1937) | Democratic | 1919 | acting |
| 11 | Henry H. Curran | Republican | 1920–1921 | official |
| 12 | Julius Miller Julius Miller Julius Miller was a Manhattan Borough President from 1922 to 1930, who is best remembered for pushing through the West Side Elevated Highway from 72nd Street to the tip of Manhattan.... (1880–1955) |
Democratic | 1922–1930 | |
| 13 | Samuel Levy | Democratic | 1931–1937 | |
| 14 | Stanley M. Isaacs | Republican | 1938–1941 | |
| 15 | Edgar J. Nathan, Jr. (died 1965) | Republican | 1942–1945 | |
| 16 | Hugo Rogers Hugo Rogers Hugo E. Rogers was a New York politician who served as the 16th Borough President of Manhattan from 1946 to 1949 and was a leader of Tammany Hall.-Early life and career:... (1899–1974) |
Democratic | 1946–1949 | |
| 17 | Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Robert Ferdinand Wagner II, usually known as Robert F. Wagner, Jr. served three terms as the mayor of New York City, from 1954 through 1965.-Biography:... (1910–1991) |
Democratic | 1950–1953 | |
| 18 | Hulan E. Jack (1906–1986) | Democratic | 1954–1961 | |
| 19 | Edward R. Dudley Edward R. Dudley Edward Richard Dudley was the first African-American to hold the rank of Ambassador of the United States, serving as Ambassador to Liberia from 1949 to 1953.... (1911–2005) |
Democratic | 1961–1964 | |
| 20 | Constance Baker Motley Constance Baker Motley Constance Baker Motley was an African American civil rights activist, lawyer, judge, state senator, and President of Manhattan, New York City.-Early Life and Academics:... (1921–2005) |
Democratic | Feb. 1965–Sep. 1966 | |
| 21 | Percy Sutton Percy Sutton Percy Ellis Sutton was a prominent black American political and business leader. A civil-rights activist and lawyer, he was also a Freedom Rider and the legal representative for Malcolm X... (1920–2009) |
Democratic | Sep. 1966–1977 | |
| 22 | Andrew Stein Andrew Stein Andrew Stein was a Democratic politician who served on the New York City Council and was its last President, and as Manhattan Borough President. Stein's father is Jerry Finkelstein, the retired multi-millionaire publisher of the New York Law Journal, among other publications... (born 1945) |
Democratic | 1978–1985 | |
| 23 | David Dinkins David Dinkins David Norman Dinkins is a former politician from New York City. He was the Mayor of New York City from 1990 through 1993; he was the first and is, to date, the only African American to hold that office.-Early life:... (born 1927) |
Democratic | 1986–1989 | |
| 24 | Ruth Messinger Ruth Messinger Ruth Wyler Messinger is a former political leader in New York City and a member of the Democratic Party as well as the Democratic Socialists of America. She was the Democratic nominee for Mayor of New York City in 1997, losing to incumbent mayor Rudy Giuliani. She is married to Andrew Lachman, her... (born 1941) |
Democratic | 1990–1997 | |
| 25 | C. Virginia Fields (born 1946) | Democratic | 1998–2005 | |
| 26 | Scott Stringer Scott Stringer Scott M. Stringer is a New York Democratic politician and currently the 26th Borough President of Manhattan.-Life and career:... (born 1960) |
Democratic | 2006– |
Notes:
- c. (circa) approximately
Queens Borough Presidents
| # | Name with years of birth & death when known |
Party | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frederick Bowley Frederick Bowley (politician) Frederick Bowley was an American politician, who served as the first executive of the Borough of Queens in New York City.Bowley was born December 19, 1851 in New York City... (1851–1916) |
Democratic | 1898–1901 |
| 2 | Joseph Cassidy Joseph Cassidy (politician) Joseph Cassidy , sometimes known as "Curley Joe," was a Democratic politician from Queens, New York City. He wielded a large amount of political power in the early 1900s, although he was frequently accused of abusing this power.... (c.1866–1920) |
Democratic | 1902–1905 |
| 3 | Joseph Bermel Joseph Bermel Joseph Bermel was a Democratic politician from Queens, New York, USA. He is best known for resigning from the post of Borough President for his involvement in a corruption scandal, upon which he fled the country in 1908.... (1860–1921) |
Democratic | 1906–Apr. 1908 |
| 4 | Lawrence Gresser Lawrence Gresser Lawrence Gresser was the Borough President of Queens, New York, USA from 1908 to 1911.Gresser was born in Bavaria, Germany. He was a shoemaker and emigrated to the United States. Gresser entered public service in Queens in 1898 and served as Commissioner of Public Works under Borough President... (1851–1935) |
