Mamdani’s DOI pick wins Council approval after questions over independence

The appointment, taken up during the council’s stated meeting, passed 40-9, with five Republicans — Joann Ariola, Frank Morano, Vickie Paladino, Inna Vernikov and David Carr — and four Democrats — Simcha Felder, Darlene Mealy, Phil Wong and Susan Zhuang — voting no.