Share and Follow
It is a significant relief to learn that City Hall has taken heed of The Post’s insightful reporting and wisely decided against appointing an “abolitionist” to head the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS).
This decision is indeed a cause for celebration, as proceeding with such a hire could have led to the unnecessary continuation of abuse, and tragically, even the deaths of children already recognized to be at risk by the city.
Angela Burton, who identifies as an abolitionist due to her belief that ACS officials often act in ways that are detrimental to minority communities, revealed to The New York Times on Friday that she is no longer a candidate for the leadership position at the troubled agency.
Previously, Michelle Burrell, a project director with Queens Legal Services and another contender with similar views, had also withdrawn her candidacy for the role.
It appears that the Mamdani administration showed prudence and opted to reconsider its initial direction: a decision deserving of applause!
The Post’s David Spector revealed last month that Mayor Zohran Mamdani was looking to hire a radical activist — who likened child protective services to genocide — to lead the city’s welfare agency for children.
Even earlier, Post contributor Naomi Schaefer Riley warned of the new administration’s plans to replace the agency’s (terrible, but not as horrible) departing chief, Jess Dannhauser, with an even worse pick.
Now those plans are off; the city’s abused and neglected children dodged a bullet.
We hope this inspires Gov. Kathy Hochul to rethink her decision to sign a new law banning the use of anonymous tips in child-welfare investigations: Put repeal on your agenda now, gov!
Mamdani can chart a new course for ACS by appointing a true professional who believes in its mission, puts kids’ needs first and understands that removing vulnerable children from high-risk homes isn’t genocide — it’s salvation.
Find a dedicated civil servant along the lines of de Blasio-era ACS chief David Hansell, and keep the ideologues out.