Democratic | Apr. 1908–Sep. 1911 |
| 5 | Maurice E. Connolly Maurice E. Connolly Maurice E. Connolly was the Borough president of Queens, New York, USA from 1911 to 1928.Born in Corona, Queens, Queens County, New York, he was the son of Maurice Connolly and Mary Jane Connolly. He was of Irish ancestry. He married Helen M. Connell and they had one child, Helen. He was a Democrat... (1881–1935) |
Democratic | Oct. 1911–Apr. 1928 |
| 6 | Bernard M. Patten Bernard M. Patten Bernard M. Patten was a politician from Queens, New York, USA. He is notable for having held the office of borough president of Queens for seven months in 1928 following the resignation of Maurice E. Connolly in April of that year.... |
Democratic | Apr.–Dec. 1928 |
| 7 | George U. Harvey George U. Harvey George U. Harvey was a Republican politician from Queens, New York City and served as its borough president for twelve years.... (c. 1881–1946) |
Republican | 1929–1941 |
| 8 | James A. Burke James A. Burke (NY politician) James A. Burke was a Democratic politician from Queens, New York City and served as its borough president for eight years.... (1890–1965) |
Democratic | 1942–1949 |
| 9 | Maurice A. FitzGerald Maurice A. FitzGerald Maurice A. FitzGerald was a Democratic politician from Queens, New York City.FitzGerald was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1897. By the age of 14 he began working as a postal clerk. He soon moved to South Ozone Park, Queens and became involved in southern Queens civic organizations by the 1920s... (1897–1951) |
Democratic | 1950–Aug. 1951 |
| 10 | Joseph F. Mafera Joseph F. Mafera Joseph F. Mafera was a Democratic politician from Queens, New York City who served briefly as Queens Borough President.Mafera was born in White Plains, New York in 1895. He lived most of his life in Ridgewood, Queens... (1895–1967) |
Democratic | Aug.–Dec. 1951 |
| 11 | James A. Lundy James A. Lundy James A. Lundy was a Republican politician from Queens, New York City known for serving as Queens Borough President and chairman of the State Public Service Commission.... (1903–1973) |
Republican | 1952–1957 |
| 12 | James J. Crisona James J. Crisona James J. Crisona was a lawyer, Democratic politician and judge from Queens, New York City.Crisona received a law degree from New York University in 1931 and subsequently joined Manhattan firm Crisona Brothers, where he was senior partner from 1945 to 1957.While still practicing law, Crisona won... (1907–2003) |
Democratic | 1958–1959 |
| 13 | John T. Clancy John T. Clancy John Thomas Clancy , also known by his nickname Pat Clancy, was a lawyer, Democratic politician and surrogate judge from Queens, New York City.... (1903–1985) |
Democratic | 1959–1962 |
| 14 | Mario J. Cariello Mario J. Cariello Mario Joseph Cariello was a lawyer, Democratic politician and judge from Queens, New York City.Cariello was born in Manhattan in 1907, but lived most of his life in Queens. He was a 1924 graduate of Newtown High School in Elmhurst.Cariello served as a New York State Assemblyman from 1936 to 1941,... (1907–1985) |
Democratic | 1963–1968 |
| 15 | Sidney Leviss Sidney Leviss Sidney Leviss was a Democratic politician and judge from Queens, New York City.Leviss was born in Flushing, New York. He attended New York University and received a degree from the New York University School of Law in June 1941. Leviss was admitted to the New York State Bar in January 1942. The... (1917–2007) |
Democratic | 1969–Sep. 1971 |
| 16 | Donald Manes Donald Manes Donald R. Manes was a controversial Democratic Party politician from New York City. He served as borough president of the New York City borough of Queens from 1971 until just before his suicide in 1986.-Career:... (1934–1986) |
Democratic | Sep. 1971–Feb. 1986 |
| 17 | Claire Shulman Claire Shulman Claire K. Shulman is an American politician. She was the borough president of Queens, New York from 1986 until 2002; the first woman to hold this position in New York City's history.... (born 1926) |
Democratic | Feb. 1986–Dec. 2001 |
| 18 | Helen M. Marshall (born 1929) | Democratic | 2002– |
Notes:
- c.
Richmond/Staten Island Borough Presidents
In 1975, the Borough of Richmond formally renamed itself the Borough of Staten IslandStaten Island
Staten Island is a borough of New York City, New York, United States, located in the southwest part of the city. Staten Island is separated from New Jersey by the Arthur Kill and the Kill Van Kull, and from the rest of New York by New York Bay...
