Public Advocate-elect Letitia James and Councilman David G. Greenfield are calling on Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio to name outgoing Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz as commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs and to rename the position as Ambassador for NYC. The appointment of Mr. Markowitz to this position and its renaming would be fitting in light of his role as Brooklyn Borough President over the past 12 years, during which time he served as one of the biggest boosters and supporters of New York City while representing his home borough at countless public events.

The Mayor’s Office for International Affairs was originally created by Mayor Robert Wagner in 1962 as the New York City Commissioner for the United Nations at the suggestions of United States Ambassador Adlai Stevenson to serve as a liaison between the diplomatic community and local residents, businesses and government. It was renamed in 2012 by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Its duties include serving as official liaison with foreign governments, the United Nations and the U.S Department of State; advising city agencies on diplomatic and consular matters; responding to diplomatic incidents and situations; aiding foreign-owned companies in accessing information about operating in New York City; overseeing the city’s relationships with its “sister cities” around the world and administering the diplomatic and consular parking programs.

“It would be a great loss to the City of New York—specifically the borough of Brooklyn which loves Marty Markowitz—to lose his influence and expertise in the city sector. There are few more dedicated public officials than Mr. Markowitz, and it would be fitting for him to represent the City of New York as Ambassador,” said Council Member James.

“Marty Markowitz has dedicated his life and career to fighting on behalf of his beloved borough and city and making life here better for everyone. There is no question that we are losing an invaluable asset who possesses institutional knowledge about municipal and civic matters when Mr. Markowitz leaves office at the end of the year. With that in mind, I can think of no better person to serve as Ambassador for New York City, both out of recognition for his incredible commitment to the people of this city and to ensure that the city does not lose this great public servant at a very important time for our future,” said Councilman Greenfield.

“It is flattering that two of my colleagues in government would think of me in such esteem,” outgoing Borough President, Marty Markowitz told Politicker in a statement. “I look forward to whatever role I may take in continuing to serve to my borough and my city in the next chapter of my life.”

(YWN Newsdesk – NYC)