Bess Myerson is Sworn in as Commissioner of Consumer Affairs

Mayor John V. Lindsay swears in Bess Myerson Grant as the first Commissioner of the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs, the first such municipal office in the United States. He comments that he has never appointed someone so "assiduous and meticulous" in their preparation for an appointment to office.

After the swearing in ceremony, Myerson reads a statement on the goals of the office to, "...make the consumer aware of the means by which they are exploited, through deceptive and abusive practices; to make them aware that the Department of Consumer Affairs exists solely for their benefit; to make it possible for every victimized consumer to communicate their complaints readily, fully and easily; to process these complaints to conclusion, speedily and efficiently; and finally to seek the means to minimize and prevent the recurrence of proven frauds." The office will also review current and proposed legislation on consumer protection and seek help from volunteers. She announces Simon Lazarus as the Executive Director.

Lindsay signs a City Council bill that gives legal power to the Office of Consumer Protection by consolidating the city's existing services. The author of the bill, Ed Sadowsky says a few words in support of its signing.

Lindsay then accepts a post as Honorary Chairman of the Memorial Forest For Iraqi Martyrs which will take the form of a forest planted in Israel. Herman L. Weisman, President of the Jewish National Fund of America and Stanley Knobby, National Chairman of the Memorial Forest For Iraqi Martyrs, make brief statements.

Lindsay next announces that the textile and retailing industries of New York will be assisting the city in a fundraiser for the Playlot Program, a project that converts empty lots into playgrounds. Mel Dawley, chairman of the board of Lord & Taylor, speaks about the event

This is followed by questions from the press about the realty market, the city budget and public school decentralization. Lindsay says he is not satisfied with proposals to raise the rent on two-year leases to 17%. He will first review recommendations from the Rent Guidelines board.

He responds to comments from Governor Rockefeller on budget aid from the state. According to Rockefeller, the financial need of New York City is not as severe as Lindsay has estimated. Lindsay combats this with his evidence and asserts that major cities across the US are in a similar situation and need more funding from their state legislatures.

Lindsay has invited representatives from the Board of Regents and the Board of Education to meet on the topic of public school decentralization.

Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection

WNYC archives id: 151726
Municipal archives id: T4118