. Guy V. Molinari was a Member of the United States House of Representatives
United States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
, 1981–1989
| # | Name with years of birth & death when known |
Party | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | George Cromwell (1860–1934) | Republican | 1898–1913 |
| 2 | Charles J. McCormack (died 1915) | Democratic | 1914–July 1915 |
| 3 | Calvin D. Van Namee (1857–1924) | Democratic | July 1915–1921 |
| 4 | Matthew J. Cahill (died 1922) | Democratic | Jan.–July 1922 |
| 5 | John A. Lynch | Democratic | July 1922–1933 |
| 6 | Joseph A. Palma (1889–1969) | Republican | 1934–1945 |
| 7 | Cornelius A. Hall (1889–1953) | Democratic | 1946–1953 |
| 8 | Edward G. Baker (1906–1971) | Democratic | 1953–1954 |
| 9 | Albert V. Maniscalo (1908–1998) | Democratic | 1955–1965 |
| 10 | Robert T. Connor Robert T. Connor Robert T. Connor was an American politician in New York City. He served as Staten Island Borough President from 1966 until 1977.-Early life:... (1919–2009) |
Republican | 1966–1977 |
| 11 | Anthony Gaeta Anthony Gaeta Anthony R. Gaeta was a Staten Island, New York politician. He served as Staten Island's Borough President from 1977 to 1984. Over the course of 39 years in public service, Gaeta also held positions as a tax collector for the Real Property Assessment Bureau, as chief of staff to Congressman John M... (1927–1988) |
Democratic | 1978–1984 |
| 12 | Ralph J. Lamberti Ralph J. Lamberti Ralph J. Lamberti is a member of the Democratic Party, and held the office of borough president of Staten Island, New York from 1984 to 1989. He was sworn in on Nov 10 1984 as the 12th Borough President of Staten Island. His family came from Italy: in the ceremony he noted "My grandfather dug... (born 1933) |
Democratic | 1984–1989 |
| 13 | Guy V. Molinari (born 1928) | Republican | 1990–2001 |
| 14 | James Molinaro James Molinaro James Molinaro is the current Borough President of Staten Island. He was born in the Lower East Side of Manhattan of Italian immigrants. He was one of six children, four brothers and two sisters.... (born 1931) |
Conservative Conservative Party of New York The Conservative Party of New York State is an American political party active in the state of New York. It is not part of any nationwide party, nor is it affiliated with the American Conservative Party, which it predates by over 40 years.... |
2002– |
Candidates for Mayor
The following borough presidents were unsuccessful candidates for Mayor of the City of New York:- Herman BadilloHerman BadilloHerman Badillo is a Bronx, New York politician who has been a borough president, United States Representative, and candidate for Mayor of New York City. He was the first Puerto Rican to be elected to these posts and be a mayoral candidate in the continental United States.-Early years:Badillo was...
- Lewis H. PoundsLewis H. PoundsLewis Humphrey Pounds was an American businessman and politician.-Life:...
- Fernando FerrerFernando FerrerFernando James "Freddy" Ferrer was the Borough President of The Bronx from 1987 to 2001, and was a candidate for Mayor of New York in 2001 and the Democratic Party nominee for Mayor in 2005.- Background :...
- Percy SuttonPercy SuttonPercy Ellis Sutton was a prominent black American political and business leader. A civil-rights activist and lawyer, he was also a Freedom Rider and the legal representative for Malcolm X...
- Henry H. Curran
- Ruth MessingerRuth MessingerRuth Wyler Messinger is a former political leader in New York City and a member of the Democratic Party as well as the Democratic Socialists of America. She was the Democratic nominee for Mayor of New York City in 1997, losing to incumbent mayor Rudy Giuliani. She is married to Andrew Lachman, her...
- C. Virginia Fields
- David DinkinsDavid DinkinsDavid Norman Dinkins is a former politician from New York City. He was the Mayor of New York City from 1990 through 1993; he was the first and is, to date, the only African American to hold that office.-Early life:...
(defeated for reelection in the 1993 election)
See also
- Government of New York CityGovernment of New York CityThe government of New York City is organized under the City Charter and provides for a "strong" mayor-council system. The government of New York is more centralized than that of most other U.S...
- Government and politics of the BronxGovernment and politics of the BronxThe Borough of the Bronx in New York City and The County of Bronx in New York State govern the same people and the same land — between the Borough of Manhattan to the south and the County of Westchester to the north...
- Government of Staten IslandGovernment of Staten IslandThe Government of Staten Island, or Richmond County, like the other boroughs which are contained within New York City, includes no county government. Counties within New York City lack the county courts of other counties in New York State...